This vast, twenty-two hectare (54 acre) estate, at
an altitude of 700 metres, on the edge of the Grazalema National Park, just north
of Ronda is, without doubt, one of the most beautiful locations in all Spain.
It was selected by Conde Nast Traveller 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.
Each of the thirteen houses
is decorated to reflect the region's rich cultural heritage, with interiors filled
with Arab rugs and artefacts, and 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,
repeat visits are the norm.
Style here
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 tranquillity will
treasure this unspoilt paradise. It is truly an area of outstanding natural beauty,
with 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 (bicycles are provided
with the accommodation), 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.
Click on the links, opposite, to view the individual property pages
_13.jpg)
