The story of Molino

staff members of the hotel back in the day 1987

We are so proud that Molino del Santo is a family-owned hotel, running since 1987. Pauline and Andy took it on after falling in love with Andalusia, expanding it from 6 to 18 rooms.

In 2024, the family story continues. Carmen, Pauline and Andy’s elder daughter and pictured in the photo on the right, will continue the family legacy with her partner Martin.

Our other huge source of pride is our incredible staff, who have been an irreplaceable part of our story and the hotel’s success. Six of those pictured in the photo, taken in 1995, still work with us today.

Next chapter, same energy

Old image of Molino del santo under renovation, white Mediterranean-style house with arched pillars, situated on a hillside amid greenery and leafless trees, with construction or renovation work visible on the roof and ground
Molino del Santo hotel swimming pool area back in the days the backyard with a swimming pool, a small covered patio, trees, and a surrounding garden.

Packed with history

Molino del Santo was an olive and corn mill 150 years ago. There were two stones to grind the corn, one of which is still preserved in the mill hall. In addition, there were two pedal wheels to use the energy of the water from the river. These wheels were under what is now the terrace.

Near the Molino chimney are the remains of the oven where bread was baked and sold in a shop where room 1 is now located. 

The corn was stored in the area where rooms 5 and 6 are now and passed to the mill below through sheer gravity. At the top of the stairs in the hall, on the left is a small room. In the old days this room was covered with a curtain so that it was not known to exist and is where the miller kept the corn he wanted to sell on the black market.

A woman walking along Molino del Santo hotel entrance back in the days a paved pathway surrounded by white buildings, potted plants, and lush greenery, with mountains and a blue sky in the background.
Andy, founder of Molino del Santo, is holding Carmen's hands as she takes steps on a train station platform. In the background, a sign that reads "Benajoán" and "Montejaque," with train tracks extending into the distance.

Andy and Pauline founded Molino in 1986. They had seen several other plots before this one, but on arriving at Molino they realised that it was exactly what they were looking for for their project – a small centre for English people wanting to explore southern Spain.

With only five months to open Molino, this was a tense and difficult time, especially as they did not have much money to spare. Friends helped, parents financed a little and the local workers were incredibly quick and efficient. Molino opened in May 1987 with only a week’s delay. After a lot of hard work and dedication, as well as very patient customers, Molino began to have a good reputation.

Every corner of our hotel holds a memory, a smile, a tale worth sharing. Join our newsletter to discover more behind-the-scenes stories, timeless anecdotes, and the little moments that make our place so unique.