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 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.

These do include a neighbouring smallholding where the owner arrives daily with his string of mules, to tend his chickens, goats and a pig (which he fattens for the winter matanza). This is another nice bit of the Spain of old. Here, in time honoured fashion, the sounds of pastoral bliss will include the occasional bray of a donkey, a cock crowing etc.

Although located in the midst of all this rural beauty, it's not remote.

Just a kilometre from Gaucín, it takes less than five 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 to the village 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 into its natural surroundings. The perfect place to enjoy all that's good about living in a rural idyll.

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, freezer 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), 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 artefacts, 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 (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.