Yet it's not so far from civilisation! Just 10 minutes from Ronda and even closer to the little market town of Arriate, splendid Andalusian cities such as Jerez and Sevilla and the coastal resorts of the Costa del Sol are all no more than one and a half hours drive away.

Easily accessed via a little country lane it is, therefore, an ideal base for adventures beyond its boundaries as well as being a relaxing and joyous place just "to be".

Equally splendid inside and out, the villa nevertheless retains all its original character.

At the front, a huge and very impressive cobbled courtyard has trees, plants and fountains set in traditional style within its high perimeter walls, as well as al fresco dining facilities under a shaded canopy (comfortably seating eight). The original double doors leading into the courtyard are suitably constructed from solid chestnut.

At the rear of the property a lovely, shaded colonnade runs its entire length, with plenty of places to sit and relax or to eat, drink and be merry, looking out to the extensive lawn and the gardens beyond. Hammocks are strung up casually in the trees.

The lawn extends well beyond the house, down to the horse paddock which is some distance away, but close enough to see the horses playfully frolicking in the sunshine.

There are sunloungers and furnished wooden tables on both sides of the villa too, so there's plenty of scope to enjoy a bit of privacy here, should you wish to, or just to try out a different view!

Other outside spaces on the huge estate include covered parking (with space for three or four cars), a small detail perhaps but one which will be much appreciated in the heat of high summer.

The farmhouse itself is everything you would hope for in such classic surrounds - spacious and serene, it exudes calm and relaxation while offering understated, uncluttered luxury and comfort.

A really peaceful house, it's a perfect venue for relaxed entertaining. Family friendly, it's a haven for children with so many outdoor spaces to explore and play in, and because there are few steps it's also an easy house for the less mobile.

Naturally cool in summer (the colour scheme throughout is white, white … and more white, with contrast offered by occasional fabrics, graceful woodwork and beautiful terracotta floor tiles), it is also warm and comfortable in winter with log fires and underfloor heating throughout.

King size beds, white cotton sheets, big bathrobes and towels, large baths and showers add elegance and style.

There is an extensive library of books, Bose Wave music machines - and big comfortable hammocks to enjoy them in. And WiFi throughout the house for those who need to use their laptops; Freeview satellite TV, DVD and video too.

To help you to fashion your holiday in the way you want, there's first class service and advice available whenever needed.

Design throughout is both classic and properly traditional: the main door opens to a spacious, attractively decorated hallway which leads through to the kitchen and also to the living / dining room to the side. A wide stairway lead up to the first floor bedrooms.

And, wow, what a kitchen! Beautifully designed and appointed, it's huge yet really charming, light flooding in from the windows which look out across the lawns and gardens beyond the colonnade at the back of the house.

A country kitchen with 21st Century style, there's all the equipment you could ever wish for (some of it housed in two utility rooms alongside), including two dishwashers, two fridge / freezers, two ovens and a six ring hob. The American washing machine can complete its entire cycle in six minutes …

Both the kitchen and the hall open through to a resplendent lounge / dining room which occupies the entire south wing of the ground floor. With windows on all three sides and doors opening out to the various terrace spaces outside, this is a lovely and equally spacious room.

Cool and calm, with white sofas casually arranged around the open fireplace, the side nearest the kitchen is taken up by a magnificent dining table which will easily accommodate fourteen. There are books on the shelves, a quality Bose Wave Music System (CD player and radio), Satellite TV, DVD player and VCR.

Bedroom 6 is within a separately accessed studio apartment on the ground floor of the main house.

The apartment comprises a decent sized double bedroom (with a queen sized bed) and French doors leading to its own private courtyard garden. It enjoys a choice of shower room or bathroom (with bath and shower), and has its own kitchenette / living room (with a sofa bed too).

It an ideal annexe for teenagers perhaps, or for staff.

And there's one more, Bedroom 7, which is also accessed via a separate entrance but still part of the main house. It is a single, downstairs room with its own ensuite bathroom.

The owners and their staff rightly take pride in the property and also in their commitment to making your holiday the one you want.

Whether you come to relax with family and friends, to explore Andalucía and its vibrant, colourful cities, for the ferias or the bullfights, on your honeymoon or for any other reason, they will help tailor-make your holiday for you, should you wish.

Themed breaks can be organised, anything from Andalusian cooking courses or detox weeks, writing or art courses, opportunities for business brainstorming retreats and so on.

Generally it works best if clients arrange their own tutor or course leader, leaving the house staff free to arrange outside activities, catering, transport and excursions. If you want to hold your wedding reception here that can also be arranged.

Other services might include meeting you at the airport, organising a car and driver for you, acting as your guide, arranging catering, massage or yoga, babysitting and a host of other things – just ask and they will do their best to arrange it for you.

Activities such as walks and picnics, riding, skiing, paragliding, hot air ballooning, tennis and golf can often be arranged for you.

There are many spectator events to enjoy too, from visiting a bull breeding farm, going to a poncho factory, watching olive oil being pressed, visiting a local bodega or having a flamenco evening arranged at the house itself.

Get proper local knowledge about the best restaurants and tapas bars to eat in and what's going on around and about, from the Feria de Pedro Romero in Ronda (in September), to the annual crossing of the Guadalquivir river.

The house staff are here to help.