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Web Ref: 3868

Arenosa

El Gastor, Andalucia

  • 4
  • 2
  • 1

Accommodation

At a glance

  1. Sleeps 4
  2. 1 Double Bedroom
  3. 1 Twin Bedroom
  4. 1 Bathroom
  5. WiFi
  6. Restaurant 3.2km
  • Upper Floor: Open plan sitting/dining room/kitchen (countertop dishwasher, countertop oven, microwave, TV, DVD, WiFi, in-built wood burning stove, A/C) with patio doors to terrace. Double bedroom with patio doors to terrace. Twin bedroom. Shower room.
  • Outside: Covered and open terraces. Poolside shower. In-built barbecue*. Private parking. Laundry room (washing machine).
  • Free form shaped swimming pool (8.5m x 4.5m at widest points) with Roman steps.

Mature shrubs and colourful Mediterranean flora encircle the picturesque grounds of this charming stone-clad cottage, which is wonderfully positioned to enjoy enchanting views across the shimmering waters of the lake of Zahara towards the imposing mountain slopes of the Sierra de Grazalema. 

The picture-postcard rural scenery which surrounds the typical ‘pueblo blanco’ of El Gastor has made this area a firm favourite for so many of our regular guests who find themselves returning year after year to soak up the panoramic vistas, and from the cosy rooms of Arenosa these will not fail to delight.  Beneath an eye-catching ceiling of exposed wooden beams, meals can be prepared in the cottage-style kitchen whilst looking out towards the pool and the mountains beyond.  Patio doors in both the living area and double bedroom open onto a terrace with views encompassing the majestic Sierra de Líjar, whilst the warm, inviting décor with its eclectic mix of traditional antiques adds further to the rustic charm of this traditional home.

Outside, the extensive grounds are filled with well-tended plants, colourful flowerpots and shaded corners of seating, perfect for reading or for simply relaxing and enjoying the surroundings. A large outdoor dining area to one side of the house provides a picture-perfect spot for al fresco meals.

It is, however, the unique pool area that is likely to become your favourite spot.  Elevated above the olive groves, its enticing waters and poolside sun umbrellas are designed to take full advantage of their outlook towards the whitewashed hilltop village of Zahara de la Sierra, which rises beyond the western shore of the lake.  On warm summer evenings you can contemplate the changing colours as the bright blue Andalucian sky turns to warm orange hues as the sun sets behind this stunning scene.

Within a few minutes’ drive, in the welcoming village of El Gastor, you will find a lively village square where you can enjoy a drink in a local café and watch the world go by.  There are plenty of amenities for all your needs and a choice of restaurants for dining out.  Exploring further afield is also easy, via the country roads that lead to the picturesque, whitewashed villages of the national park and to the historic town of Ronda, which is just a 30 minute drive away and not to be missed during your stay.

•    *As this is a protected area of natural beauty, barbecue bans will be enforced from early June and an electric 'plancha' will be provided for outdoor catering.
•    Internet provision is via a satellite connection.
•    Property Licence No: VR/CA/00360

Pricing & Availability

All Prices are per property, not per person.

Location of Arenosa

Locality

Great Things to Do Near Arenosa

Watch the sun go down

Arenosa enjoys picture perfect views across to Zahara de la Sierra and your evenings can be spent relaxing with a local tipple and watching the colours of the sky change as the sun sets.

Slow down

El Gastor is a friendly village and life rotates around the small square where you can sit at a local cafe and watch the world go by. No one is in a hurry here, you'll soon find you relax into the slower pace of life!

Explore the "Pueblos Blancos"

There are many pretty small white washed villages to explore dotted around the mountains. All have a warm friendly feel to them. Balconies overflowing with colourful geraniums, pristine white washed walls and a relaxed atmostphere, it feels like you have truly stepped back in time. Zahara de la Sierra, Grazalema and Setenil de las Bodegas are all firm favourites.

Bird watcher's Paradise!

If you love bird watching, then this is the place for you! The National Park is a heaven for wildlife. You will not fail to be impressed by large groups of Griffon Vulture soaring the thermals overhead close to the villa. Don't forget your binoculars!

Don't miss Ronda

Ronda is one of the oldest towns in Europe, filled with history and set deep in the heart of the mountains, this magical place is one of the visited places in Andalucia. From jaw dropping drops from the famous Puente Nuevo bridge across the gorge, to meandering the enchanting narrow cobbled streets of the old town, to shopping on the bustling "Calle de la Bola"- there is something for everyone here.

On your bike!

Getting around the Sierras on a bike is no mean feat... but many local cycle hire companies now organise trips out with assistance and electric bikes!
You can arrange an ebike tour with a qualified English speaking guide with www.hikeandbikeholidays.com based near Ronda. www.ediblebiketours.com  also offer tours with gastronomic stop offs too!

Say cheese!

The Poyoyo cheese, an artisan cheese of the region, is renowned as one of world’s finest cheeses. It is award winning worldwide, made with the milk of the Poyoyo goats, native to the area. Sold in many shops locally, it’s easy to find. Grazalema village is a great place to explore the enticing array of small gift shops and delicatessens selling cheese, wine, olives and hams from the region. 
 

The "little beach" by the lake

Driving around the nearby lake at Zahara in a car can be hot stuff in the summer months, so why not cool off at the nearby lagoon “La Playita”. This manmade lagoon has a cafe, zip wire across the waters and shaded areas for picnics.

Shop for local crafts

In nearby Ronda, Grazalema or Zahara, there are some charming small craft shops selling unique art objects, ceramics, rugs and baskets made from olive branches and grasses. You can also buy leather goods, glazed tiles and beautiful wool shawls made in the mill in Grazalema.

City sight seeing

Being in the heart of Andalucia, from Arenosa you can easily explore the larger historical cities on day trips. Seville and Cadiz are both just over an hours drive. Granada and its wonderful Alhambra Palace can be reached in just over two hours, Be sure to book your entrance ticket in advance though. 

Visit a local bodega

With the ancient Roman city of Acinipo (meaning 'city of wine') located just 20 kilometres away, you can be sure to enjoy some fine local wines. The wine was shipped back by the Romans to Rome it was so good. There are now many award-winning bodegas in the region. “Milamores” run the integral wine centre in Ronda and also offer courses and wine and olive oil tasting events throughout the year. www.milamoresronda.com
 

Be king of the castle

The picturesque village of Zahara de La Sierra is seen from the villa. It's a steep walk up to the medieval castle perched high above the rooftops - but well worth the effort for the fabulous views over the lake, the terracotta roof tiles below and the mountains far beyond. Zahara is a small, but lively mountain village with a welcoming square to sit and have a drink to cool off.
 

Nearby

Towns/Villages

El Gastor 5 mins 
Zahara de la Sierra 25 mins 
Grazalema 30 mins 
Ronda 35 mins 
Cadiz 1 Hr 30 mins 

Beaches

Cadiz 1 Hr 30 mins 
Puerto Banus 1 Hr 30 mins 
Conil 1 Hr 45 mins 

Airports

Jerez 1 Hr 10 mins 
Sevilla 1 Hr 20 mins 
Malaga 1 Hr 45 mins 
Gibraltar 2 Hrs 15 mins 
Times are approximate

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