Finca La Nogaleda
Review

We arrived at about Midnight, and entering the house I sighed a huge breath of relief. The house is calming, cool and relaxing, everything you could hope to arrive to after a 2 hour drive from Malaga.

Waking up the next morning and opening the full height window/doors in the bedroom, looking out over the cobbles, through the trees to the pool and tranquil gardens was just wonderful. I knew then that the holiday was going to be great.

The house is beautifully rebuilt and fitted out, retaining the rustic charm of a traditional Spanish farmhouse but with the modern conveniences you expect nowadays. The house has a home from home rather than hotel feel, it is just like going to stay at a friend's home while they are away. There are 3 large double bedrooms, bathroom and a large landing with sofa upstairs. The floors are tiled and cool, windows small and shuttered. The dark at night is absolute. We were not sure what time of day it was when we woke up and one day it was midday!!

Downstairs is one main room consisting of 4 areas: a lovely kitchen with wood worktops and cupboards, hob, dishwasher etc; living area with 2 comfy sofas; dining area with table and chairs and another sitting area by the wood burning stove. Off this room is a shower room/toilet with a door to outside - this would be a godsend in summer when the temperature is really hot. The main room has a big old door which opens up onto the rustic cobbled front of the house, perfect for sitting in the evening for a sun downer, or lunch under the shelter of the walnut trees.

The walnut trees are amazing - the house is named after them and the gardens are full of them. In Autumn walnuts drop onto the ground all around, just collect them up and eat them! For an avid collector of food it was heaven for me! On the first morning we explored the garden, it is about an acre and full of new and old plants and trees, and extending to the river. I managed to collect for breakfast - figs, blackberries, grapes, pears, persimmons (also given a tray of about 30 by the neighbour!). there were quince trees but the quinces weren't ripe.

The neighbour, Luis, was nothing but kindness and friendliness. He brought us a bag of tomatoes, pimentos and eggs on the second day, so many of them that it took all week to eat them! Some days later he brought round a bottle of red wine, so delicious that we were delighted. It was also particularly strong, so lasted 2 days! In addition to the previously mentioned 30 persimmon's he brought some more tomatoes towards the end of our visit as we ran out!! We paid for some of this but for some he refused payment, so we felt we had very good value for money!!

The gardens, as mentioned are amply large to feel secluded and private and with enough space to wander, paint, children to play or just hang out by the pool. The breathtaking aspect to the garden is the backdrop of the cliff on which Ronda is situated. This dominates the eastern horizon and I wished I had remembered to bring my drawing/painting things with me. It and the mountains surrounding Ronda just cry out to be painted.

Ronda is a great combination of slightly touristy town but primarily local Spanish. The bullring is amazing and well worth a visit. The Ponte Nuevo bridge must be admired and leisurely drinks overlooking the countryside should be indulged in. There are a large number of restaurants of all types, from expensive smart to cheap and cheerful. We found one full Spaniards and decided what was good enough for locals was good enough for us. Possibly next time we will try another!!

Louise Tonkin