A real feel of rural Andalucia in a gorgeously green river valley

We stayed at this lovely cottage a few kms outside Grazalema this July 2022. A green river valley it definitely is and that is what you see on the backside of the house; but when you turn around on the terrace behind the cottage in the distance you can see the mighty mountains where the griffon vultures live. During the day you can see them sometimes soar in the sky right over the house or in the far distance, making no sound what so ever. Unlike the orioles in the eucalyptus trees below who ‘chat’ with each other a lot throughout the day. Easy to recognize and special sound to hear but very hard to see. Just like the bee- eaters, who keep flying over our house but who will not stop for us so we can admire their colors.. So great for some birdwatching from the terrace. We were therefore curious about the advert on the table to join a nature guided tour. We did a 5 hour tour in the woods near Grazalema with Sue Eatock and loved it. We managed to get by with our English. The cottage consists of 2 parts with a yard created in between. We were just with the 2 of us but the house and pool are big enough for more people. I liked the feel of the yard with a big table and some special decorations and nice color lavender used for details. The beds were good but we were there when it was really hot and it stayed hot throughout the night. If a fan works for you then there are 3. The garden is pretty with all kinds of special trees and plants that we do not see in Holland as much or not at all, such as the carab tree, Kumquat tree. There are 3 different places to sit and eat but it was quite hot so we did not use them all. The pool is lovely and a perfect size and refreshing. Not much maintenance needed, so you will not see the owners, Pepi and Francis throughout the week. We only met them on our arrival and they were most kind and we managed to understand each other with my Spanish and Pepi’s English. There was no crop to share this time because some sheep had eaten almost all of the crop. Too bad for the owners as they use the Huerta for their income, I believe. There is lots to see and many walks to do in this area. The guide told us only 4 – 5 walks need a permit, not all of them. We were under the impression almost all walks needed a permit. We were glad she told us about this. It was our 3rd time to Grazalema and still we have not walked all the paths and seen all the villages in this beautiful natural park de Sierra de Grazalema. So we hope to come back to this place once more and explore and see more."

It was paradise. Lovely house with a magnificent garden. We could pick lemons and oranges from the trees. The pool was great. Wonderful view. Birds chirping everywhere and sheep stopping buy. Very friendly reception."

We enjoyed our stay enormously in this comfortable and well equipped house. Pepi and Francisco were very helpful and we enjoyed the huge basket of home grown fruit and vegetables they left for us. We relaxed by the secluded pool and went for many walks in the glorious hills nearby. We would love to go back soon."

A lovely secluded property set in its own grounds with a private pool. The owners provided a basic welcome pack and a box of vegetables grown in their own garden. This was very welcome as the nearest grocery shop is in Grazalema, 6km away. The owners also live in Grazalema, so are available to sort out any problems should they arise. I thoroughly recommend this property and this was our second stay here. We hope to be back again next year. The booking process was efficient and easy to book via their website."

Everything was as described on the details and photos supplied by Rustical Travel. The owners, Pepi Fransisco, were at the property to greet us when we arrived. They went through all that we needed to know about the property and had supplied a bowl full of tomatoes, peppers and aubergines for our consumption. During the course of our stay we were regularly replenished with these vegetables from Fransisco’ s garden. The large garden at the property was a delight, full of flowering plants, shrubs and trees. The trees provided much needed shade around the refreshing swimming pool area (complete with sun loungers). There was ample secure parking for several cars within the property. The owners lived 15 minutes away, so any problems that arise can be quickly sorted. The kettle went wrong and a new replacement was supplied the same afternoon. The property is isolated away from other areas of population, so was perfect for self-isolation during the pandemic. It is hard to fault this property and we shall definitely be returning again in the future."

Beautiful Villa, even more amazing in person! Everything about our stay was just perfect, from picking fresh fruit and vegetables, to going on a nature walk to see the animals nearby. The pool area was great, and the house was clean and tidy. Our hosts were lovely people and we would love to stay again."

A lovely property in beautiful countryside. Fantastic pool as well, but the pool seating could be better. (Strange design). Loads of space in the house and nicely furnished. Not too far from Grazalema but we ran out of choice of restaurant fairly quickly. Hosts were lovely and, although they lived next door, we had total privacy."

1 The booking and post booking experience was tops. Very good English language exchanges and nothing too much trouble to answer ...and quickly. 2 Property was as described. By no means luxurious but adequately comfortable with working pool, wifi and TV. Lovely views, lots of different spaces, quiet location. 3 Owners speak little else but Spanish but were lovely and kind, helping us out with supplies. They live next door but they promised us privacy and they delivered...we saw them only on the day we arrived and the day we left. Perfect."

We had a really lovely week in this peaceful cottage. The pool is great and there are lots of places to read, sleep, eat and drink. The area is great for walking although we found some of the directions unhelpful. Love to go back!"

Fabtastic"

This was our 4th visit. An absolutely beautiful house, secluded in the hills. Lots of little spaces to enjoy the view and chill out. Very private."

We had an absolutely wonderful time at RD62. Pepi and Francis were such hospitable hosts greeting us when we arrived, and from the moment we arrived, we fell in love with their home. This place has everything that we wanted in a holiday: tranquil setting, situated in nature, a view that will remain etched in our minds forever, no mosquitos, a lovely pool to cool off in, facilities to wash clothes, great cooking facilities and a place looked after with immense love and care. This did not feel like a hired holiday rental. We felt we could live there forever! Pepi and Francis gave us brilliant recommendations for eating out and we took several trips to the wonderful authentic Spanish village of Grazalema, along with stunning Ronda, of course! Great hiking routes through the Sierra were all around and we enjoyed a couple of great hikes. We even enjoyed the most organic and home grown fruits and vegetables from their own garden. What a joy to pick an orange from the tree and eat it for breakfast! Thank you Pepi and Francis. Thank you Rustica Travel. This is what holidays should always be like. Five stars. Until the next time! Helen and Claudiu. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"

This is a wonderful property in a very special location. Surrounded by beauty and peace. Wildlife and vegetation stunning. The property is very well loved and cared for. It has a rustic style, but this is charming. Multiple outdoor areas for use at different times of day. Loads to do with teenagers in the national park. We will return."

Everything was perfect, friendly ownership, house beautiful in a fantastic nature!!!!"

A really lovely property in stunning surroundings - would highly recommend !"

Pepi made us feel very welcome, with gifts of fruit and salads. The house has magnificent views in all directions, such a choice of places to sit too. Pool was good spot to relax. Interesting old house, only slight inconvenience was the separation of bedrooms to the kitchen with two buildings linked by a covered patio. It takes about 15 minutes to drive on twisty roads to Grazalema, too far to walk after a meal out! Great location for lots of hikes, there are guide books in the house which were a great help. We really enjoyed our relaxing stay here."

This is a fabulous house in a beautiful setting, with amazing views. There is a lovely variety of spaces at the property to enjoy – the terrace, covered patio, balcony, pool terrace – each offering something different and special. Walking trails abound in the sourrounding mountains and the pool provided a refreshing treat after a rewarding day’s hiking. We were warmly welcomed by our hosts, Francis and Pepi, who generously provided some delicious fresh vegetables during our stay. Thanks also to Rustical who were helpful and efficient as always."

A most wonderful holiday and opportunity to recharge our batteries. We felt warmly welcomed and were able to relax as soon as we arrived. Gorgeous views, warm sunshine, a beautiful pool and incredible landscape. Lovely villages nearby for provisions and delicious meals out. Thank you to our hosts and to Rustical for the seamless organisation and support."

Greetings Carlos, We loved Andalucia, and more specifically the Grazalema region.... the quality of light, the history and culture, the people, and of course the food. We heard about this property from some friends who stayed there a few years ago. They described it in glowing terms but it exceeded all our expectations. Most importantly, the welcome we received from Francisco and Pepi was so genuinely warm that by the end of our visit it felt as if they'd been friends for many years. We are also grateful to you and Maria for the advice we received prior to going on our holiday, things that were not specifically to do with the property, like where we could purchase gluten free food for our daughter. We would highly recommend both Rustical Travel and this property and hope to visit again next year. Please ensure that this feedback reaches Francisco and Pepi and tell them that when I have a little time I'll send some pictures. All the best, Andy, Maria Gloria and Hiwot Sophia"

What good fortune to find such a little gem as RD62. With warm weather and an even warmer welcome from Francis and Pepe, we feel that we have found a slice of paradise beautiful Andalucia. Gracias Francis and Pepe for sharing such a special property, so beautifully equipped and presented, and thank you Francis for your tasty veg. This is truly a magical, unspoilt corner of Spain which we can’t wait to return to."

The property is very traditional and in a lovely setting . We met the owners who were very nice people and did everything to make our stay in Andalucia a special one ."

Three generations of our family stayed at this beautiful house in April (the children being 19 months and 4 years old) and we loved it. The house and gardens are beautiful and we also really liked the fact that we could walk down to the river and the children could run around in the field below. Three of us managed to venture into the pool on a number of occasions and we loved being able to eat oranges straight from the tree. The owners were lovely and very helpful. They left some home-grown produce for us in the kitchen which was a really nice touch. We had quite a busy week but always looked forward to returning to the house. Would love to return again. I would also recommend using Rustical Travel to friends and family as they were great to deal with."

This is a lovely, very traditional looking property nestled into the hills on the road leading to the whitewashed town of Grazalema. We've now stayed here on three occassions and there's plenty to see and do in the area, with some particularly good walks above Grazalema itself. The owners Pepi and Francisco couldn't have been more helpful on our stays, particularly when our daughter got sick. I'd like to thank them very much for their warm welcome on every visit."

The property and the location is excellent. The villa is clean and full of character. It has lots of great little areas to suit the time of the day. We love the remoteness and the privacy. The pool is very private. We have been three times and would love to go again in the near future."

Lovely property in gorgeous setting. Pepe and Francisco were very kind and helpful. The property is very well equipped, very clean, very comfy beds and good showers/bathrooms. The kitchen has everything you needs to cook. Enough space for everyone (we are family with 2 adult children) and you didn't feel on top of each other.The pool and patio areas are stunning with great views for bird spotting (vultures and eagles). Ronda is only 20 minutes drive away so good for late afternoon/early evening; Jerez only 1 hour and 20 minutes so good for day trip/shopping. Beach area/playita near Laka Zahara only 10 minutes drive away and good for swimming.Would definitely book the property again, especially for spring when cooler for walking."

What a fantastic holiday! The villa was lovely, with a great pool, in such a beautiful setting. The village of Grazalema was a 15 minute drive where you could buy all the essentials and had restaurants to eat as well as a lovely things to see. Our holiday exceeded our expectations!"

A charming property situated in fabulous scenery. Pool is delightful and very clean and well maintained. Plenty of birds to view from the balcony. Would definitely recommend the area and Grazalema has all amenities required and plenty of lovely restaurants."

This was our favourite place in our seven week holiday. The house, in its two parts, is quirky but very comfortable; the views are beyond amazing; so many different places to sit outdoors and listen to the waterfalls below and enjoy the mountains all around; it was too cool to use the pool, but it looked very inviting. When we arrived, we were given a warm welcome and masses of vegetables from their garden. The house is completely private and so quiet, except for the waterfalls and birds. Grazalema village is about 10 minutes' drive away and a delightful place for lunch or coffee - not over-touristy - where we were able to buy all we needed to self-cater so we felt like locals. In short, this was our idea of heaven, and if we ever get back to Spain, we would stay here again - but for longer. Highly recommended."

The house and surroundings were lovely and perfect for our needs. The only thing which we found difficult was spotting the entrance from the road, especially at night. Some indication of where you have to leave the road, such as a white post for instance, would have been very helpful."

This is the 2nd year in a row we have stayed at this fantastic villa. Equally as lovely as our first stay and we intend to go back again sometime. Beautiful location, quiet and all the facilities we needed to have a fantastic and relaxing break. No need to change anything about this lovely villa."

The overall experience working with Rustical Travel was good. All the online information and booking process was clear and simple, and married up with our expectations upon arriving at the property and being met by the owners. Whilst not being able to speak English, the owners welcome was lovely - they seemed genuinely keen that we knew where everything was, how it worked and that we had a good time. The property was delightful, the location was breathtaking. The main living area could perhaps be a little more practical and less of a collectors paradise - lots and lots of old farming artefacts which is fine, but another sofa would be great. Everything worked, was clean and organised. The garden was fantastic with lovely pool and stunning views across the countryside. All in all wonderful, thank you. Looking forward to coming to this area again and perhaps trying out one of your properties elsewhere in Spain."

The villa and the location was exceptional. It was full of character. Everything was as described on the website and more. We couldn't quite believe how lucky we were to have found such a fantastic place. Thank you"

We spent a wonderful week in July in this property. The location was idyllic, the pool was perfect and the house itself was exactly as advertised - an authentic Spanish home full of character and charm. Ideal for people looking for a taste of real Spain. The village of Grazalema was full of great places to eat and drink as well as some lovely local speciality shops, we had really no need to go anywhere else. all in all a perfect holiday. Rustical Travel were extremely efficient and helpful throughout the booking, highly recommended"

We loved this place. It has old world charm with modern conveniences, including laundry. Great 360 views. We enjoyed breakfast and evening meals on the patio and a difficult choice of which way to face. Location in the middle of the Grizalama National Park is very nice. We enjoyed lunches in the villages we visited, hiked in the park, visited cheese factory and unique villages in the area. Highly recommend this place. Had difficulty getting in and out of driveway but that was probably due to my lack of experience driving on the mountain roads."