La Huerta El Noque

Rustic chic in a whiter shade of pale at this droolingly luxurious self-catering farmhouse close to Ronda (sleeps 10-12)

The sleepy, bucolic valley that cuts north from Ronda has recently seen a big influx of newcomers from northern Europe. Gazing out from El Noque's sheltered courtyard to the jagged outline of the Grazalema mountains, to groves of olive and almonds and ripening wheatfields, it's easy to understand why this area has pulled so hard at their heartstrings.

The region's best craftsmen helped the previous owners transform this once-simple farmstead into the valley's most luxurious rental home 3 years ago. Sticking to an all-white palette, which lends the house a wonderfully light, clean and uplifting quality, they cut no corner on cost or quality. The pool, gardens and bedrooms are all picture perfect; the kitchen and drawing room as chic as rustic chic can be. Every last detail of this remarkable self-catering home has been conceived for pampering with perfection.

Highs

• Set within 7 acres of pasture, with lavender-lined pathways and a horse grazing in the paddock, this place is idyllically pastoral
• Choose between self-catering or having El Noque's chefs come in to cook for you
• A housekeeper on call - Renata can arrange everything from massages to airport pick-ups to flamenco performances
• The adjacent apartment would be perfect for families who were bringing their own cooks or nannies
• The underfloor heating and open fire mean you'll be just as comfortable in winter as in summer

Lows

• Expect to hear the distant baying of dogs at night and the sound of passing trains
• A week's stay will leave a sizeable dent in your bank account but we feel it's worth every euro
• El Noque gets booked up very early, especially over high summer (June-August)