The cottage under the high castle, Gaucin, Andalucia. Sleeps 4.

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At the top of Gaucin, a craggy cliff face rises up to the 12th century castle built by the Moors. Directly below here, and commanding marvellous views of the village and sea while remaining part of the village, is a lovely little cottage in a rocky setting of shrubs and giant cacti.

It’s a perfect village retreat. Located on the edge of the Gaucin, where walks into the countryside start on your doorstep, it is both relaxing and intriguing.

Large windows fill the main open-plan room with light and offer views down through the mountains to the Mediterranean Sea. On clear days, you can make out Morocco. The decoration has gentle colours and furniture is neat and comfortable. The kitchen is thoughtfully equipped and there are two bedrooms, a double and a twin. The whole house has a holiday bungalow feel to it.

Below the property, a public path leads up to the castle, but it doesn’t detract from the sense of seclusion or disturb the tranquillity of cottage’s terrace and rocky gardens. On the porch terrace, a teak table and chairs provide opportunities to eat out or have drinks while enjoying unbeatable views out to the Bay of Gibraltar.

A roundish, good-sized swimming pool is 50 metres from the house along a path; this is shared with the Spanish artist owners (very friendly people), who live in a house nearby, which is unseen from the rental cottage. They sometimes use the pool after sundown, the rest of the time it's all yours. 

The pool area has extraordinary views, and as well as sunloungers and shade. It's gated along the path from the house so that children cannot wander off there alone, and protective fencing safeguards pool users from the drop below, but do bear in mind it's not visible from the cottage, so young children should be accompanied. Generally speaking, the cottage is a great holiday choice for kids, who will have fun exploring the limestone hill with its occasional small caves.

Gaucin has all the services you may require for your holiday stay, including an organic produce shop, some good tapas bars, a flamenco bar and at least two good restaurants. Those craving the seaside (without wanting to live amidst its crowds and cars and discos) will find Mediterranean beaches just 40 minutes from the house (see location on Ronda map).

Other enticing day trips are the historic town of Ronda at just 40 minutes, also Gibraltar, one hour away. Nearer at hand are traditional Andalucia villages such as Genalguacil or Jimena de la Frontera: well worth a visit and stopping for a meal.

Facilities
4-ring gas hob; oven; washing machine; TV; radio/cassette/CD player; cot and highchair on request; barbecue; oval pool, occasionally shared with owner (8 m x 5.5 m, 1.50 deep); garden & pool furniture, including comfortable sunloungers and sunshade; private parking; all linen provided.

Distribution
All on one floor: living / dining / open-plan kitchen (with woodburning stove); bathroom; two bedrooms (one double, one twin-bedded); private furnished terrace. Plenty of outdoor hillside to explore and enjoy.

Notes:
-Subject to adverse weather conditions, the pool will be open from 04 April to 23 October.
-A 100 € security deposit is payable on each booking. This will be refunded three weeks after your holiday, subject to reductions for breakages or damage
-Although this is a great house for families, please note that the pool side has an unprotected drop.

Locations & Distances
At the edge of the village of Gaucin, below the castle. There is private parking close to the cottage.

NOTES ON AVAILABILITY FOR THIS PROPERTY: