Property Detail
A large 70 sqm Hallway opens into the lovely central courtyard which is filled with sweet-smelling fruit trees, shrubs and night-scented plants. The main bedrooms and living rooms lead off the courtyard. Four of the bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms. The seventh and eighth bedrooms are on the upper floor of the south east side of the courtyard, which has been designed as a children's area. The walls have been painted with striking trompe d'oeils and the whole area has been decorated in the style of a Moroccan tent.
There are three sitting rooms. From the hallway is a circular stone staircase up to a tranquil first floor drawing room, with an open fire and plenty of books. From its balcony one sees all the way to the Atlas mountains of Africa. The spacious main living room is double height with a large open fire, flat screen TV, Bose music system, a wide range of DVDs and a wonderful collection of books. The third sitting room forms part of the children's wing with its own TV, DVD and electric piano.
Besides the main Dining Room, there are three separate dining areas outside, each capable of seating 16 people. There is a separate Laundry room with two washing machines and an Ironing Board. The House has central Heating for the cooler months and there are also three open fires and a wood-burning Stove. There is an extra Fridge on one of the terraces.
It has the distinct feeling of a family house, rather than just a property for rent. There are several terraces both for entertaining and finding peace and quiet. Hammocks, a croquet lawn, ping pong table, Badminton and Broadband Internet are all on offer.
With six bedrooms on the ground floor, La Hoya is fully wheel-chair accessible.The house is approached down a Palm-shaded drive. There are extensive formal lawns and gardens, which were planted in 2002; avenues of jacaranda and 100 year-old olive trees, a vineyard, a young but fast-growing Eucalyptus wood and even a (habitable) "Folly" lower down the valley. The stunning views of the grounds and surrounding National Parkland can all be appreciated from the 14m infinity swimming pool which is deep enough in which to dive properly. It is wonderful for night bathing with the underwater lights or indeed just the moonlight.
There are no buildings to spoil the views, no light- pollution to dim the magic of the stars. The only sounds to be heard are the noise of frogs, crickets and cow bells. In this wonderful environment the skies are huge, the stars close enough to touch and the views are immense.
Local Area
Gaucin which is 10 minutes away is one of the first famous 'white villages' of Andalucia. The nearest shops are in San Pablo (5 minutes) and Gaucin. Inland you can see the state-owned cork forests which are a nature reserve. The village has a public pool with tennis courts and a couple of riding schools are also found in the vicinity. Throughout the year Gaucin has many fascinating fiestas, traditional Saints days and the 'Semana-Santa' (holy-week) processions. In August Gaucin celebrates its 'Feria' with a fairground and dancing. Nearby are many other beautiful towns and villages. The grandest is Ronda with its famous gorge and the oldest bullring in Spain.
A few kilometres down the Valley is the river Genal, a good spot for fishing, swimming and exploring. The Mediterranean beaches are half an hour's drive away, while the Atlantic coast with its fine white sand and famous wind surfing is one and a half hour's drive away. Ubrique, good for leather purchases, is about an hour's drive inland through the cork forests. Ronda is about an hour's drive inland. The historic towns of Jerez, Ronda, Seville and Cordoba are an easy car journey. Tarifa, famous for its windsurfing is just 90 minutes away. Morocco and the mesmerising port of Tangier is only a 35 minute ferry ride from Tarifa.
Local Services
Maid service included for twice weekly visits of 3 hours. Additional maid service is available on request. An excellent chef is available - payable locally.
