La Casa del Coso

La Casa del Coso is a tourist-use dwelling (VUT-47-29) at number 22 of the Plaza del Coso in Peñafiel, the square of wooden balconies that serves as a bullring at fiesta time. It is rented whole, for a maximum of eleven people, and its façade faces the square: sleeping here means stepping out onto the balcony in the morning and seeing the empty square, with the castle above.

An old house redone the old way

The renovation used traditional techniques and recovered materials: limestone in the walls, Mudejar brick on the staircase, terracotta floors, exposed juniper, elm and pine beams and posts and wrought iron on railings and balconies. It has two entrances: the main one, from the square, and another at the back on Calle Destiladeros, through the threshing-sledge door.

Four floors, four bedrooms

• Ground floor: a toilet and a yard with a fireplace-barbecue and two small sheds.
• Mezzanine: the open living-dining room, with views of the square and a full kitchen with fridge, dishwasher, washing machine, oven, hob and microwave.
• First floor: El Capote, with views of the square and two 0.80 m beds or one 1.60 m bed, and La Lidia, with a 1.35 m bed; bathroom with shower.
• Second floor, attic: El Coso, with two 0.80 m beds or one 1.60 m bed and views of the square, the castle, the Clock Tower and the convent of San Pablo, and La Verónica, with a 1.50 m bed and a loft with another of 1.20 m; bathroom with shower.

With the two extra beds, it sleeps eleven.

The house at fiesta time

During the bullfighting festivities it is compulsory to leave the doors that open onto the square open so that people can take refuge during the capea, and El Coso, El Capote and the living room become viewing stands with tiers: the beds and the wooden balconies change place. The rest of the year it may coincide with other events in the square, such as the Bajada del Ángel at Easter or gatherings of bands and motorbikes. Ask whether your dates coincide with any.

Price, payment and times

The website does not publish a rate: ask the owner, on 619 253 305 or at [email protected]. 30% is paid to confirm and the rest on handing over the keys, with a €200 deposit that is returned after the house is checked. Check-in is from 16:00 and check-out before 12:00. The same owner rents the apartment La Casa de Justina, for four.

From the door

The castle and Wine Museum are reached on foot from the square. For eating, the Molino de Palacios is a few minutes' walk away, and for tasting, a winery visit in the Ribera.