He participated in more than 60 films, being renowned for classic adventure films between the 40s and 50s. He achieved worldwide fame after starring in the film “King Solomons´ Mines” in 1950 produced by Metro-Goldwyen-Mayer, an expensive project shot surrounded by African landscapes. A place of inspiration for his future refuge on the Costa del Sol.
Hidden in the middle of the Sierra de Bermeja, it harbours great decorative and architectural treasures gathered by the actor during his travels around the world. Each and every detail, roman columns, wrought iron bars decorated with rosettes with his initials on them, red pine beams reinforced with bamboo, the imposing fireplace brought from Mexico or the Venetian marble table ringed with mosaics from Seville in the kitchen, all demonstrate the emotion and the accomplishment of the project. The cortijo is an amalgam of Andalusian, Arab and Mexican influences. With over 1000m2 built, orchestrated around a central patio with palm trees and lush vegetation. The central body has three double rooms with en suites, plus a two bedroomed apartment on the top floor. In addition to a beautiful living room and a dining room there is a kitchen which could be defined as “different” at the very least, and two more double rooms both with en suite bathrooms. A secluded pavilion offers a large 16 meters pool, facing west-east, guaranteeing sun throughout the day. The access to the cortijo is through an impressive gate from where a lane of palm trees leads us to the entrance of the main house. Once inside, a spectacular Andalusian patio welcomes us with its´ enigmatic bell tower. Without doubt, a hidden treasure located just 5 minutes from the sea.
He was forced to sell the jewel of his crown, this Andalusian farmhouse that had given so much joy to his British heart and witnessed his tumultuous loves. The Cortijo San Francisco finally passed into other hands and Granger moved back to California, where he spent his last years between TV appearances in series and the writing of his autobiography.
During the years 2017 and 2018, a comprehensive renovation of the main house, the guest rooms and the kitchen was carried out. Each architectural element was treated with the care it deserved. The goal was to maintain, and preserve all the magical corners created for the enjoyment and contemplation of beauty. We wanted to restore it to the grandeur that years ago conquered the hearts of all its guests.
Cortijo San Francisco, currently managed by Laura Pou, recovered its natural splendour, its liveliness and offers us many corners with small mysteries to unveil. Without a doubt, a space where dreams can come true.