Set in its own acre of olive and almond groves with spectacular, sweeping
views across the mountains, this extremely spacious,
sunny holiday villa is located just outside Gaucín, one of the best loved
white villages in Andalucía. The villa comfortably sleeps four (there is a small sofabed which could, at a squeeze, accommodate an additional couple) and is fitted
to the highest standards.
With no near neighbours, this is a fabulous location which combines the best
of Andalucia's rural magnificence with easy access to one of the classic "pueblos
blancos".
Once a haven for brandy and tobacco smugglers who travelled
through the surrounding hills, Gaucín remains a delightful tangle of narrow,
twisting streets and still retains its old-world charm. Add a sophisticated touch
here and there (including some excellent little restaurants), close proximity
to some of Andalucía's best loved attractions and enduringly spectacular
views across to Gibraltar and the Rif mountains of North Africa, and you have
one of the great Spanish rural holiday destinations.
The villa won't disappoint you, either. Built on a terraced hillside, there are delights on each of its different levels.
A large open-plan living / dining room / kitchen extends along most of
the ground floor. It's both comfortable and pretty, bright and cheerful, with
its primrose yellow walls and colourful drapes, cushions and rugs. Some of the
owners own paintings hang on the walls. It's well equipped too, with
satellite TV (BBC free-to-air card), VCR, CD and radio, plus a selection of tapes,
games and videos. A glass-fronted wood-burning stove makes it cosy on winter evenings.
An archway divides the living area from the kitchen / dining area which is equally
attractive and spacious. It's fully equipped with everything you will need for
comfortable, creative dining. A delightful turquoise-blue bathroom leads off.
There is also a utility room on this floor which houses the washing machine, dryer
and other household equipment.
At the other end of the living room, a
door opens to the ground floor bedroom, with two beds (which can be pushed together),
another light and attractive space, the colourful details contrasting nicely with
the white room scheme.
Stairs lead up to the master bedroom with en-suite shower room. French doors
open on to the upper terrace area and the fabulous southerly views. Alongside,
also with access to this terrace, is a small reading room. This can be converted
into a single bedroom on request.
The main outdoor space
is on the ground floor and on the terraces immediately below the house. A shaded,
open walkway runs along the entire length of the property, extending out to a
very comfortable terrace area immediately outside the kitchen / dining area. Neatly
planted and furnished with a wooden table and chairs and a barbecue, this is a
lovely spot to take your meals al fresco or perhaps to enjoy an aperitif or two
whilst watching the sun setting over the sea.
From here steps take you down to the "Cool
Room", a shaded sitting area with night lighting. Here, wicker chairs and
bench seating create a different but equally attractive ambience.
Just
below, another terrace down, is the place to improve your tan, stretched out on
one of the sunloungers alongside the delightful, kidney-shaped swimming pool.
All around, planted garden areas add to the rural idyll. A pretty walkway through
the olive groves will take you to a tranquil viewing point. But it's not just
from here that you will enjoy the view: wherever you are on this property,
the vista is stunning.
The beaches of the Costa del Sol, and some of the
best golf courses in Spain are only 25 minutes from Gaucín and a short
drive through fantastic countryside will take you to Ronda. Day trips to Córdoba,
Cádiz, Sevilla and Granada are all possible.
