family- and pet-friendly, privacy in large garden with pool and mountain view Reviews

We totally enjoyed our stay at the property. It was exactly what we hoped for - rustic and a little bit quirky but also it had everything that we needed for a relaxing and totally enjoyable stay. Joanna is a lovely host and a very interesting person. Of course, Osso and Ella (here two dogs) are adorable and the two cats paid us regular visits too. The outside space is a joy, eating breakfast and dinner outside every day in such lovely surroundings. Location wise, being on the edge of the village was perfect. Quiet and relaxing but with the village amenities a few minutes walk away. We had a great stay.

Our stay was just as we had hoped for and more - relaxed and quiet with beautiful surroundings. The beds were comfy, the kitchen facilities great, lovely gardens to lie and hammock to swing. Joanna and her dogs and cats added to the atmosphere. Thank you!

great week spent here in september. Good location close to village with plenty of shops bars and restaurants. Can do as much or as little as you like.

The house and garden made for a perfect rural retreat for us! The house was spacious and pretty with comfortable beds and lovely hot showers and well equipped with everything you could need. The best part of the house is the garden and outdoor space - lots of areas to sit and relax in sun or shade, plenty of space for the kids to play and of course the pool which was great fun. We enjoyed having daily visits from Joanna's dogs which just added to the homely feel. The house is a few minutes walk into the village which was great to get provisions and has plenty of places to get a coffee, a meal or a lovely cake - we all enjoyed the bakery! Cortes de la frontera is a fabulous town, with an authentic feel. Great to be among the locals and to enjoy a real Spanish atmosphere. It's also brilliantly located, close to national parks (cork forest walks on the doorstep) and within easy striking distance of Ronda (a stunning mountain drive away) with all that has to offer and other white villages such as Gaucin, Cassares etc. Joanna was there to greet us and we appreciated the beautiful flowers she had placed around the house. It was good to know she was here if we needed any advice but we found our way around without a hitch and the Cortes TIC was helpful for walk suggestions. We all had a fantastic holiday and we're delighted with our choice of place to stay. Highly recommended!

Was quite a shock when first arrived but gradually got used to it as did not want to spoil our holiday. Property rustic and basic but served its purpose. Did feel that a good spring clean could have been carried out. Plenty of hot water for baths and showers. Felt that the windows needed curtains for some privacy especially in the bathroom. The main bed was only a double so the spare bed was used. The sheets and bedding needed to be replaced with new.

Joanna was a welcoming host to her lovely rustic cottage, hidden in the folds of the Park National. Plenty of room for the two of us with a wonderful shaded terrace, perfect for lunch and escaping the hottest times of the day. Open plan living downstairs allowed more than enough space for cooking, with a lovely balcony area leading off the upper living room that was perfect for a relaxing sun downer in the early evening. Oso, the Spanish Sheepdog and the cats were added company. The local wildlife is not shy. Vultures, white tailed eagles, swifts, lizards, bats (of all sizes), butterflies, beetles, crickets, sheep, frogs and much more can be seen and heard around the valley. We should have packed a guide book on the local fauna and flora as spent lots of time looking up various creatures and plants on the internet. The local municipal swimming pool is a must if you want to practice your lengths. With lots of beautifully kept grass areas and a stunning view, it's worth making an afternoon visit with a picnic. Just under 10 minutes walk away and ideal for all ages. There is a lovely learner pool for younger swimmers. At 1 euro 50 each it was amazing value! The very local bar/restaurant is friendly and has a good selection of tapas and main meals but the village also offers lots of places for a quick drink, light lunch or relaxed dinner. The little square has a butcher, baker, fruit and veg shop, cafe and ironmongers. Not always obvious as hidden behind door screens, just look for the locals leaving with their bulging shopping bags. Quite a few supermarkets around the village open Monday to Friday and half day Saturday. The first supermarket as you enter the village (near the Pharmacy and Dia) is open on a Sunday morning for a couple of hours. A car is essential and once we had mastered the lane up and down to the cottage, enjoyed trips out into the cork forests and white villages that are dotted around the area. A visit to Ronda for our anniversary was a wonderful treat. The prehistoric caves are worth visiting. Call and book in advance. Again, amazing value for nearly 2 hours underground on a guided tour of the cave paintings and rock formations. 30,000 years of human occupation still totally unspoilt by burger vans and souvenir shops. Wear shoes with a good grip as it can be slippery in places. All in all, a fantastic get away location with plenty to do in the surrounding area.

Family of five, Inc three children under ten, had a brilliant time! House is spacious and well equipped, comfortable and really unique in style. Liked the fact there was no telly too. The pool and gardens were great, and the town is only a stroll away. Joanne welcomed us and we said goodbye at they end, otherwise we were left in peace but knew she was around if we needed, so all good. The big dog and little cat who came visiting together each night were great too! Saw eagles, horses and lots of other wildlife, all in all, it was great.

Even though we went in October, the weather was still hot and we loved the quiet rural village setting. Lots of wildlife round about and a lovely welcome from Joanna and of course Ozo the dog. Hire car a must.

We enjoyed a wonderful two weeks relaxing and enjoying the beautiful garden and perfect house. Our ten year old son loved the pool and evening visits from Oso the dog. Secluded and peaceful with lovely views into the surrounding hills, yet only 10 minutes walk into the lovely town of Cortes.

We spent 10 days here & could so easily have spent a month. We travelled from Seville and at first thought the drive to the house a bit daunting bu