Villa Description
The villa is a detached townhouse with amenities within walking distance but not overlooked by other properties. The house sits in over a third of an acre of private gardens with its inviting swimming pool close to the ground floor bedrooms. The villa has many lovely features, but the vista from the south facing terrace (which extends along the front of the house) is hard to beat.
It's obvious that the owners of this beautiful house are passionate about Spain and their Spanish home. From the moment you walk into the villa, the colours and style delight the eye. The originality of the property makes it a wonderful place to holiday in; the interior decor is tasteful yet relaxing, the luscious gardens are full of secret corners all with the most spectacular views of the village, surrounding mountains, the Straits of Gibraltar and, on a clear day, Morocco.
The streets of Gaucín, like many whitewashed Spanish villages, are deceptive in their layout. The numbering system of the houses is somewhat quirky, but that's all part of the charm.
Once you've found the house, which is set a little apart from the others (it IS on the correct street, honestly!) a short flight of steps leads up to the imposing entrance and the big front door.
The antique front door (originally from a convent) opens into the large hall. The first thing you see are the stairs which have been designed, to curve upwards in a very gentle spiral. With its white walls and terracotta tiles, the Moroccan feel of the staircase is echoed by the large arabic lamp which lights the spiral flight of stairs below. The stairs take you up to the main part of the house, to the living area, kitchen, dining room and a double bedroom.
Before taking the stairs up, there are two double bedrooms on the ground floor along with a useful utility room which houses the washing machine, tumble dryer and all the ironing facilities.
From the first floor landing, four small steps take you to the semi-open plan living room on the left, the dining room on the right and the kitchen beyond. The lack of obvious doors on this floor contribute to the sense of space while at the same time allowing a harmonious 'togetherness' of the rooms.
You’ll find sunbeds and comfortable outdoor chairs around the hexagonal pool, which is salt-water chlorinated (no chemical chlorine). At one end of the pool is a shaded terrace reminiscent of a tiny, classical temple. Covered with ivy and with its own goldfish pool, it's an atmospheric little corner. Swimming at night with the pool's underwater lighting is an experience not to be forgotten!
It's safe to say that the extensive gardens are like a maze encompassing many different 'zones' at every twist and turn. The swimming pool is surrounded by mature gardens, terraces on different levels, a boule court, table tennis, darts and a barbecue area. The pool and gardens offer complete privacy, the gardens are planted with an abundance of flowering shrubs, fruit trees, almond and olive trees and many beautiful flower beds.
The first ground floor bedroom is a twin bedded room with very spacious en suite bathroom facilities. From the bedroom door there are two shallow steps to the beds themselves. The carved wooden bedsteads and matching cupboard are from Ronda and are in the style typical of that area. Like the stairs, the walls are white and complement the dark wood beautifully. All the bedlinen in this villa is of the highest quality and very inviting. The bathroom has a full bath tub with shower over and mixer tap, wc, bidet and sink. This bedroom leads directly to the garden terrace and the pool.
The second ground floor bedroom is decorated in a very similar way to the first. The carved bed is a double in this room. The furniture is traditional, with bedside tables, lamps, a built in wardrobe and an antique chest and chair in the corner. The bed is set in an arch and faces large, glass double doors giving direct access to the garden and pergola walk.
The curtains are heavy to keep out the sun, so a darkened room is guaranteed for those who want a decent lie-in. The bathroom has a big walk-in shower, wc and basin. Although there is no air conditioning in the house, each bedroom has either a ceiling or portable fan and with thick walls, the house maintains a pleasant temperature during summer.
The bedroom on the first floor (shown in the first three main photos) is situated off the landing. The double bed is carved in the same Ronda style as the ground floor bedrooms. As in the rest of the house, the furniture is stylish and unique, with an ancient chest at the foot of the bed and a smaller chest used as a bedside table. The en suite bathroom consists of a full bath tub with shower over, shower mixer taps, wc, bidet and basin. The first floor bedroom has a Juliet balcony and double aspect windows with superb views of the surrounding mountains and the valley of the river Genal, leading down towards Gibraltar.
The large, country style kitchen is conveniently next to the dining room. With its exposed, wooden structural beams and traditional open hearth feature, this is a superb place to cook up something special while having a glass or two of good Spanish vino. The kitchen is fully equipped with a La Canche oven and 5-ring hob, dishwasher, microwave, toaster, china, glasses and cutlery. There are plenty of saucepans and other cooking gear. The door from the kitchen leads to a small breakfast terrace overlooking the pool and garden.
Adjoining the kitchen is the indoor breakfast area, which faces the spacious bar and pantry area, with large fridge/freezer, and separate drinks fridge. The breakfast area has a circular table and is set in a bay surrounded by three large windows, letting light flood into the kitchen as well as showing off those fantastic views.
Whether travelling south from the romantic city of Ronda or north from the sparkling Mediterranean, the journey to Gaucin is a delight. Leave the coast behind you and admire how the landscape gradually changes, from fields with grazing cattle to dramatic craggy outcrops, home to mountain goats and birds of prey. Set high in the mountains of the Serranía de Ronda, it is no wonder that Gaucín's ancient castle is called El Castillo del Aguila, the Eagle's Castle.
Gaucin is one of the most beautiful pueblo blancos in the province, combining a true Andalucian way of life with a cosmopolitan tint. Blessed with a clarity of light and inspirational landscapes, Gaucín has attracted a creative community who bring something extra, something a little bit colourful, to this already special town. 'Art Gaucín' is a collaboration of 14 local sculptors, painters and photographers who hold regular exhibitions, open studios and studio visits throughout the year.
The owners of the property fell in love with Gaucín through the work of a local artist. Her inspiring pictures hang next to the fireplace in the living room. The importance of art is evidenced by the library of reference books on the subject, as well as the creative pieces which decorate this home.
Gaucín is a town of charming white streets, some narrow, some twisting, all with flowers. What's around the corner? A welcoming cafe? A fountain? You never know ... Pleasant surprises at every turn make this white village so captivating.
The formal indoor dining room is equipped with a beautiful custom made chestnut dining table and chairs for fourteen people, and the windows look over the rear rock garden and up to the ancient ruined castle. The room is light and bright and has a big interior window space into the kitchen making both rooms separate yet part of the same whole.
Opposite the dining room, the large living room is dominated by four French windows which open onto a stunning forty-foot long, five-arched covered loggia that runs along the front of the house, overlooking the garden and offering beautiful views to the coast over miles of unspoilt countryside. At one end of the loggia is the outdoor dining area, ideal for long lunches and evening meals al fresco. The wicker furniture on the loggia terrace is ideal for lazing in: there's a day bed, a sofa and two armchairs arranged around a table for drinks and snacks.
The furnishings in the living room are tasteful and unique but at the same time, cosy and very comfortable. The Moorish coffee table, the antique banquette seating and lamps all add up to an elegant space to spend time in. That said, with its big sofas and welcoming atmosphere, the living room is somewhere you'd really want to relax in, perhaps watching an evening film or listening to your favourite music.
Both the living room and the dining room have log burning Nordic stoves (with glass doors). The house also has full under-floor heating for the cooler winter months and ceiling fans for the warmer months. There is a flat screen satellite TV (Free-Sat with all UK digital channels), wifi, Sony DVD player and DVDs, video player and video library, hi fi with cable for MP3 players and iPods etc, and Bose radio and all the rest that make a house a home, including games, and an interesting variety of books.
There are lots of private corners in this garden, ideal for those who want some solitude and time just to think. The comfortable seating area surrounding the Buddha statue in the Japanese garden is wonderfully shaded and cool, as is the hammock which hangs between two trees over the centre of the boule arena (with hooks for easy removal when a game is in progress).
The garden can be reached from the kitchen by 24 stone steps which lead down to the pool. Seven more steps take you to a seating area with benches and the colonnaded walkway. The garden can also be accessed from the ground floor bedrooms although a few steps are involved in reaching the pool. Given the amount of steps in the garden to access the pool, the house would not be suitable for young children or for guests with mobility problems.
The final bedroom is reached by 18 curving steps to the top of the house. This double bedroom and en suite bathroom has a large balcony terrace which provides uninterrupted views up to Gaucín village, the castle and the surrounding mountains.
A table and two chairs on the terrace allow you to take breakfast in private while soaking up the morning sunshine. The en suite bathroom is fitted with a walk-in shower, wc and sink, all done out in tasteful white and slate blue tiles. The mosaic mirror, Moroccan stained glass lamp and ceramic pots on display give this room a distinct Moorish feel. The imposing, carved double bed can be converted into two singles if requested.
This villa is the perfect place 'to get away from it all' in a luxurious environment. Very private and peaceful, it is also an ideal base for day trips to places like Ronda, Granada, Cordoba, Jerez, Cadiz, Seville and the Atlantic coast. Gaucin has many food shops, a chemist, banks, bars and several restaurants which are a cut above most in the area for menu choice and service.
The village has a public pool with tennis courts, a couple of riding schools are also found in the vicinity. Throughout the year Gaucin has many fascinating fiestas, traditional saints' days and the ‘Semana-Santa’ (holy-week) processions. In August, Gaucin celebrates its ‘feria’ with a fairground, traditional music, and dancing in the streets. You can't get a more Spanish grass-roots entertainment than a local feria and this one is certainly full of flavour!
This part of Andalucía is a paradise for walking, exploring, horse-riding and bird watching. Nearby there are also many other beautiful towns and villages. The grandest is Ronda with its famous gorge and the oldest bullring in Spain. A few kilometres down the valley is the River Genal, a good spot for fishing, swimming and exploring. The Mediterranean beaches are half an hour’s drive away, while the Atlantic coast with its fine white sand and famous wind surfing is one and a half hour's drive. Inland you can see the state-owned cork forests which have been designated a nature reserve.
The house book is full of notes on how things work, and what to do if they don’t, as well as tips about what to do in emergencies, maps with suggested places to visit, opening hours etc. The visitors' book and leaflet box has more information about the area and places to eat.
Villa Details
Weather permitting, the swimming pool will be open from April to the end of October. The pool is unheated so swimming will be more comfortable from May onwards.
Given the number of steps in the house and gardens, the house is not suitable for children under six years old or guests with mobility problems.
A weekly change of linen and towels is included for rentals of more than one week
Not included: Under-floor heating and fire wood in low season.
Please, no smoking in the house.
A landline telephone is provided and accepts incoming calls. Outgoing calls are metered and paid for locally.
During low season and long winter lets, under-floor heating and firewood are subject to an additional charge.
Rentals in high season start and finish on a Saturday but there is flexibility in low season, so please ask.
Villa Prices
2020 Season Dates | Week | Fortnight |
---|---|---|
5th January to 13th March | 2,360 € | 4,720 € |
15th March to 19th June | 2,730 € | 5,460 € |
20th June to 28th August | 3,340 € | 6,680 € |
29th August to 23rd October | 2,730 € | 5,460 € |
24th October to 11th December | 2,360 € | 4,720 € |
12th December to 3rd January 2021 | 2,730 € | 5,460 € |
2021 Season Dates | Week | Fortnight |
---|---|---|
Prices Pending | --- | --- |
Prices are inclusive of 6 hours housekeeping per week.
There is an additional charge for gas fired underfloor heating and wood for stoves. This is charged on a per usage basis to a maximum of 300 euros per week, paid locally.
A 950 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
Villa Location
In Gaucin (most facilities) in the Ronda Mountains region (Province of Málaga).
Casares (most facilities) 25 mins; Jimena de la Frontera (most facilities) 35 mins.
Ronda 45 mins; Estepona 45 mins; Marbella 1 hr; Gibraltar 1¼ hrs; Málaga 1½ hrs; Tarifa 1½ hrs.
Jerez 2 hrs; Cádiz 2¼ hrs; Sevilla 2½ hrs; Granada 3 hrs; Córdoba 3 hrs.
Gibraltar 1 hr; Málaga 1½ hrs; Jerez 2 hrs; Sevilla 2½ hrs.
See our Links Page for web sites of airlines traveling to Andalucia from the UK.