Deep in the Sierra de Gredos, just over an hour from Madrid, a small, privately owned island has all the makings of a fairy tale: a castle with crenellated towers, its own dock, and complete energy self-sufficiency. This is Isla Centinela, located on the Burguillo Reservoir in the municipality of El Barraco, Ávila.
The reservoir is fed by the waters of the Alberche River and spans the Ávila municipalities of El Tiemblo, El Barraco, and Navaluenga. Among the small islands and islets that dot its rugged shoreline, La Centinela stands out; its only structure is a castle built in 1923 on the site of an old watchtower.
The building has been completely renovated and retains its stone structure, with crenellated towers reminiscent of medieval fortresses. It is spread over four floors connected by an elevator and has a total floor area of approximately 1,000 m². Panoramic terraces and large windows offer 360-degree views of the mountainous landscapes surrounding the reservoir.
At the heart of the castle are seven exterior bedrooms, each with a bathroom and a fireplace; some of them feature a built-in jacuzzi and views of the water. In addition, there is a living-dining room with a kitchen, a storage room, a garage, and a machine room. All rooms are equipped with full climate control, including both heating and air conditioning.
The property also features a large party hall with a professional bar, which can be converted to accommodate four additional bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. With this layout, the property can accommodate up to 11 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms.
Self-sufficient and accessible by boat
The island is completely self-sufficient. It has solar panels, two backup generators, and its own water purification and filtration system. Access is usually by boat from the private dock. During the months when the reservoir level drops, the island is connected to the mainland, and you can drive right up to the wall itself.