El Brocal country house, in Fresno de Rodilla

A house let by the room, with breakfast

El Brocal is the choice in the area for anyone who does not want to rent a whole house: it works by the room, with breakfast, and with lunches and dinners on request. It is in Fresno de Rodilla, a village of about 30 residents where the road ends, so there is no through traffic. The house has a stone ground floor and a porch with the well-head (brocal) of a 19th-century well, which gives it its name. From the windows you see open countryside and the Sierra de la Demanda. For the Junta it is a three-star shared-accommodation country house.

It is run by Atapuerca Rural, the same company that runs El Pesebre in the village of Atapuerca. According to its website, Atapuerca and the Camino de Santiago are about 5 km away along tracks and paths that are good for bikes, which you can hire at the house, and Burgos is a quarter of an hour away on the main road.

The rooms

The website describes four double rooms named after cereals. La Avena, on the ground floor, has a 135 cm bed and looks onto the porch and the well. El Centeno and El Trigo, also downstairs, have a 150 cm bed and look onto the garden. El Pajar is in the attic, with a 150 cm bed and an en-suite bathroom. Cots and extra beds are available at €12 per bed per night. The website speaks of 11 places including extra beds; the official listing says 9.

You can also rent the whole house as a group, from two nights, and then you may use the main kitchen. The Atapuerca Rural home page advertises that format at €825 for two nights. For one or two rooms with kitchen access, or for a single night, the price is on request.

Breakfasts and dinners

They serve breakfast and, if you ask, lunch or dinner. It is not a restaurant: they cook only for guests and serve everyone the same menu. If you would rather eat out, they will point you to places in Atapuerca or Burgos. In the living room there is a microwave in case you bring your own food, and a portable barbecue.

Booking and what is nearby

They ask for a €200 deposit. If you cancel more than 30 days ahead you get 90% back; between 30 and 10 days, half; at 10 days or fewer, nothing. Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out at 12:00. The official listing says dogs are allowed; ask about the conditions. The house offers to book the visit to the sites, Paleolítico Vivo and the Olmos mine for you. The CAREX and Comosapiens are in Atapuerca, a few minutes away by car.