We highly recommend Fernando’s house. It’s a little oasis just outside Grazalema and 20 minutes drive from Ronda. The house is perfect in every respect, even down to the excellent air conditioning, which comes in useful when the nights are hot. During the day you’re calmed by the sound of the water from a nearby spring that runs through a series of narrow stone channels in the garden. The swimming pool is surrounded by a beautiful lawn where you can lie in the shade of different kinds of tree (orange, quince, lemon, avocado, pomegranate etc.). There’s also a badminton lawn and a mini football pitch with five-a-side style goal nets. The house is next to a mountain stream, replete with little pools and, if you don’t mind a short hike, quite a spectacular waterfall. In the nearby sierras there are excellent walks, catering to all abilities (our favourite was the rocky El Simancón peak). Cycling also seems to be popular in the area. And if you’re feeling adventurous, the climbing routes just outside Grazalema are arguably the best in Andalucía. Many thanks to Fernando for renting the house to us – we’ll definitely be back!