Finca Retama – Apartment

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.

The 200 year old farmstead is home to owners Nick and Julia, with their two boys and two dogs, who together provide a warm family welcome and friendly hospitality that makes Finca Retama so much more personal than just another Spanish villa. Children are usually soon all 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 and fun even grows on trees, 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).

While the family occupies the ground floor of the farmhouse, the first floor has been lovingly transformed into a spacious 3-bedroom apartment for up to 8 people and the owners have more recently added Casa Abuela as a separate villa for up to 6. 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

Finca Retama apartment occupies the first floor of the 200-year old farmhouse, with walls up to a metre thick, beautiful beamed ceilings and ‘watch your head’ doorways to duck through. The apartment sleeps up to eight people plus babies in cots, featuring one king size master bedroom with ensuite bathroom in its own peaceful wing; one twin room that can be made as a double; one room with bunk beds; a sofa bed for two in the living room; and a separate family bathroom. Wi Fi is available and the large sitting/dining room has Satellite TV and a DVD player. The kitchen is well equipped and includes a four ring hob, separate oven, large fridge, washing machine, kettle, toaster and all the essential pots, pans and utensils. For eating al fresco and soaking up the Andalucian sunshine, Finca Retama apartment has its own private terrace with a bistro dining table, large parasol, BBQ and fab views over the valley to the mountains which dramatically change colour as the sun begins to set.