Secluded holiday villa with pool in rural Andalucia, Spain

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Rustical´s review                                                  See prices

A lovely little villa for a small family or a couple seeking a holiday retreat, it is set in a wonderfully secluded, leafy spot with views of El Torcal mountains.

There’s something inspiringly intimate about being at this cottage. We think it has to do with the age of the building – a restored 1822 property – and the way the landscaped gardens are arranged on terraced levels, providing natural shade and making the outdoor areas so inviting.

It’s in a terrifically private location, too, hidden away on a hill just above where it folds down to deepen into a ravine. There is a farmhouse in the distance, but it faces a different way. Amidst the exuberant Mediterranean vegetation you feel thoroughly out-of-the-way and ensconced in nature. There are over two acres of semi-wild gardens and centuries-old trees.

It’s extremely tranquil here, very natural and relaxing: a perfect place to disconnect, read, write, or simply admire the views from a viewpoint just above the house.

The owners kept as much of the original building as possible when they carried out they restoration, thick stone walls, terracotta floors and beamed ceilings. The same goes for outside, where battles clearing briar and scrub revealed beautifully made dry-stone walls around the gardens. It has all the character of a Malaga farmstead, of the lived-in farm labourer’s home that it once was, but now smartened up and given decent holiday facilities.

As you come in the house, there is a pleasant living area, rustic in style, with a large, comfy sofa. A few steps take you up to a country kitchen with a fold-up dining table. The kitchen door leads directly out to the gardens, making the kitchen area a cheerful place.

The accommodation is all ground floor. There are two bedrooms, one twin-bedded the other double-bedded with a small balcony and superb views: a very nice, rustic room.

Guests share one very ample full bathroom, well-finished and well presented.

The cottage's location represents a natural invitation to outdoor living in civilized fashion, with its furnished terrace for meals, private swimming pool and a sun terrace set with loungers and parasol. The pool area has a barbecue in the shade of an orange tree and its own shower/WC for your convenience.

The Axarquia is famously warm and sunny and this is one of the few properties we have where the pool is open all year. In winter the water will be cold, mind, and the weather may preclude swims, but the pool is maintained continuously.

Our favourite spot was the shaded porch by the house – just the place for morning breakfasts – but then there’s the bottom garden, where all you’re likely to hear are birds and the occasional goats. Seriously relaxing!

It’s well situated for excursions, too, with Montes de Malaga Natural Park just 3 km away. A short track from the cottage leads to a look-out point over the Torcal mountain formations and down to the Mediterranean Sea. El Torcal’s impressive geological cragginess is an obvious walking destination, but Montes de Malaga has plenty to offer, also.

Casabermeja, a large Andalucia village or small town, we’re not sure which (pop. 3,500), is only 15 minutes’ drive. There are three or four good places to eat here and all normal services.

Malaga and its beaches with great fish and seafood restaurants are 40 mins. City lovers may want to visit Granada or Sevilla, others will be content to sit back and enjoy the peaceful countryside and the birdsong.

The cottage is easy to get to: virtually "straight up the road" from Malaga Airport to Casabermeja, then down a 5 km track in good condition, asphalted except for the last part. You can park right by the house. Mobile coverage is available but restricted to the entrance area and hillside above the house.

Facilities
2-ring vitroceramic hob; electric oven; microwave; kettle; coffee maker; toaster; juicer; blender; dishwasher; fridge-freezer; washing machine; tumble dryer; iron & board; hairdryer; fans; satellite TV (Astra channels); DVD; radiators; open fireplace; wood burning stove; cot on request; board games; private pool (6.5 m x 3.5 m, 1.50 m to 1.80 m deep), with shower & WC serving the pool area; sunshade; sunloungers; gardens with outdoor furniture for meals; all linen provided, including pool towels; private parking.

Distribution
All on one floor, but with a few steps leading up and down from bedrooms and kitchen: living area; bathroom/WC (shower over full bathtub); a few steps up to kitchen/diner; two bedrooms, one twin-bedded and one double-bedded with small terrace / balcony.
Exterior: parking space; porch area; terraced landscaped gardens, pool terrace with outside shower/WC.

Notes:
-The swimming pool is mantained and open throughout the year, weather permitting, although please note that it is not heated.
-The pool is not gated and does not have a shallow end, otherwise this villa is suitable for families with young children.
-The price includes a basic welcome pack for our clients

Location and distances
Secluded on the hillside overlooking El Torcal mountain range. Accessed along a 5 km track in good condition, 15 mins from Casabermeja.


A short Casabermeja and Montes de Malaga video

Montes de Malaga Natural Park	3 km
Casabermeja (most facilities)	15 mins
Antequera (historical town)	30 mins
El Torcal limestone park (signposted walks)	30 mins
Malaga beaches	40 mins
Malaga Airport	45 mins

Booking information for this property
Changeover day: normally Saturday in summer High Season

Prices and dates