Hide away with your loved one
Described by one client as "the most beautiful house I've ever seen" this is a place to drink in the views, pour yourself a glass of cava and slip into celebratory mood ...
"A house like in my best dreams"
"A beautiful house and an amazing area. We loved the mountains, the beach and everything in between'"
"What a fabulous house - we loved the view, the atmosphere, the books and the pool"
"We have completely chilled out in this spectacular place. The house is even more beautiful than it looked in the photos and the views can't be beat. We followed all of the walks recommended by the owner and loved every inch of the trails. We hope to return with more of the gang..."
Bedrooms
Two (both double bedded).
Pool
Private plunge pool
3.0 m x 3.0 m, 1.55 m deep.
Location
At the top of the village of Montecorto in the Ronda Mountains region (Province of Málaga).
Price
From 1,300 € to 1,560 € per week.
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Villa Description
Here your spirits will soar!
Views are inspirational, the little infinity pool amazing, the house decorated and furnished with great style and imagination.
Hidden away in a forest just above the traditional white village of Montecorto, just 15 minutes to the north-west of Ronda, this delightfully romantic hideaway is sculpted around a limestone outcrop, its huge rocks ingeniously integrated into the design of the house. As one client put it, " I think this is the most beautiful house I've ever seen."
Views are inspirational, the little infinity pool amazing, the house decorated and furnished with great style and imagination.
With its extensive collection of paintings, music, films and books, this is a place to drink in the views, pour yourself a glass of cava and slip into celebratory mood. Here your spirits will soar!
At the very top of the village, you reach the house via a steep track which arcs up through the forest to a mountain spring. From here a narrow path flanked by rosemary, lavender, honeysuckle and mint climbs up to the house’s main entrance.
Fantasy came first
The limestone outcrop on which the house is built has been beautifully incorporated into its interior design.
Looking quintessentially Andaluz from the outside, once you pass through the door a wonderful architectural surprise awaits you … the limestone outcrop on which the house is built has been beautifully incorporated into its interior design.
The mountainside has been wrapped into the fabric of the building and its huge rocks, planted out with cacti and succulents, add a stunning decorative element.
It's a house where fantasy came first in its design brief.
A pyramidal atrium is the visual axis around which the open-plan lounge / diner / kitchen turns: sunlight floods in during the day and you look up to starry skies at night. Your eye is immediately drawn to the stunning, wrap-around views of the peaks of the Grazalema National Park.
On top of the world
In the heart of some of Spain's most spectacular mountain scenery, it's an exquisite vista to behold.
Here you really feel you are on top of the world; right in the heart of some of Spain's most spectacular mountain scenery, it's an exquisite vista to behold.
Three huge drop-arched windows lead out to a wonderful terrace which enjoys the best of these superb views.
It's a terrace to die for … at one end is the gorgeous little infinity-edge plunge pool, its azure blue waters seeming to merge into the distant mountains and the sky above.
Add the fragrant herb garden just beyond the pool, a second comfortable seating / dining area and a lovely solarium (accessed by a little path up from the pool) with shade provided by an Australian sail and an old carob tree, and you are going to find it very difficult to tear yourselves away from this divine spot.
Light and space
A pyramidal atrium is the visual axis of the house. Sunlight floods in during the day and you look up to starry skies at night.
The transition between outdoor and indoor living is seamless. The living room, kitchen / diner and study are one huge open space with each window offering a new aspect of the stunning southerly views.
The clever use of light and space is fully complemented by carefully chosen, comfortable furnishings and bright, eclectic paintings, a fascinating mix of oriental, contemporary and African art, the colours inspired by the Mahgreb. There’s satellite TV and a huge collection of CD's (flamenco, blues, jazz, classical, world, folk) and DVD's for you to enjoy.
And hundreds of really good books too (including those written by the property's owner), maps and an iMac computer with free 24 hour Internet connection which is housed in the study.
The kitchen / diner is as attractive as the rest, with its black slate floors lots of space and everything you need to self-cater in style. There are masses of herbs and spices. A good bottle of red wine will be awaiting you as well as a bottle of cava in the fridge.
Delightful local lady, Paqui, looks after the house, spending an hour late each weekday morning cleaning, making the beds and keeping everything neat and tidy for you. But, if you prefer her not to come - no problem.
There are two bedrooms. The large master bedroom with its king-size double bed and walk-in wardrobe is really romantic - Moroccan in style with rugs, wall hangings and rich colours.
It is reached via a staircase that winds down through the rocks. It has a really comfortable bed with an excellent mattress as well as a thinner top mattress (Scandinavian style). If you've never slept on a bed like this you'll be amazed. Linen is top quality and light Indian quilts are supplied as well as blankets. There is a huge walk-in wardrobe with masses of shelf and hanging space.
The bedroom has a fabulous view out to the mountains: the house was designed with a slightly lower-than-average window so that you can laze in bed and lap up the view, waking each day to a stunning, panoramic view of the Grazalema peaks.
True romance
The bathroom, with its huge round tub sculpted between the rocks, is amazing. Run a bath, pour in the oils, light a candle: there’s plenty of room for two!
Also on this floor is the amazing bathroom. Another flight of fantasy with its huge round tub sculpted between the rocks and an enormous shower rose (specially made for the house in the Fez medina). The huge window has also been designed so that you can lie in the bath tub and look at the distant peaks of the Grazalema Park.
There is a long wooden dressing table / sink with masses of space for all your soaps, creams etc. And even in the bathroom there are framed prints, some from India, others from Spain. And lots of potted plants.
The light scree floor, the rock and the views help make this a truly memorable bathroom - one you will never forget. Run a bath, pour in the essential oils, light a candle: there’s plenty of room for two!
Hideaway
This is a delectable place to hide away with a loved one, a perfect place for a first (or second) honeymoon …
At the very top of the house, reached by a staircase that winds between the rocks, is a second, smaller double bedroom. Also really romantic it has been decorated in the greens and blues that are typical of Moroccan Riad design. It has a door leading out to a top roof terrace.
Private and secluded, hidden away amongst stands of bamboo, olive and almond trees, this is a delectable place to hide away with a loved one, a perfect place for a first (or second) honeymoon …
Honeymoon or not, most guests who stay here don’t move very far. Watching the sun setting over the mountains with a glass of Rioja in hand is very special … and with so many books, CD's and DVD's to enjoy, you may just want to stay home and abandon yourself to the peace and beauty.
The best of both worlds
You can stroll down to the village shops and bars but you may just want to stay home and abandon yourself to the peace and beauty.
There is nothing to disturb your intimacy here yet you can stroll down to the village in less than ten minutes.
Montecorto, just below the house, is home to 950 people, two restaurants, a number of bars, several small shops - there is a bank, chemists, post office and a doctor's surgery - and very friendly locals. Just wander down from the house through its little streets to buy fresh bread, fish and vegetables, not forgetting to stop at Pepe’s huerta (vegetable garden) on the way back to buy fresh, seasonal organic produce.
For trips out, you are spoilt for choice here. Ronda is just a quarter of an hour away. With its extraordinary gorge, mansion houses, quaint narrow streets and Spain's oldest bullring, it is well worth visiting.
There are a number of larger supermarkets as well as other interesting shops and excellent restaurants including the Michelin-starred "Tragabuches". A short drive away, in Zahara, is the excellent 'Al Lago' restaurant.
A great place "just to be"
Whether chilling out, recharging your batteries or exploring the treasure-trove of delights that Andalucía has to offer.
Quite apart from the wonderful countryside all around and the natural treasure-trove of the nearby National Park, it's also an ideal location for exploring much of the best that Andalucía has to offer. Apart from Ronda, of course, Grazalema and the other pueblos blancos of Cádiz province (Arcos de la Frontera, Zahara and Setenil) are close at hand, and it's not so far, either to Jerez, Cádiz, Sevilla or to the wonderful beaches of both the Atlantic coast and the Mediterranean Sea.
Acinipo is a spectacular Roman theatre, hewn out of solid limestone standing on a high plateau just above the village. And the magnificent Grazalema National Park begins, literally, on your doorstep. One of the most beautiful tracks of mountain anywhere in Europe, it offers fabulous walking.
The property's owner leads guided walks in the area. His own walking guide, "Walking in Andalucía" has become a trusted companion for thousands of walkers. The book (there is always a copy in the house) including six fabulous walks in the nearby countryside.
The area around Grazalema and Ronda is a great place for bird watching, especially for spotting the big raptors. There are binoculars and guide books at the house and guided trips can be arranged with an excellent, English-speaking ornithologist.
For the more energetic, there are all manner of activities to enjoy.
And, when you return here, what a reward for your day's exercise. Just above the village and looking out to a heavenly panorama of mountain, hill and wooded slopes, this "House of the Rocks" is a really lovely, unforgettable hideaway-for-two.
Whether chilling out, recharging your batteries, or as a base for walking through the magnificent countryside, this is the ultimate place "just to be".
Villa Details
The Villa in Detail
All the facts and features about this villa
Distribution
Ground Floor
- Open plan living room / kitchen / diner
- Study (leads off from the living area)
- Shaded furnished terrace, furnished dining terrace, garden, solarium and infinity plunge pool
Lower Floor
- Master double bedroom with king-sized bed and walk-in wardrobe
- Bathroom (shower over bath tub)
Upper Floor
- Small double bedroom
- Roof terrace (furnished)
Facilities
Entertainment
- Satellite TV (UK Channel Information)
This property has a Freeview box but due to changes to the UK satellite services currently does not receive UK terrestrial programmes, BBC, ITV etc. We will provide updates if this situation changes. - DVD
- CD (with iPod docking system)
- Radio
- Stereo system
- iMac computer with broadband internet connection
- WiFi Internet (bring your own laptop)
- Extensive library including many books on Andalucía and Spain
- Extensive library of CD's and DVD's
- Excellent guest information including a copy of the owners walking guide to the area (it includes six great walks within easy driving range) and listings of recommended visits, best tapas bars and restaurants
- Binoculars
Amenities
- Glass fronted wood burning stove in the living room
- Electric Radiators
- Air conditioning in the living area and kitchen / dining area
- Fans
- Washing Machine, Iron & board
- All linen is provided (including pool towels)
- Hairdryer
- Cot & Highchair available (on request)
Kitchen
- Gas Oven
- Gas hob (4 rings)
- Microwave
- Fridge / freezer
- Dishwasher
- Toaster, Juicer, Kettle, Blender, Coffee pot
- Cooking utensils, Cutlery, Crockery
- Herbs and spices
Outdoors
- Filtered, infinity edge plunge pool (3.0 m x 3.0 m, 1.55 m deep)
- Solarium (accessed by a little path up from the pool)
- Sun beds
- Outdoor dining and garden furniture
- Charcoal Barbecue
- Garden
Notes
Weather permitting, the plunge pool will be open throughout the year (although, because it's not heated, the normal swimming season is from late April to September, inclusive)
The house is built on several different levels and there are some steep slopes around and about so it is not suitable for children, the elderly or infirm
Prices are inclusive of one hour of morning housekeeping, Monday to Friday). This is optional, if you prefer to be left alone, this is not a problem
Paqui (who looks after the house) can also prepare delicious, traditional 'tapas' style dishes for you. Full details are in the house along with bilingual order forms.
Rentals for this property normally run from Saturday to Saturday
Please, no smoking indoors
Villa Prices
Prices and Seasons
ZC 42
| 2023 Season Dates | Week | Fortnight |
|---|---|---|
| 6th January to 24th February | 1,300 € | 2,600 € |
| 25th February to 27th October | 1,560 € | 3,120 € |
| 28th October to 05th December | 1,300 € | 2,600 € |
| 06th December to 07th January 2024 | 1,560 € | 3,120 € |
ZC 42
| 2024 Season Dates | Week | Fortnight |
|---|---|---|
| Prices Pending | --- | --- |
Special Offer
Special Offer:
Offering a 5% discount on bookings from 10th to 17h June, and 10% discount from 10th to 24th
Security Deposit
A 250 Euro security deposit is required on each booking. This is held against your credit or debit card and will be cancelled one week after your holiday, subject to any reductions for breakages or damage. See Terms and Conditions for full details.
Villa Availability
ZC 42
Availability 2023
Please contact us for latest availability and to reserve the villa.
Your browser does not support this calendar (Javascript is not enabled). For availability you can contact us directly via our contact form, email or by phone.
Villa Location
Location Map
At the top of the village of Montecorto (basic facilities) in the Ronda Mountains region (Province of Málaga)
Location
In the village of Montecorto (simple shopping, bar / restaurants, bank, pharmacy etc.) in the Ronda Mountains region (Province of Málaga).
Ronda (all facilities) 15 mins; Zahara de la Sierra (one excellent restaurant) 20 mins; Grazalema (most facilities) 20 mins; Arcos de la Frontera (all facilities) 1 hr.
Jerez 1½ hrs; Sevilla 1½ hrs; Marbella 1½ hrs; Cádiz 1¾ hrs; Málaga 1¾ hrs; Gibraltar 2¼ hrs; Tarifa 2½ hrs.
Costa del Sol 1½ hrs; Costa de la Luz 2 hrs.
Nearest Airports
Jerez 1½ hrs; Sevilla 1½ hrs; Málaga 1¾ hrs; Gibraltar 2¼ hrs
See our Links Page for web sites of airlines traveling to Andalucia from the UK.
Around and About
This is an excellent base from which to explore this delightful and very beautiful part of Andalucía.
Excursions
- For trips out, you are spoilt for choice. Hemingway's favourite town in all Spain, Ronda, with its extraordinary gorge dividing the old and new quarters, is just 15 minutes away. With its mansion houses, quaint narrow streets, museums and art galleries and Spain's oldest bullring, it is well worth visiting.
- Here you are on the doorstep of the Grazalema National Park, one of the most beautiful tracks of mountain anywhere in Europe. Jagged peaks, gorges, chasms, faults and caves, underground rivers and deep canyons are interspersed, here and there, by some of the prettiest villages in Spain - Grazalema, Zahara, Setenil and the other famous "pueblos blancos".
- Houses are meticulously whitewashed to a state of pristine splendour, a dazzling contrast to the brightly coloured flowers which fill the streets and the ochres of their rocky mountain perches. Beautiful villages which demand you to slow down a pace or two.
- Take the dramatic little mountain road from Zahara which climbs high into the mountains and on to Grazalema. From here you can head west, crossing right over the magnificent sierras, thickly forested with cork oak and Spanish fir, to Arcos de la Frontera on the other side.
- A visit to La Cueva de la Pileta cave to see its 25,000 year old troglodyte paintings is another must.
- On the wide, blue waters of the Embalse de Zahara (it's a reservoir but you would never know), you can swim or just enjoy the beautiful views all around from one of the little bars which open up in summer on the lake shore.
- For something completely different, Sevilla takes 1½ hours. It is impossible not to be captivated by its exuberant atmosphere: stylish, confident, ancient and proud, yet also convivial, intimate and fun-loving. If you don't know what alegría means, Sevilla is the place to learn!
- Spain's unique sherry wine region (Jerez and Sanlúcar), is well worth a visit, enhanced no doubt by stopping at one or two of the famous bodegas along the way! Jerez de la Frontera is 1¼ hours.
- Cádiz (1¾ hours) continues to evoke the romance, intrigue and mystery of centuries of trade (some legal, some not so) between Europe, Africa and the Americas.
- Beyond lie mile upon mile of magnificent white beaches on Spain's Atlantic coast, La Costa de la Luz.
- Córdoba and Granada are both 2½ hours drive from here.
Activities
- There are few better places in Europe than the Sierra de Grazalema to enjoy walking and hiking. We recommend "Walking in Andalucía" by Guy Hunter-Watts which includes six fabulous walks in the nearby countryside. The wonderful mountain terrain is equally facinating for twitchers, especially for spotting the big raptors.
- The adventurous may want to try their hand at hang gliding or paragliding from Sierra de Lijar, just up the road at Algodonales. The village recently staged the World Paragliding Championships and is home to a number of paragliding schools with courses for beginners as well as tandem flights.
- Horse trekking into the high sierra can be arranged at local stables.
- Bicycle hire is easily arranged in Ronda. There are excellent cycle ways in the area including the Via Verde which runs along an abandoned railway line as well as far more challenging tracks for mountain biking.
- Different water sports are on offer on the Zahara lake. Swimming is also possible at a number of secluded coves along the lakeside.
- There is no more thrilling way of viewing the Ronda mountains than from a balloon. End your once-in-a-lifetime flight with a champagne breakfast overlooking Ronda’s old town.
The Area
Ronda Mountains
The wild and wonderful mountains which surround Ronda are spectacularly beautiful, a taste of much-touted 'Real Spain' …
Read more
Montecorto
Montecorto (700 inhabitants, altitude 490 metres) which means "little mountain" is built on a forested hillside just 20 minutes from Ronda.
