Cliff cottage with Africa view, marvellous gardens, WiFi and pool

The pool has a spectacular view of the sea across to Morocco which is as close as it looks: just 15 kilometres of sea plied by ocean-going liners and merchant ships.

To get here you come off the coastal highway and drive down a long (3 km) but well-maintained track through pretty groves of cork oak, passing occasional cows, to a private, secluded estate with masses of gardens.

You park directly outside and walk round to the garden entrance of your winsome, bungalow-style holiday home.

RD34 is a one-bedroomed villa facing and giving directly onto the lawns and flower gardens and leading down to the swimming pool high above the sea. It neighbours one other cottage and their pretty, shaded terraces are screened off from each other by a high hedge.

Our favourite spot in this sweet little casita is at the table by the large windows looking out onto the gardens. These let in plenty of sunlight, emphasizing the smooth red floor tiles and deep pink walls and making for a cheerful atmosphere inside. You also have a large sofa and comfy armchair.

There's a small but properly equipped kitchen: eating in here or on your furnished terrace is really very cosy and many guests alternate between catering for themselves and going out to restaurants in the area (Moroccan, French, Mexican, Italian and traditional Spanish). Bear in mind that if you intend to eat out, you’ll need to drive back along the track to the highway.

French windows open to the gardens and a glass-paned door to your terrace.

The gardens and pool may be shared by guests if one or other of the two other small cottages are occupied, but the gardens are so extensive that you can feel very much in your own space if intimacy is your first consideration.

One area of the vast lawn extending from the cottage terrace all the way down to the pool is private to your cottage to all intents and purposes, and there are quiet, shaded spots under trees or the pergola where you can be on your own.

The cool green, mosaic-tiled, infinity pool is positioned at the foot of the gardens, where it has an enormously impressive view over the sea. You can sit in the shaded garden pergola with cold drinks and lap up the Andalusian lifestyle.

The sea and the sandy beaches at Tarifa and up the coast towards Cadiz are the prime attraction at this southernmost tip of sunny Andalucia.

Tarifa's also the place to go out on a boat to look for whales or dolphins. On these trips it’s quite something just on its own to find yourself midway between Spain and Morocco; the white villages on either side look alike at this distance. You can also take the fast ferry (just 35 minutes) from Tarifa to Morocco and enjoy a day out in Tangiers.

People staying here spend a lot of time out of doors. The owner has created extensive, colourful gardens with secret corners reminiscent of English landscaping. There are peach and fig trees, roses, clematis and agapanthus, with a special emphasis on scented plants. You can sit by a fountain in the shade of a Peruvian pepper tree or walk the springy lawn down past palms, cypress and jacaranda to the swimming pool.

Birdwatchers will appreciate the bird guide book left in the cottage for guests to spot and learn about the dozens of birds that inhabit or migrate the Strait of Gibraltar, including storks, grey herons, vultures and eagles.

The English-speaking Spanish owner (and her friendly dogs) lives on site in independent accommodation.