In Gaucín, the 'Balcony of the Ronda mountains', this traditional townhouse has its own private balconies which overlook its pool, the village and the sea ...
The house is situated within a stone's throw of all the amenities that Gaucín has to offer, there is even a little supermarket at the end of the street.
Right in the heart of this picturesque pueblo blanco is a pretty town house which is centuries old. Lovingly cared for by its delightful Spanish owner, it is a traditional village house which has been restored and decorated in an authentic Andalus style.
The house is easy to find and parking is in the quiet road outside the house. The owner loves flowers as is shown by all the well-tended plants on the walls. Even from the front door you are treated to the sea views which are a feature of this holiday home.
First impressions of this house are that it is a little village property, but don’t be fooled. From the street, the antique front door opens directly into a downstairs salon and the house opens out from there into an ever-expanding, tardis-like property.
A townhouse with the added holiday attraction of a pool ... and a rooftop jacuzzi.
The pool terrace is on the same level as the double bedrooms and has space for two sunloungers and a parasol. There are five steps down to the pool itself and although more of a plunge pool for size, nevertheless it sparkles in the sun and is perfect for cooling off. Although the house is in the heart of the village, the pool terrace is not overlooked by neighbouring properties so any sunbathing you do will be private.
The jacuzzi terrace is at the top of the house with the most amazing views, of the Mediterranean Sea, Gibraltar and, on a clear day, Africa. The jacuzzi has a hot water shower and its own hot water supply (for winter dips if you’re brave). The terrace is made pretty by pots of orange trees, nisporo and bonsai which turn this into more of a rootop garden. A marble topped table seats four, perfect for a group supper.
Being high up in the Serranía de Ronda, the views all round are nothing short of spectacular.
The house has three levels in total with room for the pool terrace and rooftop jacuzzi. Village homes of yesteryear would house their livestock at ground level and this property was no exception; the ground floor was once cobbled and was originally the stable.
Authentic features can be found everywhere. For example, the front door is studded with traditional bosses (claves), perhaps from a church, and antique crockery found during the renovation is on display . The breakfast bar in the kitchen was once the original front door and beams. An ancient stone sink (lavadora) for washing clothes has been preserved in the corner of the downstairs patio. Next to it sits the washing machine, new meets old you could say.
The drive to Gaucín is through the Serranía Ronda overlooking the Genil valley, green with trees, cork oaks (encinas), almonds and figs. Big, rocky outcrops and grazing goats become a regular feature as you climb higher inland. The picture of the view below was taken from this house.
Gaucín truly has the right to it’s name ‘the Balcon de Serranía’ the balcony of the Ronda mountains, with fantastic views south to the Mediterranean towards Gibraltar. The house has views to the sea and to the Eagle’s Castle which perches high above the village.
Gaucín itself is a beautiful mountain town. The locals look after their town well, the houses are decorated with pots of flowers and vines, traditional drinking fountains are on many corners and someone is always sweeping their doorstep. Bird identifications plaques are on many of the street walls, a decorative testimony to the importance placed on the wildlife population.
The decor of the downstairs salon is traditionally village-Andalucían in that it is not flash or luxurious, but solid and functional. The salon has a dining table seating four, close to the wood-burning chimney (chimenea). The sofa is a sofa bed which would be suitable for an adult or perhaps two small children.
The owner is a skilled needlewoman and most of the bedspreads are her work.
The ground floor bedroom is a small, twin bedded room with antique bedsteads and although it doesn’t have a wardrobe, there are hooks for hanging clothes. A window from the salon into this adjacent bedroom gives the bedroom light during the day but has a curtain for privacy.
Going back, further into the house on the ground floor is the kitchen and a bathroom. The kitchen, although small, is very cosy, bright and clean. It has all the cooking equipment necessary for a self-catering holiday including plenty of glasses and crockery.
The groundfloor bathroom has a full bath tub with shower over, wc, basin and bidet. A heater will be provided for rentals in the cooler months.
The terraces of this house are south facing and whatever you are doing, relaxing or dining, it will have a true Mediterranean feel.
Upstairs is the sunlit-filled living room with two very comfortable three-seater sofas, two armchairs, tv, coffee table and woodburner. The terrace from the living room has a round table which seats four. It’s a south facing suntrap with views to the sea, the castle on the hill, over the town’s roofscape and the swimming pool below.
If you come out here early on a summer morning, all will be silent, except for the swallows twittering and whirling through the air.
The main bedroom is spacious with windows looking out onto the very quiet street. Its windows have both curtains and blinds to keep it cool in the summer. The bedroom is furnished in a traditional way with whitewashed walls, a double brass bedstead and antique washstand. The whole effect is simple and quite charming.
'This was our second visit to Gaucin, first time in this property. When we return we will look no further. Great house, central location & lovely host'
The second bedroom is also a double bedded room, smaller than the main bedroom but just as sweet with its white walls and traditional decor. Two features characterise this house as a village home in that it has a wardrobe space is set into the wall (an ‘armario encrustada’) and an interior shuttered window to let in light coming from the rest of the house. Although the bedrooms are not en suite, there is a bathroom on this floor with a walk-in shower, wc and basin.
Gaucín certainly has more than its fair share of good restaurants, bars and cafes. Staying at a house so conveniently placed means that you can eat out everyday without having to drive. For things to do, you can walk to the ruined castle, visit the fifteenth century church of San Sebastián, take in the colour of the local markets and explore the surrounding countryside.
The house is also an ideal base for day trips. The Mediterranean coast is only half an hour’s drive away, while the Atlantic beaches with their white sand and famous wind surfing mecca of Tarifa, is one and a half hour’s drive. For the more cosmopolitan face of Andalucía, visit Ronda, Jerez, Cádiz and Sevilla.
With a glass of wine in hand and the vistas around you, the conversation will be about what a perfect day you’ve had and the promise of another one tomorrow. One visitor wrote:
“Rooftop jacuzzi bliss”
‘3 beautiful evenings enjoying the fabulous views & watching the sunset from the rooftop jacuzzi with a cheeky little bottle of fizz. Life doesn’t get much better’.
All the facts and features about this villa
The property is available for rental throughout the year.
For winter rentals, firewood is supplied at a charge of €30 per week payable locally.
Please, no smoking inside the house.
The house is on three levels so is not suitable for guests with mobility problems.
Rentals for this property normally run from Saturday to Saturday in summer, but there is flexibility so please ask.
Pets may be allowed, please ask.
Linen and towels are changed once a week.
Babysitting, maid service and catering can be organised if requested in advance.
The villa is available for rental all year and the changeover day is flexible. The sleeping 2 and sleeping 4 prices are based on the use of 1 or 2 bedrooms respectively. There is a 50€ extra cleaning fee for guests wishing to use extra bedrooms, payable locally on arrival.
A €200 security deposit is required for each booking. This is payable upon your arrival and will be refunded at the end of your holiday, subject to any deductions for breakages or damage. See Terms and Conditions for full details.
RB/MA/00353
| 2025 Season Dates | Week up to 2 | Week up to 4 | Week up to 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| All year around | 670 € | 1,340 € | 2,020 € |
| 2026 Season Dates | Week | Fortnight |
|---|---|---|
| Pending Prices | € | € |
In the village of Gaucin (most facilities) in the Ronda Mountains region (Province of Málaga).
