Private rural villa with Africa view close to Costa del Sol beaches

We visited this villa in September 2015 and thoroughly enjoyed it. With 2 adults and 2 kids (3 and 1) we were looking for somewhere with a pool which was quiet and not too hot that the kids couldn't sleep. This villa provided the perfect solution. The villa is about 1 and 1/2 hours for Malaga airport and probably closer to Gibraltar if you can be bothered with the border crossing. Following the main road you turn off around Esteponas and go up in to the mountains. Eventually you leave the mountain road and follow a track (unbelievably covered by google maps) to the front door. The approach is a bit hairy with steep gravel tracks but we managed no problem in a Ford C-Max. The altitude meant that at this time of year the temperature was about 2-3 degrees Celsius below that at the coast. There was also a breeze which was useful as the villa does not have air conditioning but does have roof fans. The pool was warm enough to use at this time of year (temp was about 26C most days) although not so warm that you would use it to cool down. The kids loved it! The accomodation itself is beautiful. A 3 bed detached villa with a great pool. There are steps in for the kids and the pool area is surrounded by grass. Inside there is a main room with kitchen, dining and living areas. Off this are 2 bedrooms which are generously proportioned and both en suite. There is also a sun room which is fantastic. The full width of the property is lined by movable glass panels which give you the feeling you are sitting outside whatever the weather. The kitchen is small but perfectly functional and there is a gas barbecue outside. Additionally there is a utility room with laundry facilities and a second fridge freezer which we used for big bottles of water. There is also an additional toilet off the main room. The master bedroom is technically detached although you can reach it via a walkway from the main room. Again this is generous in size and en suite. All bedrooms open directly to the garden but the master opens on to the pool area. The property is in great condition and was spotlessly clean throughout. The situation, up a mountain, may be challenging to reach but affords spectacular views over the costa del Sol, down to the Rock of Gibraltar and on over the med to North Africa. The view is initially hard to believe it is so beautiful. It can be enjoyed from the pool and garden, the sun room or the master bedroom. In fact all views are spectacular form this vantage point, whichever way you look. Nothing is walkable unless you are particularly motivated! I believe there are lots of walks close by and the locals seem keen on cycling up the mountain roads but, particularly with kids, you should plan on taking your car wherever you go. The local town is Casares which has a few shops, a castle and church. There is a town square with cafes and a play area for children round the corner. A 15-20 min drive takes you to the coast where there are lots of beaches and supermarkets. There is also obviously access to the nightlife in the area, although if that is what you want to do I doubt this villa is ideal for your holiday. There are a variety of eateries around. The Forge is closest and was a great place to eat. Less formal was Venta Victoria, about 2 minutes in the car. Again great food and good prices, particularly if you are used to UK pricing! The service provided by the travel company was excellent. Good communication, a great welcome document which was extremely useful and further useful documents on arrival. We met the representative at a local restaurant to pick up keys and be shown around the property. I would highly recommend their service. In summary this is not a good place if you want to walk to bars or enjoy the nightlife at the coast. However, if you are looking for a warm and quiet villa with a lovely pool and breathtaking views you would be hard pushed to find one better.