Spain: Ventosilla estate

Exceptional Driven Spanish Partridge Shooting amidst the incomparable surroundings of the Toledo countryside

Ventosilla Castle at night

Ventosilla is a 16th Century hunting lodge that epitomizes the grandeur of the very best of Spanish sport. Driven shooting has been conducted at Ventosilla since 1880 when it was introduced by the current owner’s grandfather, the Duke of Santoña. The founding traditions and expertise have been passed on to make Ventosilla one of the most emblematic partridge shooting estates in Spain.

Guests come to Ventosilla in search of memorable shooting days and thanks to high sporting birds, beautiful scenery, excellent lunches, a superb wine list, luxurious accommodation, good organisation and a friendly family run atmosphere, they get exactly that.

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Driven partridge in flight

The Driven Partridge Shooting

Ventosilla Estate is set amidst surroundings that should provide the definitive blueprint for partridge shooting terrain. The rugged mountains of Toledo consist of hills and ravines that allow for some spectacular and challenging sport; Partridges are flushed off high hills resulting in some stunning bird flights. Strategically planted game crops and sympathetic farming practices, combined with a wide breadth and variety of landscape and habitat allow for over 50 different drives. Over the years the driven partridge shooting at Ventosilla has tested the mettle of a great many ‘big shots’ including kings, prime ministers, Edwardian peers and shooting legends. Ventosilla is a truly spectacular partridge shoot.

Location and Environment

The estate of Ventosilla is located 20kms from the ancient town of Toledo, capital of the old Christian Kingdom of Spain and the first area where both Christians and Muslims co-existed in peace. The Estate is located in the hills of the Toledo Mountains and covers an area of 4,000 ha. The weather during the shooting season is generally pleasant with an average daily temperature of around 18 ºC although on the coolest days it can freeze overnight. Typically the climate is dry and rain is infrequent.

Typical guest bedroom at Ventosilla

Ventosilla Lodge & Staff

There are very few shooting destinations in the world where you will have the opportunity to stay in quite such magnificent surroundings. Ventosilla was originally built in the 15th century for wealthy and powerful cardinals from Toledo. Successive generations of the Teba family have enlarged and improved the original building whilst maintaining all of its original grandeur. The ten en-suite bedrooms and staterooms retain their traditional furnishings and historic feel although they have been conservatively modernised to ensure absolute comfort. The gardens of the palace were designed at the end of the XIX Century by French landscaper, Jean Claude Nicolas Forestier, and are maintained to the same standards today.

The Standards & Service

Ventosilla has been passed down from the Duke of Santona to his great grandchildren via successive generations. This rich heritage combined with a passion for shooting (the son of the Duke, the Count of Teba was reputed to be the finest shot of his generation) has made the entire shooting experience at Ventosilla exceptional. Over the years the drives have been modified and improved however the traditions and standards have always been maintained in every respect. The family personally host each day’s shooting and augmented by a highly professional team of staff they will ensure every aspect of your stay is as relaxing and comfortable as the shooting is exciting.

Activities for non-shooters

Non-shooting members of the party are equally welcome and outside of enjoying the surroundings at Ventosilla there are a range of alternative activities. Guests may wish to visit the historic town of Toledo or spend a day in Madrid. An English-speaking guide can be arranged on request. Horse ridings, a visit to a local bullfight or a Flamenco show are among other options open.

Best Time To Go

The Spanish partridge shooting season in this region runs from 8 Oct – 8 Feb.

A small covey of partridge off the bank

Ventosilla Castle dining room

Permits & Licences

All shooting clients from the EU will be required to have a European firearms licence when travelling with their guns. WhereWiseMenShoot will acquire all local licences and permits on your behalf.

It is recommended that guns should be either a member of the Countryside Alliance or BASC which will covers all your insurance needs.

Getting there

Fly to Madrid where you and your team will be collected at the airport by one of the lodge representatives followed by a 1 – 1 1/2 hours drive to the Estate.