With five beautiful outdoor swimming pools, a communal tennis court and surroundings of gorgeous countryside as far as the eye can see, many clients come year after year.

It is not, however, luxurious. Style here, both inside and out, is deliberately rustic, rural and natural.

The estate is maintained in its authentic state, with paths roughly hewn rather than neatly paved and pristine. There are flowers, shrubs and trees a plenty but no immaculately kept lawns or neatly trimmed hedges - it's real, rugged mountain countryside, real Andalucía!

Situated three kilometres down a mountain track (which is always maintained in excellent condition) from the traditional, pretty pueblo blanco of El Gastor, this is not a location suited to those in search of bright lights or even a wide range of local facilities.

But anyone looking for authenticity and tranquillity will treasure this unspoilt paradise.

There are stunning views in every direction, encompassing the Lake of Zahara, the Lagarín Ridge and huge swathes of the Grazalema National Park.

It's a paradise for lovers of birds, large and small. The Lagarín Ridge which soars up almost vertically behind the estate was once a favourite hide-away for the regions' bandoleros.

Home to a colony of griffon vultures, short toed and bonnelli eagles and with sightings here of a pair of golden eagles, the only other inhabitants these days are the famous Cabra Montes, the Ibex mountain goats.

Above all else, this is a place to relax and unwind, to stroll and explore, to read or paint, or just lounge by the pool and enjoy the wondrous nature all around.

A joyfully eccentric, rambling house set in its own five acres of wild and exotic gardens, with stunning mountain views, "La Casa Grande" hugs the hillside like a beacon.

It's a lovely house, one with lots of character which offers up delight after delight - be it reclining on silk cushions in its minaret-like tower, sipping mint tea and admiring the marvellous views, or maybe reposing on the Alhambra-esque patio.

The tinkle of the fountain is a great salve for stressed urbanites.

There are many enchanting features, but remember that it's well worn and it isn't spotless. But it certainly has character and is a lot of fun if you are prepared to enjoy it for what it is.

In the spacious living room a grand piano (although not fully tuned) and the impressive mountain panorama seen through the huge picture windows is a source of inspiration for any musician.

The kitchen is no more than rustic but adequately equipped. Meals can be taken in front of the aged stone hearth in the beamed dining room or outside on the cobbled terrace in the pale green shade cast by a lovely old carob tree.

Two twin bedrooms share a bathroom on the ground floor whilst on the upper level there are two double bedrooms each with its own en-suite bathroom.

For bookings of ten guests, an adjacent, self-contained studio cottage (which is part of the rental) is used along with the main house. The cottage has a double bed, a little fireplace area and a shower room / W.C.

The five acres of private gardens are a riot of colour with not a few hidden treasures. Pathways zigzag the hillside, passing spiky yuccas, roses and lavender, on their way to the tempting, naturally-shaped swimming pool.

With the glorious countryside of the Grazalema Natural Park literally on the doorstep this is, quite simply, a great place to be.

Mountain bikes can be hired locally for those wishing to explore, and of course, you can also use the estate's tennis court (balls and rackets are provided). It's not in pristine condition but good enough to have a fun, friendly game.

El Gastor, the nearest village, is a short drive away (or a very pleasant 3 km walk).

The village has several bars and restaurants, and a number of shops (bakery, butcher's, greengrocers etc.). The people of the village are very welcoming and you are bound to make new friends should you venture out for lunch or dinner.

For trips out, you are spoilt for choice here. Ronda is half an hour away. Straddling the extraordinary Tajo Gorge which plunges to a depth of more than 150 metres, it is known as "The City of Dreams". With its mansion houses, quaint narrow streets, museums, art galleries and Spain's oldest bullring, it is well worth visiting.