Property Description
If you are looking for a sumptuously styled and beautifully furnished Andalusian manor house … your search is over.
Lying in the privacy of its own seven acres of delightful countryside (which includes mature woodlands, fruit orchards, wild flower gardens and a horse paddock), this magnificent old farmhouse has been completely restored and refurbished to the very highest standards. Spacious and stylish, this is a genuine piece of paradise tucked away in the Andalusian hills.
The house faces west, making the most of splendid views, over the gently rolling countryside of its valley location to the peaks of the Grazalema National Park which rise up dramatically beyond. It's a lovely spot, one where the breeze sings gently in the trees, a perfect harmony for the joyful serenades of local bird life. There's nothing else to disturb the peaceful and very rural seclusion.
Yet it's not so far from civilisation! Just 10 minutes from Ronda and even closer to the little market town of Arriate, splendid Andalusian cities such as Jerez and Sevilla and the coastal resorts of the Costa del Sol are all no more than one and a half hours drive away. Easily accessed via a little country lane it is, therefore, an ideal base for adventures beyond its boundaries as well as being a relaxing and joyous place just "to be".
Equally splendid inside and out, the villa nevertheless retains all its original character. At the front, a huge and very impressive cobbled courtyard has trees, plants and fountains set in traditional style within its high perimeter walls, as well as al fresco dining facilities under a shaded canopy (comfortably seating eight). The original double doors leading into the courtyard are suitably constructed from solid chestnut.
At the rear of the property a lovely, shaded colonnade runs its entire length, with plenty of places to sit and relax or to eat, drink and be merry, looking out to the extensive lawn and the gardens beyond. Hammocks are strung up casually in the trees. The lawn extends well beyond the house, down to the horse paddock which is some distance away, but close enough to see the horses playfully frolicking in the sunshine. There are sunloungers and furnished wooden tables on both sides of the villa too, so there's plenty of scope to enjoy a bit of privacy here, should you wish to, or just to try out a different view!
Beautiful as these outdoor areas are, the crowning glory has to be the absolutely magnificent, walled pool garden. It is set away from the house, a 200 metre stroll along a little path which weaves through wild flower beds. A wonderfully designed and beautifully maintained space, its centrepiece is, of course, the utterly irresistible, azure blue waters of its superb 12 m x 6 m swimming pool. The extensive sunbathing terrace has immaculately lawned surrounds and there are plenty of quality wooden sunbeds, both on the grass banks where they enjoy full sun and also under the shade of thatched canopies.
The whole area is walled (and gated) with colourful plants and climbers growing up the perimeter walls, huge trees gently swaying in the breeze beyond. It's divine, both by day and by night (when the lights are turned on), a beautifully peaceful and utterly compelling retreat from the rigours of modern day life.
And suitably equipped too! Two attractively thatched pergolas offer full bar, dining and kitchen facilities in one (there's an oven and hob, two fridges etc. in the kitchen and a circular wooden dining table which seats ten), plus private shower / W.C. and changing facilities in the other.
Other outside spaces on the estate include covered parking (with space for three or four cars), a small detail perhaps but one which will be much appreciated in the heat of high summer.
The farmhouse itself is everything you would hope for in such classic surrounds; spacious and serene, it exudes calm and relaxation while offering understated, uncluttered luxury and comfort. A really peaceful house, it's a perfect venue for relaxed entertaining. Family friendly, it's a haven for children with so many outdoor spaces to explore and play in, and because there are few steps it's also an easy house for the less mobile.
Naturally cool in summer (the colour scheme throughout is white, white … and more white, with contrast offered by occasional fabrics, graceful woodwork and beautiful terracotta floor tiles), it is also warm and comfortable in winter with log fires and underfloor heating throughout. King size beds, white cotton sheets, big bathrobes and towels, large baths and showers add elegance and style. There is an extensive library of books, Bose Wave music machines - and big comfortable hammocks to enjoy them in. There is WiFi throughout the house for those who need to use their laptops, Freeview TV, DVD and video too. And to help you to fashion your holiday in the way you want, there's first class service and advice available whenever needed.
Design throughout is both classic and properly traditional: the main door opens to a spacious, attractively decorated hallway which leads through to the kitchen and also to the living / dining room to the side. A wide stairway lead up to the first floor bedrooms.
And, wow, what a kitchen! Beautifully designed and appointed, it's huge yet really charming, light flooding in from the windows which look out across the lawns and gardens beyond the colonnade at the back of the house. A country kitchen with 21st Century style, there's all the equipment you could ever wish for (some of it housed in two utility rooms alongside), including two dishwashers, two fridge / freezers, two ovens and a six ring hob. The American washing machine can complete its entire cycle in six minutes …
Both the kitchen and the hall open through to a resplendent lounge / dining room which occupies the entire south wing of the ground floor. With windows on all three sides and doors opening out to the various terrace spaces outside, this is a lovely and equally spacious room. Cool and calm, with white sofas casually arranged around the open fireplace, the side nearest the kitchen is taken up by a magnificent dining table which will easily accommodate fourteen. There are books on the shelves, a quality Bose Wave Music System (CD player and radio), Satellite TV, DVD player and VCR.
There are five bedrooms on the first floor, each leading off from the wide landing at the top of the stairs. Style and freshness is provided by the almost exclusively white decoration (ceiling beams, built-in wardrobes, bedding and bathrobes are all white, as well as the walls and most of the furnishings, contrasting beautifully with the rich earthy colours of the terracotta floor tiles).
The master bedroom (Bedroom 1) is a large and luxurious double with an equally generous en-suite bathroom. There's both a power shower and a full bathtub to choose from. It enjoys double aspect views (with a balcony view to the side of the house as well as windows looking out to the rear gardens). It has an open fireplace too, and a Bose Wave music system. The bed is king size or can be two large twin beds if preferred.
Bedroom 2 is also a king sized double (the beds can also be separated if preferred) with balcony views to the front courtyard and the hills beyond, and with an equally spacious en-suite bathroom alongside (with bath and shower).
Bedroom 3 is another a large room, this one with garden views. It has a big en-suite full bathroom (with bath and shower). The bed is king sized (or can be made up as two large twin beds) and the room is spacious enough for a third, child's bed to be accommodated should clients wish it.
Bedroom 4 is a queen sized double with en-suite full bathroom alongside (there's a shower over a full bathtub). It looks out to across the lawn and gardens at the back of the farmhouse.
Bedroom 5 is the smallest, a single (2m x 1m) with no en-suite facilities. Just as pretty and peaceful as the others though with the same lovely view over the garden, and the bathroom of bedroom 4 is next door so easily shared if required.
Bedroom 6 is within a separately accessed studio apartment on the ground floor of the main house. The apartment comprises a decent sized double bedroom (with a queen sized bed) and French doors leading to its own private courtyard garden. It enjoys a choice of shower room or bathroom (with bath and shower), and has its own kitchenette / living room (with a sofa bed too). It an ideal annexe for teenagers perhaps, or for staff.
And there's more: the fully equipped office on the ground floor is used by the house manager but is also made available for guests should they require the use of fax, telephone or printer.
The owners and their staff rightly take pride in the property and also in their commitment to making your holiday the one you want. Whether you come to relax with family and friends, to explore Andalucía and its vibrant, colourful cities, for the ferias or the bullfights, on your honeymoon or for any other reason, they will help tailor-make your holiday for you, should you wish.
Themed breaks can be organised, anything from Andalusian cooking courses, raw food or detox weeks, writing or art courses, opportunities for business brainstorming retreats and so on. Generally it works best if clients arrange their own tutor or course leader, leaving the house staff free to arrange outside activities, catering, transport and excursions. If you want to hold your wedding reception here that can also be arranged. Other services might include meeting you at the airport, organising a car and driver for you, acting as your guide, arranging catering, massage or yoga, babysitting and host of other things – just ask and they will do their best to arrange it for you.
Activities such as walks and picnics, riding, skiing, paragliding, hot air ballooning, tennis and golf can often be arranged for you. There are many spectator events to enjoy too, from visiting a bull breeding farm, going to a poncho factory, watching olive oil being pressed, visiting a local bodega or having a flamenco evening arranged at the house itself. Get proper local knowledge about the best restaurants and tapas bars to eat in and what's going on around and about, from the Feria de Pedro Romero in Ronda (in September), to the annual crossing of the Guadalquivir river. The house staff are here to help.
It's early days (the renovation and makeover of the property was completed only recently) but already the guest book is filling up with positive comments. Here is a small selection:
"The house is amazing, with every last detail thought through, and those mountains are a wonderful backdrop. We felt so pampered and well looked after. I could feel every moment getting more and more relaxed. It is a beautiful oasis, and you have definitely given us a new lease of life".
"It will be hard, if not impossible, to top the house, the views, the service - just being here. The house is idyllic and so very well equipped, and you found us such a great selection of activities".
"This house is heaven on earth - Oh, how we will miss it. Thank you for making such a beautiful home and letting us share it - every square inch is perfection. This has been one of the most relaxing and comfortable holidays we have ever had. It is a great house in an amazing location, with a fantastic atmosphere."
"It was a delight to leave the short dark English days and enjoy the winter brightness, crisp air, morning frosts and mountain views. The log fire downstairs was burning whenever we wanted, and even more lovely, the one in the master bedroom. This really is a house for all seasons. Thank you."
"You are the saviors of our honeymoon dream! We had the most blissful week here. A beautiful, clear white room and a huge and most comfortable bed. It was the most special week that we could possibly have had".
"This is the best place we have ever stayed - including Australia, England, France, Argentina, Morocco, Germany and the U.S. I wish we didn't have to leave. It was perfect. We want to come back as soon as possible".
Which is, we think, a fair summary of this superbly comfortable piece of paradise tucked away in the sunny hills of Andalucia.
Contact Us
Would you like to book this property? Any questions? We are here to help
00 34 958 763 381
Property Details
Ground Floor :
Entrance hall
Kitchen
Living room / diner
Guest W.C
Laundry room
Utility rooms
Terraces on three sides (furnished)
Walled courtyard
Gardens and grounds (including a horse paddock)
First Floor :
5 bedrooms :
Bedroom 1 : king-sized master double bedroom (the beds can be separated as singles if preferred) with open fireplace and with full en-suite bathroom (bath & shower)
Bedroom 2 : king-sized double bedroom (the beds can be separated as singles if preferred) with full en-suite bathroom (bath & shower)
Bedroom 3 : king-sized double bedroom (the beds can be separated as singles if preferred) with full en-suite bathroom (bath & shower); a childs bed can be added to this bedroom if required
Bedroom 4 : queen-sized double with full en-suite bathroom alongside (shower over bathtub)
Bedroom 5 : single bedded
Studio Apartment :
Queen sized double bedroom (Bedroom 6)
Living room / kitchentte (with a double sofabed)
Bathroom
Shower room
Private courtyard garden
Facilities
Satellite TV (Free to view) • DVD • VHS • 2 Bose Wave CD / Radio Systems • WiFi Internet (bring your own laptop) • Printing, Telephone (local calls only) and Fax Services • Honesty Bar • Library
Open fireplaces in the living room and in the master bedroom • Underfloor Central Heating throughout • Heated Towel Rails • Portable Fan
Double Electric Oven • Gas hob (6 rings) • Microwave • 2 Fridge / freezers • 2 Dishwashers • Toaster • Juicer • Kettle • Coffee pot • Cooking utensils • Cutlery • Crockery
Washing Machine • Tumble Dryer • Iron & board
All linen is provided (including pool towels) • Bathrobes • Hairdryer • Cot & Highchair (cot linen is not provided)
Pool Garden, gated and fenced with Night Lighting • The Pool is 12 m x 6 m, 1.2 - 1.85 m deep with entrance steps and underwater lighting • Pool Pergola with Dining, Bar and Kitchen Facilities • Pool Pergola with Shower and Changing Facilities
Terrace and Garden Surrounds • Sunloungers • Pool Furniture • Hammocks • Outdoor dining and garden furniture • Covered Parking
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)
Prices include Maid service three hours a day, two days a week
Additional maid & cooking service are available on request (payable locally)
Prices are inclusive of central heating and firewood
A welcome hamper can be provided on request (payable locally)
Enquire for particular activities, catering or excursions you would like arranged
Enquire about any special requirements you may have, anything from babysitting or airport collection to themed breaks and honeymoons. The staff will do their best to arrange whatever you want
The property can be rented for less than one week (minimum two nights) at certain times of the year. Enquire for availability and rates
Rentals for this property normally run from Saturday to Saturday
Location
In open countryside, 2 km from Arriate (most facilities)
Ronda 10 mins; Costa del Sol 1hr; Málaga 1½ hrs; Jerez 1½ hrs; Sevilla 2 hrs
See the location map above
Airports
Málaga 1½ hrs; Jerez 1½ hrs; Sevilla 2 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
