A sweetly wrapped holiday retreat for two near Gaucin

A few metres away, on the other side of the terrace, the larger of the two buildings houses the cosy sitting room and the bedroom with a generous double bed and en suite shower room.

The entrance to the cottage is picturesque and uses the existing original bed rocks as part of the front garden landscape. The house is in the shade of a majestic tree, its gnarled trunk and branches have a fairy tale quality.

Through the entrance gate, you drive into the private garden set just above and behind the house – with a shaded car port for one car.

From the garden a few steps take you down to a covered dining terrace under the branches of the mighty tree. Here you can sit looking out to the blue sky between its branches and watch the numerous little birds that live in the tree come and go.

This terrace, between the living room and the kitchen, is the perfect spot for al fresco dining, tapas or just a peaceful moment under the green, leafy shade. The terrace has night lighting for dining out on warm summer evenings

The kitchen has been recently refurbished and is gleaming with its black stone worktops and yellow tiled splashbacks. All the fittings are contemporary but are in keeping with the cottage style.

The garden and swimming pool are an impressive size for a little cottage.

Hidden away, a few steps up behind the house is a big lawned garden and private swimming pool . Surrounded by mature trees, it has plenty of shade, table, chairs and sun beds to lounge away the hours.

For sure, this glorious setting is where you will want to spend most of your time when you’re not out sightseeing.

The garden to this property is one of its most delightful features. The owner is a keen gardener, with particular skill at growing and appreciating roses.

The cottage gets full benefit of her green fingers as displayed in all the colourful flowers and shrubs.

This region is really such a picturesque part of Andalucía. To get to this house from the coast, you head inland, towards the mountains to Gaucín, the village is in the distance like a white crescent between two peaks.

The drive takes you through meadows and pastures (you’ll probably come across some shepherds tending their flocks of goats) as the road climbs slowly upwards.

The scenery is a fitting start to your holiday before you even reach your villa.

The estate owners live on the estate in the main residence and they really care that their guests get the maximum enjoyment out of their stay.

The cottage is near another estate house and although relatively close, each property is entirely separate and apart.