Sweeping views over a classical Andalusian scene
This attractive, modern holiday home is perched on a hill in the midst of joyful countryside with views over rolling hillsides of olives, oaks and orchards ...
"A wonderfully relaxing 3 weeks. We loved everything about our stay. Kids made the most of the pool, ping-pong and badminton. Saw lots of colourful wildlife and even 2 ibex! Illora is great, discovered "La Terraza" which is the best bar in town. A summer pop up we think. Visited Montefrío and The Alhambra. The latter as amazing as everyone says. Thank you so much for our stay."
"This was our first family holiday with our 8 month old baby who had a great time sitting on the first step of the pool playing with his toys every day. We had a very lazy and relaxing time (much needed) enjoying the pool, gardens and the stunning views. The ibex were enchanting to watch. We managed a trip to Granada but will have to return there to see all the sights."
"Thank you! We enjoyed our stay at ZM24. The children loved rocking on the swing (sometimes a bit too much) playing in the tree house and running around the house. I felt guilty asking my son to pick me a prickly pear and spent last evening tweezing out the spines! Wear gloves! We saw about 4 ibex which was fun. Went to the lake which was empty of people and water but again kids loved feeding the carp bits of bread. And of course swimming and eating in the outside kitchen."
"Thank you for a wonderful week at your property. We enjoyed our whole time here. The pool was refreshing, the views spectacular and the environment was so relaxing. The house offered everything we could need and, despite the wasps!, we ate in the beautiful gardens everyday. Our day trips to Granada and El Caminito del Rey were well worth the drive and offered outstanding experiences for us to remember. Thanks for a great holiday."
"En famille de 3 adultes et 3 enfants de 10, 6 et 3 ans, nous avons passé une trés agréable semaine dans la ZM24. Le piscine est un vrei régal nous e avons beaucoup profité. La situation de la villa nous a permis de revisiter notre chére Andalousié on nous revenous cheque année. Merci pour tout!"
"Thank you so much for letting us enjoy our beautiful home. We had a wonderful time and hope to return one day. With thanks."
"We very much enjoyed our stay. The house is lovely and the view was amazing. I enjoyed collecting eggs from the animals. I called the duck Cris. The pool was perfect temperature, we had a great time on all the inflatables. We spent a day in Granada and we went to the Alhambra and we found my favourite Spanish shop. Thank you so so so much for letting us stay in this wonderful house."
"Thank you for a week in an uber-tranquil setting. Boys loved the pool and the chickens, as well as the "chamois"(not sure what the Spanish equivalent is) Best of Granada was the Science Museum - 6 hours straight with a 4 and a 6 year old!"
"Muchas gracias you all for our stay in your delightful villa. We loved every nook and cranny of serenity and surprise you have provided. Sunrises and sunsets are magical in this fabulous location. Good food shopping in Pinos Puente, added to the provenance of the garden and the chickens inspired our own cooking. We explored the fascinating, awesome gorges at El Chorro (not close but worth the journey) and at Monachil. The whole of Granada cannot be missed. Our resident photographer captured may magic memories to keep the house and this holiday alive for us all. Very much recommend the Green Granada City Tour and the excellent market near stop 9. We will take the warmth back with us right up to Christmas. Love to all future guests and owners."
"Thank you so much for the wonderful stay! The house was perfect, especially the pool and garden - and of course the chickens! Had a great time exploring Andalucía, particularly Old Town in Marbella and Ronda just beautiful! We will definitely be coming back for more sightseeing, tapas and wine!"
"Thank you very much for a wonderful week in your fabulous villa. We very much enjoyed the pool which we spent a lot of time in. Very much recommend the Green Granada City Tour and the excellent market near stop 9. We will take the warmth back with us right up to Christmas. "
"This lovely house is a spotlight in the hills. When we were driving up my mum said: "oh gosh, I hope that one is ours'" We have names for all the chickens and ducks. We named the rabbit Ray. The pool has been a delight. We have all loved every moment."
"Thank you so much. We have had a fabulous, if hot, week in your beautiful Andalusian home. Every little thing has been thought about to the extent of fresh veg and eggs too! The children thoroughly enjoyed the pool, morning, noon and night under the stars! A must-see is definitely The Alhambra Palace, but we also spent a couple of visits wondering through the medieval quarter and had a fantastic meal at a restaurant that you recommended us. Thank you so much."
"What a fabulous villa! Thank you all for a lovely week. A gorgeous, beautiful and well equipped house and garden with a lovely pool and fresh vegetables and eggs too! We had a very relaxing week but did venture to Granada and Alhambra which is an absolute MUST-SEE! We would love to come back one day. Gracias! Perfecto!"
"Spent a lovely week here at ZM24. The house is very well equipped and comfortable. The garden is beautiful. We were spoilt by choice for al fresco dining options. The vegetable garden and fresh eggs from the coop were a welcome addition to our meals. We travelled to Granada for an evening meal and sunset over the Alhambra highly recommended. We also did an afternoon trip to Guadix, a day at the coast at Salobreña. Lots of lunch options. A wonderful place to come and get away from it all."
"Thanks for another lovely week. Our second visit and it just gets better!
We love the region, the weather & most of all your fabulous villa!
"
"We have been inexcusably lazy over the course of the week. One day trip to Granada was all we managed. Even this we regretted as it meant a day away from this villa, where we could relax, eat and drink away the beautiful days!"
"Thank you very much for providing us with first class accommodation, with outstanding panoramic views of your lovely country. Your villa is at the top of our list!"
"This is our third day here and I can honestly say it is sheer heaven. It is just what the doctor ordered for a peaceful, relaxing time. We have stayed in villas in Spain many times but this one will take some beating!"
"The first of, we hope, many visits to this beautiful region. We have all so enjoyed our holiday at your Cortijo. Hopefully we will return for more fun and frolics in the olive groves next year! Thank you! "
Bedrooms
Four (three doubles, one single with twin bunk beds).
Pool
Private swimming pool
approx. 12 m x 7 m, 1.2 - 1.7 m deep.
Location
In open countryside, 5 km from Illora in El Poniente Granadino region (Province of Granada).
Price
Sleeping 4 from 1,150 € to 1,490 € per week.
Sleeping 7 from 1,420 € to 1,490 € per week.
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Villa Description
In the heart of Andalucia
A classic and very peaceful Andalusian scene of gently rolling hillsides of olive, oak and fruit orchards spreads out before you.
This lovely holiday home is perched on a hill with sweeping views over a classical Andalusian scene of seemingly endless, rolling hillsides of wild olive, oak and orchards. The scenery all around is both joyful and dramatic.
Accessed via a ½ km well maintained concrete country track, it is totally peaceful and has the feeling of being completely on its own, even though there are working farms around and about, little changed by the passing of time.
Apart from the obligatory olive trees, this extensive property (the estate comprises 40,000 m2) is planted with every possible indigenous Andalusian fruit tree, including some rare ones, and guests are welcome to help themselves to their delicious bearings.
The grounds are delightful, with lawned areas surrounding the lovely, irregular-shaped swimming pool (approx. 12 m x 7 m) which is now fenced and gated (see more photos section).
Comfortable relaxation
There are lots of different seating areas to choose from, each of them lovely, both on the terrace surrounds and in the gardens.
There are lots of different seating areas to choose from, each of them lovely, both on the terrace surrounds and in the gardens. All provide comfortable relaxation and beautiful views.
A recent addition is the splendid barbecue hut which includes an arabic oven as well as the built-in brick barbecue, plenty of preparation space and an attractive, shaded dining area. Al fresco meals can also be taken on the terrace which opens from the kitchen.
And there's more! The owners have created a wonderful organic vegetable garden and you are welcome to pick whatever you need.
Just imagine that crisp, succulent, freshly plucked lettuce ... and there's now a hen coop too so you can enjoy fresh, organic eggs too.
A Fantastic Holiday
"Just a quick thank you to all at Rustic Blue as, once again, we had a fantastic holiday here".
Inside, the house is spacious and comfortable, a well built, modern Spanish home. The owner, who is a professional interior decorator, has added exotic touches here and there, such as wall hangings, fabrics and carved screens from India to compliment good quality local, traditional furnishings.
The large sitting / dining room has a comfortable sofa and chairs gathered around the fireplace at one end, the dining table (which comfortably seats eight) at the other end of the room where a lovely wooden stairway leads up to the bedrooms on the higher floors.
Double doors open to the terrace and gardens outside.
An archway leads through to a well appointed, spacious and attractive country-style kitchen. It also opens to the outdoor eating area under a pergola draped by a huge grapevine. A bathroom completes the distribution on this floor.
There are three comfortable double bedded rooms on the floors above. The bedroom on the mezzanine floor (just a few steps up from the living / dining room) has its own en-suite bathroom (shower over bath tub). The other two (on the first floor, a few more steps up) share a bathroom between them.
The fourth bedroom on the lower ground floor has a single sofa bed plus two sets of bunk beds.
Joyful countryside
On hot summer days take a gentle stroll by the side of the stream which runs through the rugged cliffs of the dramatic gorge.
The estate is bordered by a gorge (where wild ducks come to nest), dominated by rugged cliffs. On hot summer days this is a lovely place for a gentle stroll by the side of the stream which runs through the gorge. But take care, it's steep in places.
Here you are in the wonderfully serene countryside of "El Poniente Granadino", the western frontier of "Al-Andalus", the old Moorish Kingdom of Granada.
All around gently rolling hillsides are dotted with a million olive trees, cultivated fields and smallholdings. The pace of life is slow and steady, authentically Andaluz.
The nearest town is Illora, five kilometres to the west along the country lane. With a population of around 10,000 it is a quaint little market town with a ruined Moorish castle on high, serving the needs of the farming communities around and about.
The jewel in the Spanish Crown
Granada with its mesmerising Alhambra Palace, ancient Arab quarter, magnificent Cathedral and the caves of Sacramonte is just half an hour away.
But you are not so far from civilisation either …
Five kilometres in the other direction will take you to the main Granada to Córdoba road, so from here it's very easy to visit either of these great cities. Granada is just half an hour away, Córdoba a little further, a couple of hours away.
Heading south west through the lovely countryside of El Poniente for a short while, you will quickly pick up the motorways which will take you all the way, south to Málaga or west to Sevilla.
Sevilla is a 2¾ hour trip. Malaga and the sandy beaches of the Costa del Sol are 90 minutes away.
Top class skiing is also approximately one and a half hours drive away in the spectacular Sierra Nevada. This can be excellent but avoid weekends, when the Granadinos swarm up from the city!
A happy home
Here you will enjoy peace and serenity, far away from life's hustle and bustle. A place to relax in beautiful countryside.
For more leisurely pursuits, 12 km from Alhama de Granada (famous for its thermal baths) the Embalse de Los Bermejales is a wonderfully peaceful, beautiful place to spend some time.
There are sandy beaches, safe swimming and plenty of non-motorised water sports. There are also a couple of cafes at the edge of the lake. Many of the local population spend evenings and weekends barbecuing at the water's edge. It is a great location.
On the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada, Las Alpujarras offers amazing walking, horse riding and mountain biking.
There are also lovely walks, of course, closer to home.
Here you will enjoy peace and serenity in the heart of Andalucía, far away from the madding crowds, far away from life's hustle and bustle. A place to relax and enjoy, a happy home in a wonderful location.
Much loved by our clients over many years now, their comments include, "lovely villa and surroundings in beautiful countryside" and "we had a wonderful time, a truly great holiday!"
And from another, "Just a quick thank you to all at Rustic Blue as, once again, we had a fantastic holiday here".
Villa Details
The Villa in Detail
All the facts and features about this villa
Distribution
Lower Ground Floor
- Bedroom with a single sofa bed and bunk beds
Ground Floor
- Living / dining room
- Kitchen
- Bathroom (shower only, no bath tub)
Mezzanine
- Double bedroom with en-suite bathroom (shower over bath tub)
First Floor
- 2 double bedrooms
- Bathroom (shower over bath tub)
Facilities
Entertainment
- 40" Flat screen TV (Spanish programmes)
- DVD
- Bluetooth/USB portable speaker
- Wifi Internet is available in the house as well as the garden and pool area (bring your own laptop)
Amenities
- Glass fronted fireplace in the living room
- Electric Radiators
- Portable Fans
- Washing Machine, Iron & board
- Hairdryer
- Cot with linen & Highchair available (on request).
- All linen is provided (including pool towels)
Kitchen
- Electric Oven
- Gas / electric hob (4 rings)
- Electric griddle
- Microwave
- Fridge / Freezer
- Dishwasher
- Toaster, Juicer, Kettle, Coffee pot
- Cooking utensils, Cutlery, Crockery
Outdoors
- Gated, filtered swimming pool (approx. 12 m x 7 m, 1.20 -1.70 m deep) with underwater lighting
- Pool shower
- Pool terrace
- Pool Pergola
- Sun beds
- Dining terrace
- Outdoor dining and garden furniture
- Barbecue hut with Arabic oven and charcoal / wood barbecue (Charcoal barbeque cannot be used in July and August)
- Gas Barbeque with lava rocks and grill
- Tree house for kids
- Garden and grounds which include an organic vegetable garden and a chicken coop (guests are welcome to help themselves to fresh vegetables and eggs)
- Parking
Notes
Weather permitting, the swimming pool will be open from April to the end of October (although, because it's not heated, the normal swimming season is from May to September, inclusive)
Although there is sleeping capacity for more, the maximum occupancy of the house is restricted to seven
Prices below include firewood in low season
If requested in advance, additional cleaning services can usually be provided, payable locally
A nanny service is available at this property. Please ask for details.
Rentals for this property normally run from Saturday to Saturday in high season
Villa Prices
Prices and Seasons
ZM 24
| 2023 Season Dates | Week | Fortnight |
|---|---|---|
| 8th January to 8th December | 1,625 € | 3,250 € |
ZM 24
| 2024 Season Dates | Week | Fortnight |
|---|---|---|
| Prices Pending | --- | --- |
Notes
Prices above include firewood in winter months
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
ZM 24
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
In open countryside, 5 km from the village of Illora (basic facilities) in El Poniente Granadino region (Province of Granada)
Location
Accessed via a ½ km well maintained concrete track suitable for a normal car, 5 km from the village of Illora (basic facilities, bars, restaurants), in El Poniente Granadino region (Province of Granada).
Montefrio (most facilities) 25 mins; Alcalá la Real (all facilities) 30 mins; Granada (all facilites) 30 mins.
Salobreña (Mediterranean beaches) 1½ hrs; Nerja 2 hrs.
Sierra Nevada Ski Resort 1½ hrs; Las Alpujarras (high mountain walking etc) 2 hrs.
Nearest Airports
Granada 30 mins; Málaga 1½ hrs; Sevilla 2¾ 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
- Built into the rocky outcrop which dominates the centre of this lovely, whitewahed little town, Illora has a host of bars and cafes and is a centre for outdoor activities, including horse riding and hill walking in the Sierra Parapanda. Streets are narrow and steep offering character, quaint buildings and warm welcomes.
- To the west, the white village of Montefrio, with its high-towered church, suddenly appears through a gap in the mountains, resembling a ship sailing across rolling waves of hills covered with low lying, gnarled trees … those trees that produce the green-gold that the whole world desires.
- The steep streets wind they way up a craggy escarpment, dotted with thickly white-washed houses, up to the 16th century church which sits imperiously above the town, built within the remains of the arab fortress as a symbol of the victory of Christianity over Islam. Everywhere there are great views.
- All around there is mile upon mile of wonderful, peaceful countryside. Time slows down here, for everybody.
- Signposted off the road to Montefrío, is an intriguing and unmissable archaeological site, the Penas de los Gitanos, "The Cliffs of the Gypsies", famous for its many prehistoric tombs scattered in a spectacular landscape of white cliffs, gorges and meadows.
- Just 30 minutes away, Granada is, of course, a must-see city. Soaring high above is the spectacular back drop of the snow-covered Sierra Nevada mountains. And what a city lies below, a city of classical beauty, the jewel in the Spanish Crown.
- The mesmerising Alhambra Palace and its exquisite gardens, one of the world's greatest wonders; the narrow, cobbled streets and beautiful walled gardens of the ancient Arab quarter, El Albaicín; the magnificent Cathedral, just one of many superb examples of Renaissance architecture; the caves of Sacramonte, nostalgic legacy of the gypsies.
- A city which inspired García Lorca, Andalucía's finest poet, it is, above all, a people's city, full of life and colour, energy and fun.
- Córdoba too, is a must-see city, once the largest city in the world, the thriving capital of Al-Andalus, the name used to describe Moorish Spain which extended throughout almost all of the Iberian Peninsular.
- In its heyday it was considered the Mecca of the west. The Mesquita of Córdoba is, along with Granada's Alhambra Palace, the finest example of Islamic Art in the western world, the grandest and most beautiful mosque constructed by the Moors in Spain. It's one of only a handful of man-made places in the world which literally takes your breath away.
- Quite apart from the Mesquita, there's much more to discover in Córdoba. It's very picturesque, a town to stroll around. You will come across little squares, peaceful courtyards and balconies overflowing with bougainvilleas. The aroma of lemon blossom, the exuberant colours of the flowers, the cool trickle of a fountain. It's a beautiful town, Córdoba.
- If wonderful mountain scenery is your thing, then head for Las Alpujarras. Between the highest mountains in Spain and the Mediterranean Sea, this is a joyous land of sunshine, snowy mountains and some of the most splendid scenery imaginable. From the snows to the sea, there are panoramic views in every direction, from the peaks of Veleta and Mulhacén to the southern sierras and the Mediterranean beyond.
- On the northern slopes of Sierra Nevada, top class skiing is 1½ hours drive away. This can be excellent but avoid weekends, when the Granadinos swarm up from the city.
- Mediterranean beaches on the Costa Tropical are 90 minutes drive south. Attractive little resort towns include Salobrena, La Herradura and Almuñecar. Nerja with its 16 kilometres of beaches with powdery sand and sparkling clear water is just a little further.
Activities
- Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the hillsides and little villages of El Poniente on foot, horseback, or bicycle.
- The Embalse de Los Bermejales is a wonderfully peaceful, beautiful place to spend some time. The water quality is amazing, very clean and warm, almost like swimming in bath water, a safe place for children to swim. Stocked with fish - mainly barbel and carp - throw in a piece of bread and all hell breaks loose!
- Canoeing and boating (anything that hasn't got a motor is permitted) as well as swimming and fishing can be enjoyed here.
- And, of course, here you are well placed to travel to the ski resort high in La Sierra Nevada.
The Area
El Poniente
The western frontier of "Al-Andalus", the old Moorish Kingdom of Granada, it's a region of great natural charm and welcoming people …
Read more
Illora
Built into the rocky outcrop which dominates the centre of this lovely, whitewahed little town, streets are narrow and steep offering character, and warm welcomes …
