This recently converted old farm cottage offers peace and tranquility in surroundings of great natural beauty, a glorious 12-acre estate that boasts forests of cork oak, pine and chestnut as well as hilly meadows. The scenery is spectacular with sea views to Gibraltar and Morocco from parts of the estate. Yet it's only a short drive from here to the lovely hill-top town of Casares and from there you can travel quickly on to the bright lights and beaches of the Costa del Sol. It's a location that offers the best of both worlds.
Some three kilometres to the north of Casares, access to this beautiful haven of woods and mountains is via a long countryside track. There are drops here and there but most of it is now cemented and it's easily negotiable in an ordinary car. The estate itself is shared with two other properties, one other rental home for a couple, and the engaging English owner's house. All three properties are private, sharing only the common entrance track.
All on one floor, the cottage is simplicity itself inside, the door opening from the furnished entrance patio directly to the open plan living / sleeping room with a sofa and coffee table at one end and the double bed at the other. Beyond lies a prettily tiled shower room/W.C. and a small kitchen. Features include a king size double bed, TV, DVD and video and a CD / radio / cassette player.
A functional base camp but, when all is said and done, this is a place where you will want to be outside, all day, every day! The wonderful nature all around is magical, with the thickly forested Sierra Crestellina rising up dramatically on the other side of the valley and views which extend right down to the coast. It's a beautiful spot.
Starting right outside the front door! The little honeysuckle-scented patio with its sunbeds and Moroccan table just invites relaxation, soaking up the peace and sunshine and perhaps a drop of Rioja too! Steps go down from here to the lovely teak-decked swimming pool, in a completely private spot, tucked between an arbour of fruit trees. This is a haven for idle afternoons gazing at the pine clad mountains across the valley.
And then there is the estate's own magnificent forests to explore, where no doubt you will encounter Myrtle, the estate's donkey, along the way. Or venture out onto the many footpaths which will take you high up on Sierra Crestellina, where eagles fly overhead and the views soar too, over the Straits of Gibraltar to Africa across the sea.
Supper can be an al-fresco affair, a barbecue, perhaps, under a canopy of stars, or you can choose from a number of decent restaurants in and around Casares. This classic white village, full of history and character is well worth spending a little time in and it's also an excellent starting point for exploring the wonderful landscapes and picturesque villages of the Serrania de Ronda further inland. To the south, golden beaches and golf courses also beckon.
