1987 marked the beginning of Molino del Santo’s journey. What started as a small rural retreat quickly became something much more, shaped by passion, dedication, and a deep love for Andalucía. Pauline and Andy took on the hotel after falling in love with the region, gradually expanding Molino from six rooms into the eighteen-room boutique hotel it is today.
In 2024, the story enters a new chapter. The family legacy continues with their eldest daughter, Carmen, pictured here on the right, who now takes the helm alongside her partner, Martin.
Together, they carry forward the values that have always defined Molino — warmth, authenticity, and a genuine sense of home.
At the heart of Molino del Santo is not only family, but also an extraordinary team. Our staff have been an irreplaceable part of the hotel’s story and success. Six of the team members pictured in the photograph from 1995 are still with us today!
As Molino del Santo has evolved over the years, great care has been taken to preserve its original character.
More than 150 years ago, Molino del Santo began life as a working olive and corn mill, powered entirely by the beautiful river that still flows beside us today. Two large stones were used to grind the corn, one of which remains preserved in the mill hall, while twin water wheels harnessed the river’s energy beneath what is now our restaurant terrace.
Close to the Molino’s chimney, you’ll still find the remains of the original bread oven. This was once a small shop where bread was baked and sold to the local community, an area that today is home to one of our superior rooms.
Andy and Pauline discovered Molino in 1986. After visiting several other properties, they knew immediately that this was the place they had been searching for, the perfect setting for a small, welcoming hotel for visitors eager to explore southern Spain.
With just five months to prepare before opening, the early days were intense and uncertain. Funds were limited, but friends lent a hand, parents offered support, and local workers laboured tirelessly with remarkable speed and care. Against the odds, Molino del Santo opened in May 1987, only one week later than planned. Through hard work, dedication, and the patience of early guests, Molino soon earned the reputation it still holds today.
Every corner of our hotel holds a memory, a smile, and a story worth telling. To discover more behind-the-scenes moments, timeless anecdotes, and the quiet details that make Molino del Santo so special, we invite you to join our newsletter and continue the story with us.
