Dar Hajra, 'Rock House' Villa near Ronda, Andalucia, Spain
This unique self-catering holiday villa is hidden away in a pine forest just above the 'white village' of Montecorto, to the west of Ronda. From the house’s rocky perch you are treated to a stunning, wrap-around view of the peaks of the Grazalema National Park. This self-catering holiday accommodation is beautifully furnished and has every mod con including high speed Wi-Fi internet and satellite television: it is an ideal hideaway for a truly romantic holiday for two.
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The Villa
You reach the rock house villa via a steep track which arcs up through the forest to a mountain spring. From here a path flanked by rosemary, lavender, honeysuckle and mint climbs up to the villa ’s main entrance. It looks deceptively traditional from the outside yet within the house is a remarkable example of contemporary architecture that was conceived to maximise the amazing views southwards to the Grazalema mountains.
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The Sitting Room
The mountainside has been wrapped into the fabric of the building and the rock strata add a stunning decorative element - Dar Hajra means ‘House of the Rocks’ in Arabic. A pyramidal atrium is the visual axis around which the open-plan lounge/diner/kitchen turns: sunlight floods in during the day and you look up to starry skies at night. |
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The Pool
Three huge drop-arched windows lead out to the terrace and the infinity edge plunge pool whose waters seem to merge with the sky. Just beyond the pool a path winds up to a spectacular solarium. Each window of the house brings in a different part of the stunning views including those of the study. Here are hundreds of reference books including a number written by Dar Hajra’s owner. There’s a huge collection of CDs (flamenco, blues, jazz, classical, world, folk) and DVDs, as well as a computer with free 24 hour internet connection and satellite TV. Or you can hook your laptop via Wi-Fi. |
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The Kitchen
The kitchen/diner is as spectacular as the rest of the house with a large stainless steel fridge, black slate floors and everything you need to self-cater in style. There are masses of herbs and spices. A good bottle of red wine will be awaiting you as well as a bottle of cava in the fridge. |
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Bedrooms
There are two bedrooms. The larger has a king size double bed and walk-in wardrobe. At the very top of the house, reached by a staircase that winds between the rocks, is a second bedroom with access to a large roof terrace. All bedding is of the best quality. |
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The Bathroom
The bathroom is another flight of fantasy with large round tub sculpted between the rocks and an enormous shower rose. Run a bath, pour in the essential oils, light a candle: there’s plenty of room for two. A charming housekeeper, Francisca, cleans and tidies for an hour every day. If you prefer the house can be rented without this daily home help.
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Dar Hajra is hidden away in a stand of pine forest just above the undiscovered ‘white village’ of Montecorto, 15 kilometres to west of Ronda. From the house’s rocky perch you are treated to a stunning, wrap-around view of the peaks of the Grazalema National Park.
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