Splendid traditional Andalucia villa with pool and Bronze Age caves

Villa AX25 was simply wonderful, surpassing all our expectations. It was perfect for our family holiday and really well set up for young children, with the pool, trampoline, swings, and wide array of toys. The four children in our party had a fantastic time exploring, while we were able to relax, overlooking the lovely views and creating our own pizzas from the wood-fired oven. The villa was very well equipped, particularly the kitchen, which had everything we could possibly need for preparing family meals during our stay. The closest town, Casabermeja, was a charming little place in which we enjoyed some nice meals and the odd morning coffee. Finally, the owners of the villa were extremely welcoming and helpful, making our stay that extra bit special. I can't recommend this villa enough!"

The villa is in a very private and beautiful location. The views are 360 degrees which is unusual. The view to the mountains is spectacular and only spoilt by two industrial developments but they are small and this is a minor complaint. The drive from the road to the villa is typical of a remote mountain location in Spain. It is rocky, rough and steep but our 9 seat minibus made it easily and you soon get used to it. The road from Casabermeja to Colmenar can be seen but you can't hear it. The odd high aircraft goes over but the villa is very quiet with only very, very distant neighbours. The amount of flat ground and seating areas is wonderful and was unexpected as other mountain villas we have taken were surrounded by steep cliffs. The cassita is self-contained but attached to the main house. It has a large double upstairs and a good sized twin downstairs. In the main house there is a big Master bedroom and a large twin upstairs. Downstairs the double room is small and the bathroom is a few steps across the main room. Other than this everything is ensuite. The main room is an interesting layout and you can see many traces of the original winery. The kitchen is a little dark with not a lot of work surfaces. The decoration throughout is charming. Some of the paths outside are a little uneven and difficult to walk on. The pool is smaller than we expected but perfectly adequate. Lovely seating area under vines by the front door. The swing seat was popular at sunset. Outside seating area with little lights was also lovely in the evening. The BBQ is very good. All the staff who help look after the villa are very welcoming and helpful. Both Casabermeja and Colmenar do not have the charm of a village in the Alpujarras. However the cemetery in Casabermeja is stunning and the butcher and local shop provide you with everything you need. El Puerto in Casabermeja is a good fish restaurant. Our favourite was Taberna de Flores in Colmenar. There is a little Churros stand every morning in Colmenar if you like a traditional breakfast. You must book breakfast and a tour of the local olive oil mill - Molino del Hortelano. We loved it. The villa is just 30 minutes from Malaga airport which was great for us as we had some swapping of guests mid fortnight. Our favourite villa in Spain so far - and we have tried many."

The property was fantastic, even better than the photos. The welcome from the owner was warm and thorough and the house had everything we could possibly need including games and toys for the kids. I found Rustical Travel very easy to deal with and thorough in the information they gave us. Would fully recommend this villa and the company."

AX25 is a real treasure. It’s quirky and has masses of character. The location is only 15mins or so from Casabermeja but it could be a million miles away. A winding track takes you up and up from the small urbanization below and as you turn the last bend you are rewarded with a tantalising glimpse of the villa and the most astounding views. Once you are in the villa, well then it just unfolds, room after room all individually and sympathetically restored complete with wild flowers in vases! A lovely warm welcome from the owner Carmen immediately made us feel at home. The house is massive and steeped in history. We were only a party of four and we more or less rattled around the place. There are several terraces each having spectacular views and we’d alternate between them for mealtimes, sunset drinks and stargazing. You can find sunshine or shade all day, whatever your preference. We went for walks, taking a random track and finding out where it would lead us. It’s very quiet; you won’t see or hear a car. Once you find the caves, they are quite magical, almost spiritual. Carmen and her family were wonderful hosts, giving us advice on where to eat and what to do. The house was spotless throughout. The pool was sparkly and inviting. We confess we didn’t venture out much to the surrounding area – we didn’t need to – other than for stocking up on shopping and having a nose around Nerja for a spot of tourist life and beach. It is just the perfect place for a very private, relaxing and ‘no shoes’ holiday. Although if you want to keep in touch with home or office, the wifi worked brilliantly. Spying a pair of eagles soaring above us, and watching the swallows swoop down on the pool in the late afternoons was wonderful to see. We heard the snuffling of what we thought could be wild boar and had a visit from a nosy fox. Otherwise you have the house completely to yourself. Practicalities: The booking process and information via Rustical Travel was great. We didn’t have cause to call them during our stay. We didn’t need a 4x4 to drive up the track – just a bit of confidence and a bit of oomph from the engine to get up the steeper parts. Bring suitable shoes to allow you to go off walking and exploring the surrounding area. Bite the bullet and do a massive shop at Eroski (about an hour away) and then just stock up locally thereafter. The Dia supermarket on the outskirts of Casabermeja was a little bereft, but a couple of doors down you’ll find another shop called ‘Colmenar’ which had a far better choice. It’s a perfect place for relaxing and whiling away the days and evenings with friends in a splendid house with spectacular scenery. If you want nightlife, or restaurants or bars within a reasonable walking distance, then this place isn’t for you. We didn’t, so it was spot on for us. July/August 2014. [Age 53-65]"

I just wanted to provide some feedback from our recent holiday (Property AX25) in Andalucía. The property itself was first class and we were very impressed with the location, property and facilities. In particular I would be grateful if you would pass our thanks to Carmen. The fridge has beer and wine upon arrival and a large bowl of fresh fruit, all of which she didn't need to provide and very welcome to arrive to. Thanks to you also for your help in arranging the property rental for us."

Thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this property. Excellent accommodation with lots of character and space. Views all round were fantastic. Owner very welcoming."

The villa is stylish sympathetically decorated furnished. The traditional feel original features felt welcoming comfortable. The fresh flowers were a lovely touch. We really enjoyed a meal cooked by the recommended local chef and could have used her every night of our stay! The annexe was surprisingly comfortable the master bedroom here was lovely, I particularly liked the framed pictures and seats in front of the fire...The patios around the house itself are well laid out it would be nice to see the side elevation area paved or landscaped as the short walk to the pool area was a little rough. The pool was clean with plenty of sun loungers fantastic views. The village is close by and met all our needs. We took a train to Granada which was a treat. The only negatives I can point out were that the track upto the house is very steep, rural rough it was a bit of a shock initially but we got used to it."

Excellent property; full of charm character. Great facilities. Caves v interesting. Carmen a lovely hostess."

We all enjoyed the holiday very much. Carmen was there to meet us and lead us to the villa which was exactly as described and well appointed. She showed us everything as necessary and later was able to guide us on the 'phone when the water heating failed. The views were spectacular. We found the caves but we thought it would be an idea to leave a brief description of where they were, in the villa for future visitors to find them. We did that in the comments book. Overall very happy with the booking arrangements and information given prior to the visit."

Just to let you know we had a great stay. The house is wonderful and so is the area (our 'private mountain' ;-) ) - we loved it! Carmen was very helpful, please make sure she gets our compliments. It is important to have a host/caretaker like her because of course a house with so much character needs a lot of care! What happened was at first the stove and oven didn't work and the heating kept on shutting off, but thanks to her service it did not become big problems or holiday-spoilers. Special touches that made it feel 'luxurious': there were lots! of nice big and soft towels in every bathroom, flowers (wild rosemary) and little sweets everywhere. Lots of fruit and vegetables, wine and sherry as welcome gifts. Firewood. The floor was very comfortable warm (which is important for a stone floor in winter!) and once the heating worked, it worked good and made the whole house very nice warm and comfortable. The decoration of the whole house was done with personal style and care and attention for detail. Nice things like a chair that can be turned into a 4-step stairs! And there were not only a baby cot and chair, there were several chairs, also for our 4-year old (funny little wooden rocking chairs :-) ) and a baby box. We will recommend this villa and Rustical Travel to our friends and colleagues. Kind regards and maybe Hasta la Vista! ;-) "