Beautifully restored, the cortijo does that name proud, echoing all the charm and grandeur of a true Andalusian country home. Here, white-plastered walls shimmer in the sunlight like a fata morgana in the desert. Except, this isnt a desert, but rather a verdant land drained by an almost perennial river that attracts a wealth of plant species, birds and even mammals such as the mongoose.
Set a little off the road between Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas, Cortijo Cuevas del Marquιs derives its name from the troglodyte tradition of Setenil,
where to this day cave homes continues to be occupied. Others have been
converted into quaint little tapas bars and restaurants that add colour to this
steeply set village whose shops and services form the local reference for the
inhabitants of our imposing property.
Its arched gateway draws upon the ageold tradition of landed families, signalling that this is a house of note, and but for the absence of herds of livestock it could very well be a ranch.
Following the long driveway and passing under the arches you come to a classic
Andalusian farmyard configuration that is however so stylishly decorated that
its really a courtyard that invites one to sit down and take in the beauty of the
setting.
No chickens will be scurrying about as you do so, nor will you feast
on the questionable fragrance of manure, but in every other sense this property
exhales the noble ambience of a country home.
Step into the entrance hall and this impression is reaffirmed, with authentic
terracotta floors, wood beamed ceilings and soft-edged plastered walls confirming the rustic credentials, albeit with a distinctly stylish and contemporary feeling.
Indeed, there is an edge about this place that sets it apart from many a
charming yet somewhat stuffy country property.
No doubt its down to the fact that the owners are designers and renovation specialists who have lovingly rebuilt this property from a crumbling state and restored it to its former glory and more.
Standing in a home like this you are immediately drawn to one of two places: the large country kitchen or the stylishly cosy living room, which has the added bonus of a grand fireplace. In summer you would probably be off to the swimming pool or on one of the terraces, all of which are stunningly panoramic and many of which look out towards Acinipo, perched on a rock in the distance. This old Roman
town, the original Ronda, lies on the other end of one of the longer hiking trails around here, but its also fun to reach on horseback. Once there youll be rewarded for your efforts with breathtaking views back across the valley, which are framed by the remnants of a once thriving Roman town. Quite a place to have a picnic.
Once inside, breakfast is strictly taken in the kitchen and breakfast room, dinner in the dining room, and naturally the host will proudly show you around the four stylish bedrooms and two gorgeous bathrooms, perhaps even
allowing a glimpse of the study, although it is more likely that visitors stay at the pretty little guest cottage.
Itself endowed with a spacious living and dining room, a bedroom and a bathroom with a roll-top bath, it is set a little aside from the main house overlooking a mature garden with tall trees and ancient olive groves.
Not surprisingly, in rural surroundings such as these, the property also has stables, with rooms for two boxes plus a tack-room, although these can be converted to create another cottage or an office or gym. But to do that you would first have to buy this wonderful country home.
FEATURES INCLUDE:
The main house - Entrance Hall, Sitting Room, Study, Dining Room, fully integrated Kitchen / Breakfast Room, Four Bedrooms (3 doubles, 1 large single), Two Bathrooms (one en-suite), and an additional Cloakroom.
The guest cottage - Entrance Hall, large Sitting / Dining Room with cloisters outside, one Double Bedroom, and a large Bathroom (with antique roll-top bath).
The Stable 'cottage' can be used as 2 loose boxes and a tack room, or an office / studio, etc, or possibly additional accommodation.
There are 2 covered pergolas - both great dining places.
The tiled pool is 9x5m, and there is a separate pool house with all the equipment.
MAIN HOUSE 4 BEDROOMS / 2 BATHROOMS + CLOAKROOM
GUEST COTTAGE 1 BEDROOM / 1 BATHROOM
PLOT: 40,000m2 with possibility of 30,000m2 more
BUILT: 300m2 + 1,000m2 TERRACES/PATIOS
STABLES: 30m2
UTILITY COTTAGE: 18m2
POOL: 9x5m
