Property Description
Just a few minutes from pretty Gaucín village, this is as peaceful a spot as it's possible to find. A huge panorama of magnificent, mountain majesty spreads out in front of your eyes. It's absolutely wonderful.
Set in its own estate of cork forest, wild woodlands, olive and almond groves on the mountain slopes of La Serranía de Ronda, views from here are stunning, whichever way you turn. The vast, craggy outcrop of the Crestellina Ridge rises up on one side of the horizon; in the other direction, the ruins of Gaucín's Moorish castle, Castillo del Aguila (Eagle's Castle) stand proud on their rocky promontory at the summit of Hacho Mountain.
Between them, the mountains open up to reveal the deep valley of the Rio Genal, which leads all the way down to the Rock of Gibraltar and the shimmering Mediterranean Sea. Beyond, the peaks of Africa and Europe merge under a deep blue sky.
Whatever the time of year, this is a natural paradise, an impressionist painter's palette of wonderful colours: brilliant brush strokes of red poppies, yellow mimosa and wild orchids, cool green olive groves and the deep hues of the cork-oak forests, an occasional splash of vivid pink and white almond blossom.
If you want to wake up to completely tranquil and very beautiful nature, there's no better place. It's peaceful, serene - and majestic.
Sheep's bells clink gently in the distance, an eagle or a kestrel soars high overhead; birds singing happily in the trees - here there are just the wonderful sights, scents and sounds of pastoral bliss to keep you company.
But it's not remote. Just a kilometre from Gaucín, it's less than 5 minutes drive to the village, a delightful 15 minute walk (even quicker on your return, as it's all downhill). The farm track which climbs up the hill does get a bit rutted after the winter rains but is generally kept in pretty good 'nick, negotiable in an ordinary car with appropriate care.
The house is lovely, a proper lived in, family home. Its charm is entirely in keeping with the laid-back, countryside lifestyle demanded by its splendid situation. It's not posh and doesn't try to be, but it is compellingly romantic …
Completely refurbished by its English owners several years ago, it has been designed to be informal and relaxing, a house which merges perfectly into its natural surroundings. The perfect place to enjoy all that's good about living in a rural idyll.
An idyll enhanced by very pretty, semi-wild gardens which scramble and clamber all around and about you. The fragrance of herbs, fruit and wild flowers intoxicate in the clean mountain air. There are colourful shrubs and trees everywhere.
Several of the photos shown on this page were taken in the depth of winter; for now we can only leave to your imagination how it all looks in full bloom …
There are a handful of other properties on surrounding hillsides but they are all a long way away - and, apart from one which is just visible in the distance, completely hidden from view by the trees. Here it's as private as private can be. The only other building you will see is the castle (beautifully lit up at night) standing high, silhouetted against the sky on its distant hillside.
From the covered parking (for two cars) one enters through huge, rustic wooden gates to a little stone path which climbs gently up the slope to the house.
From the side entrance, a wall of windows takes you into a huge and very homely kitchen / dining room. These doors can be opened to welcome the wonderful world outside into the room.
The hub of the house, it's a proper, lived-in room where all the family will no doubt gather to tell their tales of the day, Mum busy by the stove! On one side there's a big dining table which comfortably seats eight, the spacious kitchen wrapping around the other side. And still plenty of space for a couple of easy chairs and a coffee table where you can relax, contemplating the views outside. It's the sort of room that you are happy to hang around in for hours at a time.
On the terrace opposite the side entrance, tucked away in a covered corner, there's a furnished al-fresco dining terrace, a lovable, casual place to spend some time, plants spilling out of old terracotta pots, nature all around you, the views far and wide. The perfect place, perhaps, for your afternoon tea?
The kitchen is well equipped (although there's no dishwasher). It's a proper, functioning country-style kitchen with electric oven, 4-ring gas hob, American-style fridge / freezer (with ice and cold drinks dispenser) and all the usual bits and pieces. The owners live here for most of the year so it is has everything one needs to cater for family and friends. And, although there's no outdoor barbecue (because of the fire risk), the raised, open fireplace in the kitchen makes a very handy substitute.
One of the double bedrooms leads off from here, a big, comfortable room with double doors opening to the gardens (with seating just outside). The en-suite bathroom (walk-in shower, no bath tub) is colourfully tiled.
At the other end of the kitchen / dining room, a short corridor leads through to the living room which is, at one and the same time, both joyful and peaceful. Colourful art, modernist posters and bright rugs contrast happily against the soft pastel walls. There are lots of books, a few DVD's and CD's, a satellite TV (freeview, so it receives all UK terrestrial channels, BBC, ITV etc), two plump sofas and an armchair. And fabulous views through windows on two sides. All very nice.
A short flight of stairs takes one down to the second bedroom. Its huge double bed (king-sized) can be unzipped to make up two singles if preferred. As elsewhere in the house, there are lovely touches which lend both character and charm; Moroccan lamps and artifacts, a huge wooden beam across the centre of the room, colourful fabrics and rugs. Double doors open to the gardens.
The bathroom is just across the passage, also with a walk-in shower room (no bath tub) and pretty tile work.
Charming and homely as it is inside, we suspect you may spend a large part of your time outdoors - which is just heavenly! A wide garden terrace has plants, flowers and overhanging trees everywhere, there are shady spots and sunny ones, seating here and there, and fantastic views all the way to the coast.
At the end of the terrace, there's another covered area, casually furnished with a round Moroccan table, bench seating and some cane easy chairs. Could be the place for your afternoon siesta … ?
The mountainside climbs up immediately behind the house. Steps (21 of them!) lead up through lavender beds and the leafy greenery all around to the pool terrace above the house. It's a fabulous spot, a gorgeous sun trap with nothing but nature - in all its joyful glory - to keep you company. Oh, happy days!
The pool is a decent size, 8 m x 4 m with a saltwater filtration system. Dips in the pool, a bit of sunbathing and countryside contemplation, a snooze under the shady pergola … wild horses won't drag you away from here.
Although … you may be tempted by the golden beaches of the Costa del Sol, or by some of the best golf courses in Spain, both within half an hour from Gaucín. A short drive through fantastic countryside in the opposite direction will take you to Ronda. Day trips to Córdoba, Cádiz, Sevilla, Granada and Tangiers are all possible from here.
Maybe just an early evening stroll up to the village, as pretty as a postcard. Gaucín's narrow winding streets and hidden alleyways offer up both spectacular views and an excellent selection of restaurants and tapas bars.
And you have this charming country home to return to. It's a real, lived-in home, a comfy and very happy one, perfectly at peace with its sublime surroundings. A lovely place to stay.
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 :
Kitchen / dining room
Living room
1 double bedroom with en-suite bathroom (walk-in shower, no bath tub)
Shaded, furnished dining terrace
Gardens & Grounds
Lower Ground Floor :
Double bedroom (king-sized bed which can be unzipped as two singles if preferred)
Bathroom (walk-in shower, no bath tub)
Facilities
Satellite TV (Free to view and Spanish digital channels) • DVD • Bose music system • Collection of DVD's, CD's and lots of books • WiFi Internet (bring your own laptop)
Open fireplace in the kitchen / dining room • Wood burning stove in the living room • Central heating • Fans in both bedrooms
Electric Oven • Gas hob (4 rings) • American-style fridge / freezer (with ice and cold drinks dispenser) • Toaster • Juicer • Kettle • Coffee pot • Cooking utensils • Cutlery • Crockery
Washing Machine • Iron & board
All linen is provided (including pool towels) • Hairdryer
Salt-water filtered (no chlorine) swimming pool (8 m x 4 m, 1.2 - 1.5 m deep)
Pool terrace with shaded pergola • 2 shaded, furnished terraces • Gardens & grounds • Sunbeds • Outdoor dining and garden furniture • Covered parking
Notes
The property is available for rental in summer (June to August inclusive); the swimming pool will be open throughout this period
We do not consider the property suitable for children under the age of 6 due to the many outdoor steps and the countryside terrain.
A welcome pack is included in the price
Additional services (cooking / baby sitting etc. can be arranged on request (payable locally)
Rentals for this property normally run from Saturday to Saturday
Location
Five minutes from Gaucin (most facilities)
Mediterranean beaches 30 mins; Golf courses 30 mins; Ronda 45 mins; Marbella 1 hr; Gibraltar 1 hr; Málaga 1½ hrs; Jerez 2 hrs; Sevilla 2½ hrs
See the location map above
Airports
Gibraltar 1 hr; Málaga 1½ hrs; Jerez 2 hrs; Sevilla 2½ 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
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