Self-Catering Holiday Rental Cottage near Ronda, Andalucia, Spain

Property Description

The Estate

This vast, twenty-two hectare (54 acre) estate, just north of Ronda on the edge of the Grazalema National Park, is one of the most beautiful rural locations in all Spain. It was selected by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine as one of its top 100 rural tourism destinations in Europe.

Owned and developed by a French concert pianist with an artist's eye for beauty, the estate has thirteen holiday villas and five swimming pools located in three distinct, separate parts of the mountainside. Distances between them such that there is no sense of crowding here, no sense of being part of a complex.

There are three traditional houses, La Casa Pequeña which is featured on this page (below), a little cottage for a couple; La Casa Grande which sleeps eight or ten and El Cortijo, sleeping four. Each of these has its own private pool.

Lower down the mountain is Le Paradis, six one bedroomed villas sharing a pool between them; further across is another small development, El Paraiso Escondido which comprises four studio-villas, exclusively for couples, also sharing its own swimming pool.

There are also links to the other properties on the Estate lower down this page on the right.

Each of the thirteen houses is decorated to reflect the region's cultural heritage, with interiors filled with Arab rugs and artifacts, walls adorned with Moorish ceramics and materials. All have air-conditioning, central heating, satellite TV, a DVD film channel and CD players. With five beautiful outdoor swimming pools, a communal tennis court and surroundings of gorgeous countryside as far as the eye can see, many clients come year after year.

It is not, however, luxurious. Style here, both inside and out, is deliberately rustic, rural and natural. The estate is maintained in its authentic state, with paths roughly hewn rather than neatly paved and pristine. There are flowers, shrubs and trees a plenty but no immaculately kept lawns or neatly trimmed hedges - it's real mountain countryside, real Andalucía!

Situated three kilometres down a mountain track (which is always maintained in excellent condition) from the traditional, and very pretty pueblo blanco of El Gastor, this is not a location suited to those in search of bright lights or even a wide range of local facilities, but anyone looking for authenticity and tranquility will treasure this unspoilt paradise. There are stunning views in every direction, encompassing the Lake of Zahara, the Lagarín Ridge and huge swathes of the Grazalema National Park.

Above all else, this is a place to relax and unwind, to stroll and explore, to read or paint, or just lounge by the pool and enjoy the wondrous nature all around. But if you want to venture out, apart from friendly El Gastor just down the track, it's only a few miles from here to the main road which will take you quickly on to Ronda and the coastal resorts of the Costa del Sol further south, or on to Sevilla, Córdoba or Granada if you head northwards.

It's a paradise for lovers of birds, large and small. The Lagarín Ridge which soars up almost vertically behind the estate was once a favourite hide-away for the regions' banderos. Home to a colony of griffon vultures, short toed and bonnelli eagles and with sightings here of a pair of golden eagles, the only other inhabitants these days are the famous Cabra Montes, the Ibex mountain goats.

Active types can indulge in a wide range of outdoor pursuits such as hill walking, mountain biking (some bicycles are available on the estate), horse-riding and rock climbing. For a bird's eye view of the spectacular surroundings, you could even treat yourself to a hot air balloon flight at dawn operated by a locally based English couple.

ZC40(3) La Casa Pequeña

A tiny cottage swathed in pink geraniums, nestling at the foot of the mountain, offering a rare treat in its little private garden - a swimming pool just for two.

Scented shrubs and lemon trees encircle the pool where recliners have been set out for your delectation on dreamy afternoons. Let your gaze wander up to the Lagarín Ridge for a glimpse of a majestic bird of prey or ponder the fate of El Tempranillo, a local 19th century bandit reputed to have hidden out on the estate.

Inside, the cottage is simply decorated and furnished, neat and tidy, cosy but not cluttered. The open living room / diner is designed for easy country living and complemented by a simple kitchen corner.

You may prefer to cook al fresco on the barbecue and enjoy an evening dining on the terrace, watching the sun set over the mountains in a blaze of blues and pinks. An attractive double bedroom and simple bathroom complete the harmony of this mellow cottage.

There are a handful of mountain bikes available for the use of guests who may, of course, use the estate's tennis court as well (balls and rackets can be provided).

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Contact Us

Would you like to book this property? Any questions? We are here to help

info@rusticblue.com

00 34 958 763 381

Contact us for bookings, questions or other help

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Property Details

All on one floor :

Living / dining room / open plan kitchen

1 Double bedroom

Bathroom (shower over half tub)

Shaded Terrace

Private garden

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Facilities

Satellite TV (some channels in English; also German, French etc) • DVD • CD Player / Radio • DVD's available

Open fireplace in the living room • Air Conditioning / Heating Units

Gas Oven • Gas hob (4 rings) • Microwave • Fridge / freezer • Toaster • Kettle • Coffee pot • Cooking utensils • Cutlery • Crockery

Washing Machine • Iron & board (on request)

All linen is provided (includingt pool towels) • Hairdryer (on request) • Cot & Highchair available (on request)

Gated filtered swimming pool (6 m x 3 m; 0.8 m - 1.5 m deep)

Garden • External lighting • Sunbeds • Sunshades • Barbecue • Basic outdoor dining and garden furniture • Parking

Shared Facilities : Estate lands and gardens • Tennis Court • Mountain Bikes • Safe

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Notes

Weather permitting, the swimming pool will be open throughout the year (although, because it's not heated, the normal swimming season is from April to September, inclusive)

Rentals for this property normally run from from Sunday to Sunday

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