Nature house in Cuevas del marques

If you’re looking for peace and space, this renovated cortijo is ideal. It’s secluded, with magnificent views in every direction. The house is “off-grid” but accessible by regular car. In the courtyard, there’s always something in bloom year-round, and there’s a veranda with a sheltered seating area. The garden features many fruit trees, seating areas in the sun or shade, and a pergola with a dining table. The terrace is perfect for enjoying the sunset, the silence occasionally broken by a flock of sheep. The pool overlooks Acinipo, a Roman ruin. There’s a ping-pong table in the backyard. At 800 meters above sea level, it stays cool on summer nights and, thanks to central heating, remains comfortable in winter as well. The surrounding area is teeming with fascinating flora and fauna: vultures, swallows, eagles, and bee-eaters, as well as golden orioles and wagtails. With a little luck, you might spot a mongoose or a turtle in the river. At night, the starry sky is beautiful, and you can hear the sounds of crickets, frogs, or an owl.

Across from the house, on the other side of the valley, is a well-preserved Roman amphitheater. The finca is located between Ronda and Setenil, both of which are very beautiful towns just a 15-minute drive away. Ronda is a Roman city built on either side of a 120-meter-deep gorge, connected by the impressive 18th-century Puente Nuevo; it features many museums, dining options, and is also ideal for shopping. Setenil is famous for its tapas and has many bistros nestled beneath an impressive rock face dotted with cave dwellings. The immediate surroundings offer beautiful and easy hiking opportunities. More challenging hiking trails can be reached by car in the Sierra de Grazalema and Las Nieves, both Spanish nature reserves. The “Caminito del Rey” and the “Via Verde” are particularly impressive. The entire region is dotted with charming white villages. Andalusia is rich in important cultural attractions: Granada, Seville, Córdoba, Cádiz, and Málaga can all be visited on a day trip.