Gaucin holiday villa " Finca Las Aguilas" in Gaucin

Bird watching: Sierra Crestellina, the mountain behind Finca Las Aguilas, is well known as the largest griffon vulture roosting and nesting site in southern Spain, and the main roosts are directly visible from the terrace. Other birds overhead every day include eagles, buzzards, falcons, choughs and bee-eaters. Ibex are seen virtually every day on the crags, while roe deer and wild boar are often seen on the lower slopes.

The property commands truly majestic views over the Genal Valley which is one of the main European bird migration routes from Gibraltar and flocks of honey buzzards and storks are regularly seen close overhead during the spring and autumn migration periods.

The garden : The villa sits in 6 acres (2.5 hectares) of landscaped and natural garden. The landscaped garden has lemon, mandarin, pomegranate, olive and fig trees and a wide variety of herbs, ornamental trees and shrubs including hibiscus, roses, bougainvillea, jasmine, rosemary, bay and lavender. You are welcome to pick the fruit and use the herbs. There are extensive paved patio areas and a 30-metre Moorish style paved canal with a fountain. There is a low-key solar external lighting system.The wild garden is fenced and the local shepherd sometimes grazes his sheep here. During spring there is a profusion of beautiful wild flowers including narcissi, asphodel, marguerites, and over 12 varieties of orchid. While the local goats are not welcome in the garden they do produce fabulous (prize-winning) cheese which is available at the queseria 2 km up the road at Venta La Laguna. We do also get the occasional visit from wild boar - they are unwelcome because they do so much damage but we like them!

The house and pool: The house is built in traditional Andaluz style with thick walls, ceiling fans, terracotta tiled floors, archways and shutters on bedroom windows. It is cool in summer and warm in winter. There are 2 portable air conditioners. It is fully furnished and equipped - with enough glasses, cutlery and crockery for 20 and board games, books, CDs,videos and DVDs which you are welcome to use. There are two large west-facing covered verandahs with seating, tables and chairs. We have a very detailed house book - and a guest book which we hope you will sign when you leave! The 11.5 x 5 metre pool has extensive tiled sunbathing areas with stunning views, a small lawned garden,and a covered pergola with power points, table and chairs, sun loungers and hammocks. There is also an outside (cold water) shower and a small changing room with WC, mirror, hand basin, power point and plastic glasses, crockery and cutlery for pool side use. The pool and surrounding area can be lit at night.

Skiing in Granada, Sierra Nevada - 3 hours' drive. You can be skiing at lunch time and dining on the Med in the evening. Most years there is snow from January to May. It's not world class - but, like lots of things in Spain, it's fun!

There are many world class golf courses within 20/25 minutes' drive - Valderrama, Sotogrande, Casares (Volvo Masters now) - simply ask: Gerry is Secretary of the local golf club at Duquesa.

Winter skiing is available in the Sierra Nevada 2.5 hours away, & Tarifa, Europe's windsurfing capital is 1hrs drive