Villa rental with private pool in Antequera, the heart of Andalucia

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Rustical´s review                                                  See prices

Some decades ago, a local Antequera shepherd on his daily rounds decided to climb a high hill. When he arrived at the top, he discovered another landscape, another country almost: the spot had outstanding views all the way south as far as the sea, and he fell in love with the beautiful piece of land just below the ridge. At the time, he never dreamed that many years later he would build right there, in an impressive estate by Torcal Natural Park, a top quality rural hotel and holiday cottages. Sheep and goats must be more profitable than we thought.

AX21 is one of these cottages, distinctive and very persuasive. It is on its own, totally private and not overlooked. The hotel is just below the cottage, 5 minutes' walk away.

It's very handy having the hotel such a short stroll away, not only for drinks or meals (including breakfast) when you don’t feel like cooking, or the fabulous spa bath and massage treatments on offer there, but also for the tennis court (racquets and balls provided) and bicycle hire. As Rustical Travel clients, you are invited to make use of these facilities in the same way as the hotel guests, simply paying for whatever you wish to use. The Reception can also arrange horseriding, as well as being a good source of local information.

The cottage itself remains a tranquil retreat. Decades after the shepherd found it, the location feels very rural and unspoilt, on a hillside with evergreen oaks.

It's very private, spacious, has excellent views, a lovely pool and lawned gardens, and the location has much to recommend it. This mountain area is just about the prettiest point in central Andalucia from which day visits to Cordoba, Granada and Seville are all possible.

The house is well-finished, well-equipped and roomy, with high ceilings. We weren’t enamoured of the decorative hangings (pictures and engravings being rather tacky), but the furniture is agreeably chunky and sofas very comfy. The layout works well, too: all on one floor with a shaded porch area, and the pool and barbecue close at hand. A good design for easy, lazy holidays.

The requirements you would expect of a decent quality villa are all there, including Wi-Fi connection (bring your own laptop) and dishwasher.

As you come in there is a kitchen with breakfast bar, dining area and lounge, all open plan. A hallway leads to two bedrooms, one twin-bedded and one double-bedded. Each has en suite bathroom facilities with full-size bathtubs and showers.

From the porch terrace area, as well as from the delightful gardens, the views of the Montes de Malaga mountains and the Guadalhorce valley are superb. It is peaceful and pastoral, very rural here in the heart of Andalucia. On clear days you can just make out the Mediterranean Sea.

There is a good-sized (8 m x 4 m) swimming pool and garden furniture, including sunloungers. The pool is not gated, otherwise we consider the property to be child-friendly.

 This is a good place to rest and relax, maybe take up goat-watching? The sound of their bells typifies this very Spanish region of El Torcal. The road opposite the house is very quiet and it is only occasionally that a car goes by.

Clients staying here have liked the way privacy is combined with the proximity of the hotel, while enjoying the charm of the very beautiful scenery. La Joya (“the jewel”), a predominantly farming village that is far less touristy than similar places in the region, is just 3 km from the villa. It has a very good restaurant and even better prices: it’s the place we always return to when we are in the area. The cured ham and clams are always excellent.

Facilities
4-ring gas hob; small grill oven; microwave; kettle; coffee maker; toaster; juicer; blender; dishwasher; fridge; washing machine; iron & board; hairdryer; satellite TV (Astra channels); DVD; CD/radio; WiFi internet; central heating (except in bathrooms); wood burning stove; cot on request;  private pool (8 m x 4 m, 1.30 m to 1.60 m deep), sunloungers; furnished porch; all bedding and towels provided, including pool towels; private parking.

Distribution
All on one floor: open plan living / dining room / kitchen; two bedrooms: one double-bedded, one twin-bedded, both with en suite bathrooms/WC (shower over full bathtub).
Exterior: covered, furnished porch; lawned garden; pool area.

Notes:
-The swimming pool is maintained and open all year, weather permitting. Please note, however, that it is not heated, and the water is definitely cold for winter swims.
-In winter, firewood is included for the first night only.

Location & Distances
3 km from La Joya village (simple shopping, bars, bank, restaurant) in rural Antequera


A short Antequera video

Associated hotel (restaurant, tennis, bike hire, spa treatments)	5 mins walk
La Joya village (good restaurant, simple shopping, bank)	3 km
Villanueva de la Concepcion (most facilities)	15 mins
Antequera (historic town)	25 mins
Beach (Malaga coast)	1 hr
Malaga Airport	1 hr 20 mins
Granada and Airport	1 hr 20 mins
Cordoba	1 hr 45 mins
Sevilla and Airport	2 hrs 15 mins

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

Prices and dates