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 Grande which sleeps eight or ten; El Cortijo, which sleeps four, and Casa Pequena, sleeping two. Each of these has its own private pool.
Lower down the mountain is Le Paradis, six villas for couples sharing a pool between them; further across is another small development, El Paraiso Escondido, which is featured on this page (below), comprising four studio-villas, also 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(4) El Paraiso Escondido
With their cleverly designed, open plan interiors, these four "casitas" offer spacious, comfortable, well-appointed studio accommodation.
Built in a little cluster below the impressive rock formation of the Lagarín Ridge which rises up dramatically behind, they overlook the magnificent swimming pool (shared between them) which is some 50 metres away.
The "figure-of-eight" shaped pool, which is 20 metres long by (in places) 10 metres wide, has night lighting and even its own waterfall. Beyond the pool and its terraces the hills rise up once again and here and there little sitting areas are dotted about where you can enjoy the sunshine and all-encompassing views.
The casitas are all open plan, with just one room (plus a bathroom) which incorporates the kitchen / living area as well as the double, four poster bed. The accommodation is attractive, with beamed ceilings and 'mod-cons' which include well equipped kitchen areas with a full range of appliances, satellite TV, CD player, air-conditioning, central heating and wood fired chimneys.
Everything has been thought of to enhance your stay without detracting from the rural Mediterranean flavour of the property. Guests share the facilities of a centrally located laundry room.
Each has its own private terrace positioned to benefit from the sun's trajectory with a shaded area perfect for late morning breakfasts and a barbecue for char-grilling, perhaps, some fresh fish from the Bay of Cádiz. Each has a parasol, dining chairs and a table.
There are a handful of mountain bikes available for the use of guests who may, of course, also use the estate's tennis court (balls and rackets can be provided).
Contact Us
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00 34 958 763 381
Property Details
Four villas, each sleeping 2 :
All on one floor :
Studio living room / bedroom (with a four poster double bed) / open plan kitchen
Bathroom (shower over bath tub)
Part shaded terrace (furnished)
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
All linen is provided (including pool towels) • Hairdryer (on request) • Cot & Highchair available (on request)
Basic outdoor dining and garden furniture • Parking
Shared Facilities (with guests in the other three casitas) : Filtered swimming pool (20 m x 10m (approx.), 0.5 m - 1.6 m deep) • Pool terrace • Pool Shower • External lighting • Sunbeds • Sunshades • Barbecue • Laundry Room (Washing Machine • Iron & board)
Shared Facilities (with all guests on the Estate) : Estate lands and gardens • Tennis Court • Mountain Bikes • Safe
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
Location
Accessed by a countryside track (in good condition), 3 km from the village of El Gastor (basic facilities, bank, restaurants etc
Ronda 30 mins; Grazalema 30 mins; Arcos de la Frontera 50 mins; Costa del Sol 1¼ hrs; Málaga 1½ hrs; Jerez 1½ hrs; Sevilla 1½ hrs
See the location map above
Airports
Málaga 1½ hrs; Jerez 1½ hrs; Sevilla 1½ hrs
See our Links Page for web sites of airlines traveling to Andalucia from the UK.
Car Hire
We offer competitive rates for car hire from Málaga and other airports in Andalucia. Click here for full details
Find Out More
About the Ronda Mountains
You may find it useful to view our frequently asked questions
Other Estate Properties
ZC40(1) Casa Grande
4 bedrooms, sleeps 8, private pool
ZC40(2) El Cortijo
2 bedrooms, sleeps 4, private pool
ZC40(3) Casa Pequeña
1 bedroom, sleeps 2, private pool
ZC40(4) El Paraiso Escondido
1 studio bedroom, each sleeps 2, shared pool
ZC40(5) El Paradis
1 bedroom, each sleeps 2, shared pool
