Situated at Los Marines, a tiny hamlet 3km from Lake Vinuela near Periana. With its charm and originality this country cottage could step straight out of the Style section of the Sunday Times. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, the area has Phoenician and Roman origins as well as many Moorish strongholds. Walk, relax and step back in time to enjoy country living. Explore the local bars and restaurants in Periana, 4km away, a beautiful drive particularly in spring when the wild flowers are at their best.

Mobile shops come to the Los Marines around lunchtime each day. Also make the most of the accessibility of the area for visiting Granada, Cordoba and Antequera using the excellent network of motorways nearby. The coast, and Torre del Mar are less than 30 minutes drive.

Accommodation

Casa Maroma stands on a hill amongst olive and almond trees. The well travelled owners have put a lot of energy into making this country house individual and interesting at every turn. Based around a small central patio, the old beamed ceilings have been restored, walls stripped back to stone and original floors revealed. The furniture is an eclectic mix, from the 'Van Gogh chair' in the bathroom, to the baroque light fittings and rococo touches. It all meshes together to give a lot of style and character.

From the front terrace, you enter into the living area. The sofa and armchairs are centred around the fireplace; the dining area has decorative iron chairs and a table made from an original door from the house, and beyond is the kitchen area. Here there is a gas hob and electric oven, fridge/freezer and round stainless steel sink; the old bread oven still remains in one of the walls.

The washing machine is housed in the hallway. From here, a few steps lead up to the bedrooms: two double, and a few steps further, a twin. There is one bathroom, decorated in earthy tangerine, with white sanitaryware – a bath, basin and toilet, and a shower room in pistachio with shower, toilet and basin.

Steps lead up to the roof terrace – a large sunning area with lovely views to Mount Maroma, and across towards the lake.

The swimming pool has been designed to mould into the landscape. Local rock surrounds the paved area, and at one end is a rope railing, not shown in the photographs here. The pool is 8m x 5m with steps down. No toddlers or small children under six years.

Rates

Prices are per week, inclusive of electricity, bed linen and towels for up to six people. Changeover day is Saturday only. Arrival after 2pm, departure by 10am. A 50% non refundable deposit is payable on booking with the balance due four weeks before arrival.