Casa Luis. Andalus beach cottage. 200m to sea

Less than 200m from a Chariots-of-Fire 8km stretch of sand that is arguably one of the most impressive on this unspoilt stretch of coast, Casa Luis is the perfect beach house: simple, yet comfortable; sunny pool (optional fence) yet large shaded terrace; cosy in winter (fire and central heating) yet cool in summer (well maintained and mature garden with umbrella pines, palms and rubber plants); and close enough to the sea to hear the surf breaking from your bed (or the nightingales on the neighbouring heath!) Within the exclusive residential area of Roche, the house is located in a quiet cul-de-sac that terminates with steps leading down to the perfect Atlantic beach that stretches all the way to the abandoned tuna-fishing port of Sancti Petri in one direction, and to low sandstone cliffs that rise to form a series of tiny sandy coves and rock pools known as the Calas de Conil in the other. Built less than 20 years ago, the house is Andalusí in style, with white-washed walls and terracotta roof tiles.

Built on one floor, with a large furnished terrace acting as a natural extension to the sitting room. The furnishing is comfortable and personal, with large comfy sofas around an open fire and well-stocked book shelves for winter visitors, and large wicker sofas and a bbq on the covered terrace for the summer months. The walls are decorated with the owner's own paintings of the local area and there is a TV, DVD, and music system.

Accommodation at Casa Luis comprises of a small terrace by the front door that catches the morning sun but is shaded from the midday and afternoon heat. The front door then opens on to a sitting/dining room, and off this there is a fully-fitted kitchen, which also has access from a back patio with outside shower area (ideal for sandy children!) The bedrooms (and bathrooms) are at the back of the house, and two of them look out towards the swimming pool. There is one double room, two twins, and a single with cots available on demand. The large covered terrace runs down the western side of the house and gets all the afternoon and evening sun. It is furnished with sofas, chairs, dining table, well-cared for pot plants, and even paintings on the walls!

There is off-road parking for two cars (although there is no problem parking on the road). A walk of about 500m will take us to the local shop, pharmacy, a couple of bars and restaurants, and childrens’ playground. Roche also has its own tennis and padel courts and five-a-side football pitches. In the summer months, there are several beach bars/restaurants to choose from within walking distance, some of which are now staying open all year. A 5-minute drive will then provide you with a far larger selection of both bars and restaurants. The area offers an endless list of activities and if you book with us, we provide you with detailed information on all our recommendations, details on local amenities, and our up-to-date guide to the best of everything! You could spend a wonderful holiday here without a car, and just hire bikes; but, assuming you will have a car, it’s 15 minutes to Conil, 20 minutes to the hill-top village of Vejer-de-la-Frontera, 30 minutes to Cadiz, 40 minutes to Tarifa and Jerez, and 90 minutes to Seville, all of which are well worth visiting.