Country House with Pool and Mountain Views
- Mountainous
- Village / Rural
- Garden
- Swimming Pool
- Baby Equipment
- Internet Access
- Log Fire
- Courses Available
- Cycling
- Golf nearby
- Horse Riding
- Tennis
- Therapies
- Walking
- Watersports
- Child Friendly
- Cook available
- Ideal for honeymoons
A beautiful three bedroom country house in the heart of the Serrania de Ronda Mountains in Andalucia, Spain. Set in 5 acres of orchards and gardens, the farmhouse has exclusive use of a gated swimming pool, games and play areas, and is a short walk to the beautiful white village of Arriate, with its tapas bars and shops. A stunning and family friendly Andalucian idyll.
Preserving all of its original features - from the pantile roofs and doors to the ancient Moorish aquaduct that still functions to this day - there is very much a sense that you are treading on hallowed land. And indeed you are, for this winding valley was once populated by the Romans and later became the frontier between Arabic and Christian Europe, with fortresses lining its river and a famous battle taking place in the 15th century near the house. Only ten minutes from Ronda in a quiet, sleepy corner of the beautiful Llano de la Cruz valley there are stunning views towards distant shimmering mountains and 5 acres of terraced fields, orchards and formal gardens to explore. Encircled by two streams (the Guadalcobacin reaching sea at Sotogrande), the farm is verdant throughout the year and the sound of water is ever present.
Ronda boasts Andalucia's best collection of restaurants and is also home to one of the best-preserved ancient Arabic cores in the world, with a warren of tiny passageways leading to former Moorish palaces and private homes. On top of that is the much fabled tajo, or gorge. Ronda has a good selection of shops and entertainment in the form of theatre, flamenco and, even opera. Also nearby are the fascinating white-walled mountain towns of Setenil de las Bodegas and Grazalema. Further afield - each around an-hour-and-a-half by car - are the majestic Imperial cities of Seville, Granada, Cordoba, Jerez and Malaga. Walks go straight from the door, with half a dozen itineraries already mapped out for guests, while some of Spain's best hikes through the Sierra de las Nieves and Grazalema national parks begin less than half an hour away by car. Mountain bikes can be hired and other local entertainment includes ballooning, quad-biking and riding.
Getting There:
This villa in Andalucia can be found in the sleepy, rural Llano de la Cruz between Ronda and nearby Arriate, ten minutes away. Both Sevilla and Jerez airports are an hour and a half away, while Malaga airport can be reached in an hour and a quarter.
Nearest Airport:
Ronda 10 minutes
Nearest Train Station:
Ronda 10 minutes
Nearest Ferry:
Malaga 80 minutes
Nearest Restaurant:
Arriate (15 mins walk)
Nearest Beach:
80 mins drive
Nearest Shop:
Arriate (15 mins walk)
Car Hire:
Advised
Interior Details
The sitting room incorporates a full size American bar pool table and opens directly onto the garden. There is both a television showing UK free view and Spanish channels, a DVD player and library and also a music speaker dock. Spanish reference books, novels and art books fill bookshelves and there is wifi throughout the house. Childrens toys fill a wardrobe and playing cards to hand. Relaxed meals take place at the marble topped kitchen table in the fully equipped kitchen or in the spacious dining room. Doors open from both rooms onto the entrance courtyard. Upstairs there are two double bedrooms, a twin bedroom and one bathroom with shower. Floors are carpeted with local sisal, the bedrooms have views over the garden and courtyard and the bathroom has views over the walled garden. All sheets and towels are pure cotton and pool towels are also provided. The farmhouse has metre thick walls to insulate it against the extremes of temperatures. It has been renovated with traditional materials of fired earth roof and floor tiles,reclaimed encaustic cement and decorative tiles in the kitchen, and travertine, white marble or granite surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom. Painted throughout in the soft olive greys of faded lime wash. A log burning stove and central heating warm the house in the winter months and there are fans in every bedroom should a heatwave strike.
Exterior Details
Casa Maia has a private entrance patio, courtyard garden, and dining terrace. It also enjoys exclusive use of the 11 metre swimming pool. The gated swimming pool is just a short way from the house in a completely private setting. It is surrounded by lawn and flowers, sun beds sofas, pergola and mini kitchen for comfort, convenience and beauty. The grassy play area alongside boasts swings, a toddler climbing frame, slide and badminton net. The house itself opens onto the Andalus courtyard with its ancient olive trees, majestic fig tree and fountain at its heart. Framed by a wisteria and rose clad pergola, edged by agapanthus, lavender and roses it is the perfect place to sun bathe, swing in a hammock or dine. Alternatively, retreat to the comfort and deep shade of the cushions and day beds. Stoke up the bbq and lay the table for a meal under the vine, flanked by the emblematic palm tree. Encircled by a river and divided by a stream this former walnut and apple farm still abounds with fruit trees and vegetables. Do please ask us if there are any vegetables available from our allotment.
Further Details
Staff are on hand every day for advice and help. There are two hectares of stunning gardens with numerous fruit trees and flowers as well as a vegetable garden, all of which are available on request. The owners can organise a local fruit and vegetable box, as well as a wide range of meals by the housekeeper and other nearby chefs. They can also arrange babysitting, massages, horse-riding, vineyard tours and many other activities. Please ask for details. While you are just ten minutes to Ronda by car, you are only 15 minutes walk to Arriate, one of the friendliest white-villages of the Serrania de Ronda. Well provided for with a good butcher, greengrocers and supermarkets, it also counts three or four excellent tapas bars, including the atmospheric Almacen, whose owners like to experiment with what is known in Spain as 'cocina creativa' or creative cooking.
Conditions of Rental
The farmhouse is separated into two living spaces - the owners and their two children live in one side and have prepared the semi-detached house Casa Maia for holiday guests. They are on hand to help if you need it, but will leave you to your own devices. You have exclusive use of the swimming pool during your stay. Deposit of 50% is to be made on booking this villa in Andalucia. Upon receipt of the deposit, we will send you a reservation confirmation. The balance must be paid at least 2 weeks before arrival. Please contact us about renting for long weekends or shorter stays - minimum 5 nights (exc Jul & Aug when it's 7 night minimum).
