Ronda had been a focal point for Spanish culture since pre-Roman times. This ultra-modern villa is ten minutes' drive from the beautiful and richly historical city that is Ronda.
Open plan living has been used to maximum effect, spirits soar to the roof.
The first impression you get when you walk into the villa is the sheer height of the ceiling, a whopping seven metres from floor to roof with five metre windows to match. The whole effect is one of light and space. The interior of this house is contemporary and sleek. Perhaps because of the simplicity of the interior design, and the lack of any irrelevant clutter, you feels a sense of calm and mental freedom, it really is refreshing.
Newly built to a modern design – the house was completed in 2011 – it has up-to-date features in both its structural and interior specifications. The watchword here is ‘open plan’ on a grand scale, with maximum use of light and space. Although the colour scheme is monochrome and the effect is stylish with clean lines, it is never stark or clinical. For most of the year, the house is home to a lively young family whose big influence casts a happy, relaxed atmosphere over the whole place.
Olive oil from this region has been prized for centuries, this villa's groves form part of that heritage.
The house is reached by a well-maintained track, (approx 600m long into the countryside) directly from one of Ronda’s main roads, an ideal location for quick access to the city itself. The entrance is protected by electric gate. You drive up to the house through a big olive grove to find an impressive stone-faced house set in a lovely garden. There is ample space for parking on the property.
The villa is set in 2.5 hectares of its own grounds given over to olive trees (the owners produce their own oil). Although only a few minutes from Ronda, you feel as if you are in a rural setting. Indeed you are surrounded by nature, just listen to the rustling of the wind in the trees, enjoy the birdsong, the quiet and the seclusion.
The position of the villa was specifically placed to make the most of the sun.
The house is oriented to catch the sun from the east in the morning right round to the west in the evening. The location of outside dining has been used to take advantage of the sun’s position throughout the day. A dining table seating ten is situated on one side of the house for sunny breakfasts, while another table seating eight is ideal for afternoon and evening meals. A barbecue firepot is located near the west-facing evening table (please take extra care when using the barbecue during the dry summer).
A lawn surrounds the house, absorbing heat from the summer sun as well as providing a comfortable area for children to play on. Floral borders of roses, lavender, mint and rosemary soften the angular form of the house making the outside a peaceful place to relax. Set apart slightly from the house itself is a children’s play area with a swing and slide as well as a trampoline sunk into the ground.
A fenced alberca (water store) is home to a giant carp which has been living there for over six years, before the present owners bought the land. This pool is kept undisturbed as the fish is now treated as a member of the family!
The pool for human use, on the other hand, is maintained to a high degree and is an impressive 13m by 5m. Sunloungers are available for guests along with parasols, and small tables for drinks, snacks and books. The pool runs on a salt filtration system rather than chlorine, there is a poolside shower, and towels are provided. The pool terrace area is below the house and reached by a flight of steps. The views of the surrounding countryside from the swimming pool are fantastic, shimmering in the sun. With the sound of cicadas rattling like castanets, the smell of the olives and a glass of Spanish red to savour, your senses are definitely in Andalucia.
With instant boiling water and every mod con you can think of, this kitchen will be inviting to everyone, not just the cook.
Moving into the house itself from the outside dining area leads straight into the state of the art kitchen. The kitchen is a very spacious with long work surfaces for food preparation. There is a large American-style fridge freezer with ice-maker, waste disposal unit, coffee machine, dishwasher and five ring gas hob with oven. A child-safe Quooker tap for instant boiling water is on hand so if you fancy a hot drink, the water is ready at the press of a button. A central water softener system has been installed for all house water.
The owners of this house run various design businesses and the kitchen table, which seats ten, is one of their pieces..
The living area is integral with the ground floor kitchen and dining space. The open fire as well as the television are a focus for the comfortable armchairs and sofa. The tv supports Apple TV and AirPort Express.
Whilst being a very stylish house, it is also a family home, unpretentious and inviting. Environmental awareness is important too.
Although there is no air conditioning, the walls are thick, specifically built for coolness in summer and warmth in winter. Natural ventilation with open doors is more than adequate during the summer. When renting this villa in the winter, there is underfloor heating as well as an open wood fire in the living area. This house is as far as possible, ecologically friendly and has solar hot water heating and biomass fuel burning as well as mains electric.
One double bedroom is on the ground floor. This bedroom has the benefit of a garden view and is decorated in tasteful grey and white. The surprising layout means the en suite facilities are behind the bed and consist of a walk-in shower cubicle, twin sinks and clothes closet.
Just because this is a new house doesn't mean old traditions aren't respected. Antique doors have found a home with a house built around them .
Upstairs, off a mezzanine gallery is a twin-bedded room with the benefit of a Juliet balcony. En suite facilities are shower, sink, toilet and clothes storage. Opposite this bedroom is an airy leisure room which doubles as a play/entertainment area. The tv has Sky and a wii games system. In winter, the open fire brings cheer and warmth, it’s a delightful place to spend time and be entertained.
The highest room in the house is the attic bedroom which takes up a large proportion of the top of the house. This is a marvellous loft space, its sloping ceiling and white decor give it a penthouse feel. Light floods in through a large round window at one end and through big windows which overlook the living room below. This loft has an en suite bathroom with a free- standing bath tub, a very spacious walk-in, solar heated shower and an innovatively designed bowl washbasin. This floor has a balcony terrace where you can sit and read, catching both the sun and the fresh air in private.
Below the ground level is a basement area which houses the washing machine and spare linen including extra towels should guests need them. Pool towels are provided. There is also a working microwave. Another storage space houses a range of toys. They belong to the family, but younger visitors are invited to use them during their stay.
Various old doors in the house are of a non-standard size. The story is that the owners found (and loved) these doors before the house was even built. Wanting to incorporate the doors in their new house, walls and lintels had to be specially measured to accommodate these old friends. The reward is a pleasing, original design.
This villa is full of contrasts: close to a famous Spanish city but in peaceful countryside, a modern building with traditional touches, stylish and crisp but relaxed and child-friendly. For a family holiday in Andalusia, this house is perfect.
All the facts and features about this villa
In open countryside, 10 minutes from Ronda (all facilities) in the Ronda Mountains region (Province of Málaga).
Weather permitting, the swimming pool will be open throughout the year (although, because it’s not heated, the normal swimming season is only in the summer).
A weekly change of linen and towels is included for rentals of more than one week.
Rentals for this property run from Saturday to Saturday.
Small pets may be allowed, please ask.
Firewood and heating are included in the price for winter rentals.
Please, no smoking in the house.
The pool terrace is accessed by steps so may be difficult for guests with mobility problems.
The pool is cleaned twice a week and the lawn mowed once a week.
RB/CTC/2016088543
| 2024 Season Dates | Week | Fortnight | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd January to 28th February | 2,580 € | 5,160 € | |||
| 1st March to 30th May | 3,600 € | 7,200 € | |||
| 1st June t 31st August | 5,450 € | 10,900 € | |||
| 1st September to 1st November | 3,600 € | 7,200 € | |||
| 1st November to 19th December | 2,580 € | 5,160 € | |||
| 20th December to 2nd January 2025 | 3,600 € | 7,200 € |
| 2025 Season Dates | Week | Fortnight |
|---|---|---|
| Prices Pending | — | — |
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