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 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.

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.