No doubt about it, this fabulous finca - with its two swimming pools, private gardens and casually chic interiors - is one of Andalucia's most droolingly seductive rental homes. It was created back in the Noughties by a top London restaurateur, a renowned hotelier and some of the finest local craftsmen; and given a fresh lease of life in 2022 when it was bought by a Hamburg-based family. The ancient farmhouse sits on a terraced hillside with views across the valley to the hilltop town of Ronda, and their inspired rehab cut no corners. If your holiday idyll is about deep comfort and the most perfect of pampering, it is your kind of place.
A lofty, double-heighted dining room, with twin staircases sweeping up to the drawing room and master bedroom, sets the tone. There are 6 sumptuous bedrooms, a games room, snazzy tennis court and home cinema, a wine cellar and a state-of-the art kitchen, superbly set up for friends and families alike. A concierge is on hand throughout your stay, and Ronda is an easy drive away. Seductively southern and alluringly Andaluz, there's nowhere quite like it for a memorable holiday with friends and family in one of the loveliest corners of southern Spain.
Highs
- The division of space has been managed to give each bedroom a maximum of privacy and its own slice of terrace
- The house is set amidst 5 acres of terraced gardens and orchards and its enormous infinity pool highlights the stunning mountain views
- You can self-cater or arrange for external caterers to host meals, just ask
- We loved the gorgeous terrace with BBQ - perfect for alfresco dining
- This place is, quite literally, at the end of the road: Ronda is 10 minutes away yet the farm feels seductively remote
Lows
- We haven't visited since the 2022 change in ownership and refurb, so our description may be a little out of date
- Some of the bedrooms are in separate annexes below the main house
- If you plan to stay during the summer you'll need to book well in advance
Best time to go
The warmer months will mean you take advantage of the swimming pools. But this house is a great choice at any time of year: all bedrooms have central heating and there are open fires in both the drawing room and the dining room, which also has the added luxury of underfloor heating.
Our top tips
The house is often rented by families or groups of friends. And having so many rooms, this could also be a perfect choice for a family with a nanny in tow.
- Boutique Villa
- 6 bedrooms
- Self-catering (+ meals on request)
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car essential
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
- Tennis Court
- Pool Table
- Bicycles Available
Rooms
The 6 bedrooms have a really intimate, private feel. Rooms 1 and 2 are in the main house whilst the other bedrooms are divided amongst 3 annexes, which drop down the hillside towards the infinity pool and gardens.
The queen bee is room 1, reached via a private staircase from the dining room. The main sleeping area has a queensize double, a roll-top bathtub and high, shuttered French windows which open onto a bridge taking you directly to the alberca pool. The bathroom has a walk-in rain shower.
Room 2 has lower ceilings but shares the same subdued decor: all white walls, chalky grey shutters and a terracotta tiled floor, pepped up by Moroccan rugs. It has a bathtub and a walk-in rain shower in its bathroom and French windows lead out to the smaller pool.
The remaining rooms are across the cobbled courtyard in the annexe nearest to the house. Room 3 has a cosy feel, enhanced by a wood-burning stove in the old hearth, and shares a terrace with room 4. Both have double or twin beds, freestanding wardrobes and shower bathrooms. Room 4 also has the advantage of long views out across the valley while room 3 looks towards the courtyard.
Furthest from the main house, rooms 5 and 6 are in the annexe with the games room / home cinema and second kitchen. Room 6 is a simple twin room with adjacent shower, but room 5 is really rather romantic. A four-poster bed takes centre stage, whilst the shower room feels lifted straight from a Moroccan riad (accessed via a keyhole arched doorway with eye-catching geometric floor tiles). Shuttered doors lead out to a private valley-facing terrace which, in turn, leads to the shaded dining terrace that fronts the games room.
All beds are dressed in Egyptian cotton sheets, with top-spec mattresses and piles of towels - including a second set for pool use.
Features include:
- Hairdryer
- Washing machine
- WiFi
Eating
The bespoke kitchen is one of the best we've come across in a rental property. As well as a central island - which makes cooking both practical and sociable - you're treated to twin fridges, a microwave, a huge top-of-the-range hob and oven, an ice-making machine and every conceivable kitchen gadget (including 3 dishwashers!). The adjoining dining room, where a Douglas Fir table (seats 14) takes central stage, is its perfect partner: any meal here couldn't fail to be a special occasion.
Basic ingredients are provided to help you self-cater, and there's a small supermarket in Arriate, 5km away. Ronda offers a larger supermarket. Closer to home, you can pick your own fresh produce from the vegetable patch in the garden, and collect eggs for your breakfast from your very own hens!
When we visited, we opted to let caterers handle the cooking. We ate in the fabulous dining room, but meals often move to the vine terrace or poolside pergola in good weather. Breakfasts and lunches can be provided, as well as BBQs and special celebratory feasts: just let them know about your wish list prior to arrival.
If you prefer to head out to eat, there are several excellent little restaurants a short drive away. You really are spoiled for choice when it comes to tapas bars in Ronda.
Features include:
- Barbecue
- Chef on request
- Dinner by arrangement
- Dishwasher
- Fridge
- Full kitchen
- Kids' meals
- Lunch by arrangement
- Microwave
- Organic produce
- Oven
- Welcome hamper
Activities
- Explore the old town of Ronda, finding time to check out the Joaquín Peinado museum, the bullring and to ogle at the town's extraordinary gorge and bridge
- Taste fine wines at one of the many bodegas in the area: some of the best are close by
- Take a tour of the Pueblos Blancos - the white villages - making sure not to miss Zahara and Grazalema
- Hike in the Grazalema Park. This biosphere reserve has towering limestone mountains, deep gorges and a fantastic range of flora and fauna: keep your eyes out for soaring griffon vultures
- Explore the valley on horseback: there are riding stables just 5 minutes from the house
- Play tennis, pool, table football or ping-pong, or pick a film in the home cinema
- The concierge can help arrange a host of other activities: massage, hot-air ballooning, tennis, golf, sailing, horse-riding...
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cycling
- Fishing
- Golf
- Hiking
- Horse riding
- Hot air ballooning
- Kayaking
- Museums / galleries
- Pool table
- Private guided tours
- Rafting
- Sailing
- Shopping / markets
- Swimming
- Table tennis
- Tennis
- Windsurfing
- Wine tasting
Kids
The finca couldn't be better for kids, with plenty for all ages to do, and we think it makes a terrific place for a group or extended family holidays.
Best for:
All ages
Family friendly accommodation:
You've got the run of the house's 6 bedrooms; there's a daybed in the anteroom of Room 1, and a folding bed which can be put in any of the rooms.
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
Babysitting:
Babysitting is available by arrangement
Baby equipment:
- 2 travel cots - but no linen, so bring your own
- 2 high chairs
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
Children's meals:
The kitchens are remarkably well-equipped and offer plenty of space for those blessed with chef skills. The housekeepers can take charge of meal arrangements if you want to relax
Kids Activities on site:
- 2 pools, both gated and heated by solar energy
- Gardens and orchards to explore
- Tennis court
- Games room with pool table, table football and ping pong
- Cinema screen with children's DVDs
- Board games
- Bikes and tennis racquets to borrow
Kids Activities nearby:
- Stables and horse riding
- Hikes in the countryside
- Guided birdwatching walks
- Playground in Ronda
- 'Indiana Jones' ballpool/soft play area nearby
Families Should Know:
There are some steps around the house and down into the garden and pool area and a raised balcony area
Distances:
- Airport: 1.5 hours (Malaga, Seville and Jerez)
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
The villa is a 20-minute drive from Ronda in Andalucia, southern Spain. It's equidistant between the Málaga and Jérez airports, which are both about an hour and a half away. Seville is a little further but still an easy 2-hour drive from the house.
By Air
Málaga (96km), Jerez (124km) and Sevilla (138km) are your nearest airports.
By Train
If you'd prefer to travel overland from the UK or elsewhere in Spain, check out Seat 61. The high-speed AVE train can whisk you down from Madrid to Seville (2 hours) and from there you can pick up a hire car.
By Car
See our car rental recommendations.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Malaga Pablo Ruiz Picasso 96.0 km AGP
- Seville San Pablo 138.0 km SVQ
Other:
- Beach 50.0 km
- Shops 5.0 km
- Restaurant 2.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape