The mansion house and Casa del Bosquero:

The mansion was built in the 16th century. Some stand-out features include the colossal façade, the Zúñiga and Sotomayor family crests adorning the windows and the 1567 construction date.

Casa del Bosquero was the house used by employees caring for the estate.

The residential area also included stables and a late 19th-century chapel.

 

The pond:

The pond, which is situated on the main platform, is undoubtedly the most unique and characteristic feature of Béjar Forest. It has a slightly imperfect quadrangular shape and the water comes from Garganta del Oso stream which was channelled from the mountain range over three kilometres away. There is a Moorish Revival gazebo on the artificial island in the middle.

 

The exedra, Rotonda plaza and the fountains:

There are additional Renaissance-style features around the pond, including a wash house, Ocho Caños fountain, an exedra and the small plaza (Rotonda). These recreation areas were used for concerts, poetry recitals and theatrical performances.

 

Sábana fountain:

Sábana fountain rounds off the main path leading off from the north-eastern façade and it is a fine example of early 18th-century baroque architecture.

 

The intermediate terrace:

This terrace is accessed using the steps opposite the pond drainage tank. It has boxwood hedges and a geometrical design that is evocative of the original and formal appearance that the entire gardened area would have had up until the 19th century. There is a greenhouse at one end. Steps lead off from there to the garden.

 

The formal Romantic era garden:

In 1871, the original Renaissance-style garden underwent a complete transformation and the irregular parterres were replaced with conifers and exotic species, such as the singular central redwood which was in keeping with Romantic period style. Remains of fountains and features from the period currently fuse with other more modern furnishings around the estate.

 

Huerta de Abajo:

This orchard area on the lower terrace was designed to be productive. It is believed that it also had a regular Renaissance-style layout that can no longer be appreciated today.

 

Alameda:

Continuing along the axial axis that gives the entire area its structure, and which provided a clear connection between the pond and the ducal palace in Béjar, Huerta de Abajo opens out into a promenade surrounded by meadows and that lead up to Puerta de la Justa, the main entrance gateway.