Finca Retama – Casa Abuela

Ancient Roman and Moorish heritage, as well as iconic authors like Ernest Hemingway and Orson Wells, have all helped to put the vertiginous Andalucian hill town of Ronda on the map and it’s less than 10 minutes’ drive from the farmhouse apartment and villa at Finca Retama making it a perfect ideal for families looking to combine scenic town sightseeing with rural tranquility and the odd coastal day trip.

As an added bonus, the 200 year old farmstead is home to British owners Nick and Julia Flynn, who are on hand for first hand tips and advice on the best sightseeing and beaches nearby whilst, along with their two young boys and two dogs, providing friendly hospitality that makes Finca Retama so much more personal than just another Spanish villa. Shortly after arrival, all the children are usually soon having fun together on the 8-acre fruit farm, either bouncing on the 14ft netted trampoline, playing ping pong, swing ball or with the toys in the sand pit, Fun even grows on trees here, with apples, pears, plums, peaches, figs and walnuts all ripening for the picking at different times of year.

The fenced and landscaped 15×6 metre pool provides a natural focal point for everyone, with toddler friendly shallow steps and inflatables provided, plus a separate blow up paddling pool, arm bands and baby floaters for infants. Grown-ups also have the added luxury of a new mini-spa, featuring a 5 person Finnish sauna, hydro massage shower, gym equipment, relaxation chairs and Homedics heated massage cushion (for a small extra charge).

There are two houses at Finca Retema: Casa Abuela, the independent villa listed here, and the farmhouse, which accommodates the Flynn family on the ground floor, and a of the farmhouse and a 3-bedroom guest apartment on the first floor. Authentically Andalucian in style, there are distinct Moorish influences in the character and decor throughout Finca Retama, from the chunky hardwood furnishings, beamed ceilings and mosaic tiled bathrooms to colourful Berber rugs on the terracotta tiled floors. This traditional style also means both the apartment and villa are pleasantly cool in the summer but when chilly nights close in, there’s central heating to make them nice and cosy.

Accommodation overview – Casa Abuela

Casa Abuela is the separate, self contained villa at Finca Retama for 4-6 people plus babies in cots. The owners have designed, built and furnished the villa in the traditional Andalucian style to combine cosy comforts indoors with the pleasure of outdoor living. Two sets of teak French doors open onto a large shady terrace surrounding the property and adjacent to the pool, featuring outdoor furniture and a BBQ, all privately hedged in pink roses and prettily decorated with colourful hanging baskets and ornamental trees. The main living area of the villa is spacious and open plan featuring comfortable sofas, large flat screen TV with English channels, a DVD player and chunky hardwood dining table. The well equipped kitchen includes ‘Kashmir Gold’ granite surfaces, a 4 ring hob, separate oven, fridge and freezer, washing machine, microwave, toaster, kettle and all the essential pots, pans and utensils. The master bedroom has doors onto the terrace, a beautiful mosaic tiled ensuite wet room and a king-size bed which can be separated into two large singles. The second bedroom also has a king size bed which can be made up as twins and its adjacent to the villas’ tiled family bathroom. If required, there is a double sofa bed in the living room.

Please note: a €15 per night supplement applies if heating is used in cooler months.