Old and traditional mixes with new and funky in this lovely farmhouse which combines timeless character with modern facilities, a gorgeous pool and one of the best views anywhere in Spain ...
"It's not often you are able to rent a period property yet with all modern facilities - even broadband. A fantastic location - very quiet, spectacular views, the kids loved it!"
It’s a great location and, wow, what a sublime situation, what a fabulous view! The house isn’t bad either, a delightful, rambling old farmhouse which has been carefully and creatively renovated by its English owners to make a really lovely home, full of character and pleasant surprises.
Let’s start with the location: just half an hour inland from Torre del Mar on the Costa del Sol and only an hour from Málaga airport, here is one of Andalucía’s most beautiful rural paradises.
The road from the coast climbs steadily upwards towards the dramatic mountain pass of Zafarraya, the border between Málaga and Granada provinces. A 1.8 km track leads off, up and over the hillsides to a hidden idyll, 800 metres above sea level, with views to die for!
Enveloped by the rugged, verdant mountains of the Sierra de Tejeda to the east and the fabulous, moon-like crags of Montes de Malaga to the west, the icing on the cake is the fantastic vista which opens out in front of you.
"A beautiful, welcoming home and a fantastic location. We thought we'd go to the beaches and Malaga a lot, but the villa was so beguiling we spent most of our time just relaxing. As for the sunsets and the stars in the evenings ..."
The wide, azure-blue waters of Lake Viñuela spread out to meadow lands and pastures, little white settlements dotted here and there on the hillsides. Beyond lies the Mediterranean and sometimes you can see the mountains of Africa far away across the sea. It really is paradise found!
A very private one too. There are a few other properties here and there on the slopes below but none which are close or overlooking this one. Sitting among 5,000 m2 of olives and almond groves, glorious nature all around, it’s as peaceful and serene as can be.
A short driveway leads up to this traditional, 100 year old farmhouse which glints white and bright in the sunshine. There’s parking space for four cars surrounded by colourful, natural gardens which spill over with pretty flowers and semi-tropical plants. A few steps lead up to a very inviting and wonderfully scented front terrace covered in vines, jasmine and bougainvillea.
"Relaxing in and by the pool, on the terraces, taking in the views while the kids splashed to their hearts' content ... It's like having your own private estate. Highly recommended - we'll be back!"
Here you already know you are in heaven! The terrace wraps around to the side of the house too, where there is a ping-pong table and little seating areas. A large Moroccan outdoor dining table (seating 8) sits under the dappled shade of the vines and bougainvillea which clamber overhead. Birds sing happily in the trees, the magnificent southerly views stretch out – far, wide and very handsome. Just one of many delightful outdoor spaces here, it’s rural Spain at its absolute best, casual, compelling and at peace with the world. Perfect for al fresco dining, birdwatching, enjoying the fabulous sunsets and stargazing …
The farmhouse is equally charming inside, imaginatively renovated in a rustic style which still retains all its time-honoured grace and beauty. From the dining terrace one enters to a big kitchen / dining room which epitomises homely, country living.
It’s very well equipped too as the owner was once a first class chef in an earlier incarnation.
There’s everything one could possibly need to rustle up delightful meals – an impressive range cooker, 5-ring gas hob, microwave, dishwasher, fridge/freezer, plenty of pots and pans and utensils as well as granite-topped workspace on which to indulge your creative talents.
There are some kitchens which just make you want to cook and this is one of them. When we visited the owner was making green tomato chutney and the gorgeous aromas filled this lovely space with joy.
Separated off by a marble bar-top, the dining area on the other side of the room is furnished with an old oak table and chairs. It won’t fit more than eight though, although we suspect you will be taking most of your meals outdoors in summer, either on the terrace just outside the kitchen or at the dining area which overlooks the pool.
The delightful features of this old but creatively reformed house are well summed up by a client who wrote, "it has a really unique quality as old and traditional mixes with new and funky". The layout is unconventional too, rambling around and about, everything connecting together inside and out - making it an exciting place just to explore!
The delightful features of this old but creatively reformed house are well summed up by a client who wrote, “it has a really unique quality as old and traditional mixes with new and funky”. The layout is unconventional too, rambling around and about, everything connecting together inside and out – making it an exciting place just to explore!
The sitting room is large and welcoming, a casually serene space with its beamed ceiling, stone fireplace, antique hidrolica floor and lots of comfy seating. Interesting artefacts, fabrics and prints add colour and charm. There’s flatscreen Freeview UK satellite TV, Bluetooth speaker and splendid views to Lake Viñuela and the Mediterranean though big double glass doors.
In your rambles around the house, up a few steps here, down a few more there, you will find five bedrooms and three stunning bathrooms, each with a different but always enjoyable character, not to mention a fabulous internal ‘Andaluz’ patio and lots of glorious outside spaces.
"The view is breathtaking, especially when lying back in the pool with a cocktail in hand! This is the ideal place to relax and do absolutely nothing. Perfect!"
Bedroom 1 has a four-poster double bed under its high beamed ceiling. It enjoys tremendous views to Lake Viñuela through its antique windows and french doors which also open to a sitting area on the terrace which runs all along the front of the house.
Bedroom 2 has a homely, country-style warmth, its brass double bed set under a high ceiling, wobbly white walls offset by bold turquoise splashes, a colourful Mexican rug and subtle lighting. It has pretty views over the pool and also to the internal courtyard. The en-suite bathroom has a power shower.
Bedroom 3 is the Master bedroom with a king-size double under its attractive, sloping ceiling. French doors open to a lovely internal Andalusian courtyard.
"Rob and Hilary have been the perfect hosts, providing such kind hospitality, a beautiful environment and five star food (recommended!)"
Bedroom 4 has both a double and a single bed as well as its fair share of whimsically rustic touches which add charm and interest! Plus a massive, en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower.
Bedroom 5 is the really funky one, the perfect children’s den! A creatively designed, full-sized single bunk bed has been installed high up against the wall, accessed by a ladder. Children love it but, in our opinion, they should be at least nine years old – it’s not a bed one would want to fall out of … There is also a sofa which converts to make a second single bed for this lovely, if unconventional, bedroom.
The third bathroom leads off the main corridor. Its walk-in shower has attractive pebbled flooring.
The internal courtyard is yet another wonderful delight. Sweet scented jasmine climbs the walls and shady tranquillity for the Moroccan table and chairs comes courtesy of a big old vine which clambers over the roof beams. One of the oldest and most characterful wooden doors in Andalucía guards access to the pool area beyond.
At its other end, steps (unguarded) go up to a fabulous sun terrace which looks over the lake and the magnificent countryside all around.
"The pool is excellent, being salt water there were no issues with chlorine affected eyes (a real plus). We would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a relaxing family holiday in a fantastic, authentic villa".
But, as best places go, it faces very stiff competition from the fabulous pool area at the far side of the house. The pool is a seductive, irregular shape, more or less 9 m x 4.5 m, its chemical-free, salt waters beautifully offset by what one client described as, “simply, the best view in La Axarquía”. And, with panoramic views of mountains, lake and sea, it really is wonderful.
The pool is 2 metres deep at one end, steps leading gently in at the other, where there’s a shallow part for little children to splash about in.
Shade is provided by a pergola and there’s plenty of sunshine to enjoy too, both on the wide pool terrace and on its grassy, palm tree dotted surrounds. A shaded terrace runs right along the side of the house with a splendid dining area overlooking the pool. There is an outdoor fridge, sink and built-in barbecue, plus plenty of seating for 11.
At night the pool can be lit for those who enjoy swimming under the stars – and wow, what stars! There is also a dart board, and lawn boules – just to add a little variety to the sporting diet of pool and ping-pong.
"Watching the flaming red sun dip slowly behind those mountains has to be one of the most peaceful things I have ever done on holiday".
A comfortable and really delightful home-from-home for up to 11 guests (a couple of extra beds can be accommodated if required), its thick whitewashed farmhouse walls, high ceilings and excellent insulation keep everything splendidly cool inside during summer months.
The gardens and vine covered terraces that surround the property offer many places to relax and unwind in or out of the sun. Ideal for family holidays or groups of friends, if you like being at one with nature, this is the place to be.
As well as the breathtaking views, you will enjoy hearing the bells from the sheep and goats being taken to pasture every day (not too early in the mornings!) and returning late. You will hear and see abundant wildlife – it’s a paradise for bird spotters.
So, we doubt you will want to venture too far. But there’s plenty to do and see if you do want to spread your wings.
"We had a thoroughly enjoyable holiday. Go and stand by the pool with a glass of local wine and look at the view stretching away into the haze, and listen to the sound of the goat bells. I challenge you not to say Wow!"
The villa lies between the two white villages of Periana and Alcaucin – both 10 minutes away by car through beautiful countryside.
Alcaucín is a pretty, typically Moorish village situated on the lower western slope of La Maroma in the Sierra Tejeda mountain range. Here you will find a few small supermarkets and three or four excellent bars. The food is particularly good at Carlos’s (El Ranche Grande) at the front of the village. On Saturday morning there is a small market in the village selling great fruit and veg.
From the village you can drive into the Parque Natural of the Sierra Tejeda. This is a wonderful drive and a place that stays cool throughout the summer under the shade of its abundant trees. Take a picnic, walk through the forest, paddle in the river.
Periana is another pretty village with stunning all-round views located on the scenic ‘Route of Olive Oil and Mountains’. To the north there are fabulous mountain ranges, whilst to the south there is Lake Viñuela and the coastline. Here too there are a number of bar/restaurants and small supermarkets. Market day is Wednesday.
The historic town of Alhama de Granada is only 20 minutes inland – with its famous hot springs, cobbled streets, old churches, medieval architecture and a breathtaking gorge. The sunshine beaches of the Costa del Sol (Torre del Mar and Nerja, to name just two) are 30 minutes away. The great cities of Granada, Málaga and Córdoba are all easy day trips.
There is a water park just by Torre del Mar which is a great day trip for both adults and kids! And plenty of golf courses along the coast nearby as well as inland at Antequera. Sailing and kayaking on Lake Vinuela, scuba diving, horse riding, guided walks, mountain biking, quad day trips, boat trips et al are all available locally (full details in the comprehensive house book).
We leave the last word to clients who said, “This is a fantastic location – very quiet, spectacular views and yet still within 10 minutes or so of shops,etc. We loved everything about the property, it’s not often you are able to rent a period property yet with all modern facilities – even broadband! The kids loved the pool with no chemicals to hurt their eyes and the ‘beach’ style edge. We cannot wait to return”.
All the facts and features about this villa
The pool is cleaned twice a week and a gardener will visit two or three times a week to care for the vegetables.
Extra (single) beds can be set up in the bedroom 2 if required
There is a comprehensive information pack at the villa with details of the nearest bakery, supremarkets, restaurants, local activities and other essentials like how the washing machine works, etc.
If you need to know anything else, the owners are always at the end of the phone to help
Rentals for this property normally run from Saturday to Saturday
The property is available for rental from early June to mid September each year. The swimming pool will be open throughout this period
The owners have made the farmhouse as ‘green’ as possible. For example, as well as solar hot water the house has solar underfloor heating for the cooler winter months. The lounge also has a pellet stove to reduce the carbon footprint. Water from the two shower rooms is recycled and used as irrigation for the plants around the house
Unfortunately the property is not suitable for people with mobility problems as the farmhouse is on the side of a mountain and there are steps both inside and outside
A welcome pack is provided – tea, coffee, wine, bread, milk, nibbles,etc.
If requested (in advance), the owners will also do some grocery shopping for you in advance of your arrival
A weekly change of linen and towels is included for rentals of more than one week
RB/VTAR/MA/01501
| 2024 Season Dates | Week | Fortnight |
|---|---|---|
| 1st January to 31st May | N/A | N/A |
| 1st June to 30th June | 2,750 € | 5,380 € |
| 30th June to 8th September | 3,250 € | 6,380 € |
| 8th September to 31st December | N/A | N/A |
| 2025 Season Dates | Week | Fortnight |
|---|---|---|
| 1st January to 31st May | N/A | N/A |
| 1st June to 30th June | 3,000 € | 6,000 € |
| 30th June to 8th September | 3,500 € | 7,000 € |
| 8th September to 31st December | N/A | N/A |
1.8 km on a farm track (in reasonable condition easily negotiable in an ordinary car with due care) from the main A 355 road between Vélez-Málaga and Alhama de Granada in La Axarquía region (Province of Málaga).
