For sale direct from owners!
Overview of this magnificent historic home in Ronda old town
♦ Historic 14th century historic home♦ 5 beds ♦ 3 baths ♦ 665M2 built ♦ 442M2 plot ♦ 147M2 courtyard with pool ♦ 23M2 patio ♦ Double garage ♦ Internal modernisation is required throughout ♦ The roof has recently been fully restored in keeping with the age of the property ♦ Two entrances access the main house & independent apartment ♦ Potential for a tourism project in the future for holiday letting to discerning tourists who wish to stay in a very special and historic home ♦ Located in the very heart of Ronda old town ♦ A quiet location on a pedestrian only area ♦ The house stands in the ‘Conjunto Historico’ of Ronda giving it the protection known as ‘Bien de interés cultural’ where all renovation plans have to be approved by Consejeria de Cultura of the Junta de Andalucia to protect such historic features of the property as the Moorish ceiling in the huge living room ♦ The property has previously been a mosque, then three centuries later a Franciscan convent and from the 1950’s a private home ♦
Summary
The property, known as ‘Casa de Mondragon’, stands beside the Palacio de Mondragon, one of the most important buildings in Ronda’s old town, looking out over the panoramic ‘Campillo’ square. The most striking element in this historic home is its large living room, with a rare Moorish medieval wooden coffered ceiling. The coffered ceiling is a testimony to the long history of the house. The work dates back to the 14th century, when Ronda was part of the Muslim kingdom of Granada. Originally a mosque for nearly three centuries, the property later served as a Franciscan convent, before being converted into a private home.
Main house 470M2: The house’s main entrance leads through a traditional Andalucian courtyard, with a pergola, a well and small swimming pool. The rooms on the same level as the patio include the Moorish living room, which has a fireplace and connecting kitchen with pantry, two bedrooms, bathroom, study and large living/kitchen/dining room with an old fireplace. A store-room for garden tools and a laundry room also opens onto the courtyard.
Upstairs accommodation 181M2: Includes; another sitting room, two bedrooms, study, kitchen, storage room, bathroom and covered terrace with independent access so it could become a separate apartment or owner’s accommodation.
The lowest of the house’s three floors opens on to the square, with partially covered parking space for two vehicles 14M2, two storage rooms, a bathroom and toilet.
As it stands, the house can be divided into two self-contained apartments, each with their own stairs and individual entrance.
The opportunities for this property are endless
This historic property lends itself to becoming a palatial family home or an impressive holiday rental. A quality architect will work with the local Consejeria de Cultura, depending on the requirements of the new owners, to ensure the modernisation/renovation project complies with existing conservation rules.. *Please be aware that the process for drawing up of a new protection plan for Ronda’s ‘Conjunto historico’ (this home is within) is about to get under way, which means planning applications may be put on hold until the town plan is completed and approved.
Existing amenities and communications connected
A land-line phone with Internet is connected and fibre optic is in the street. Mains water and mains electricity are connected also (with an old water well located and out of use in the courtyard). If enhanced electricity is required (three phase), it is available in the immediate area.
Refurbishments and modernisation required
It is likely the electrics in the property have not been upgraded since the 1970’s. So, a re-wire and up-to-date fuse box is probably required together with an enhanced electricity supply due to the size of the property.
Contemporary kitchens would increase the enjoyment of the property and if done well would blend beautifully with the historic character of this impressive home.
The huge living room with Moorish medieval wooden coffered ceiling and its carved fireplace simply requires the personal touch of the new owner.
New glazing in keeping with the property, yet improved up to the specification of today’s quality double glazing would be ideal. There are superb wood effect UPVC windows on the market or wooden double glazed windows. While existing protection rules affecting all buildings in Ronda’s old town, or ‘Conjunto Historico’, limit changes to the size and extension of window space, as well as the design and materials of new windows, environmental legislation actually offers incentives to the installation of double glazing, if that is what a buyer wishes to do.
The first floor apartment could be improved and retained as a separate apartment or used as part of the main house, as desired.
The roof does not require any work. This has recently been renovated under the conditions required by the regional ‘Consejeria de Cultura’.
The courtyard 147M2
Within the private walled courtyard is a small swimming pool (originally an alberca water deposit) that would have been fed by the disused water well in the courtyard. Today, the pool has a filtration system to be used as a swimming pool.
Around the walls of the courtyard are plants to add colour and greenery. There is an orange tree and a huge ‘pinsapo’ fir tree. Plus a pergola for shade.
Off the courtyard is a laundry room and garden equipment store room.
The courtyard has old iron gates as well as double wooden doors and a covered gate house.
Patio 23M2
This patio is at lower street level next to the garage and the ideal place to dry washing.
Double garage
The garage is open at the front and houses two cars. Access into the plaza is pedestrian only and vehicle access is strictly reserved for residents. There is no on-street parking, therefore having this private parking is highly desirable in the heart of the old town of Ronda.
Location
This impressive property has a prime location:
♦ Next to the Palacio de Mondragon.
♦ In the very heart of Ronda old town that is protected and cannot be spoilt by inappropriate development.
♦ In a quiet pedestrian only area with car access strictly for residents only.
♦ Set a few steps from Ronda’s celebrated gorge and overlooking mountains beyond, the courtyard, a neighbouring garden and pedestrian only street, the property has a tranquil setting yet is only a very short walk to superb restaurants and bars.
♦ Could not be a better location for a tourism project if that is what the buyer aspires to set up.
♦ Walking distance to buy groceries or use the car and park easily in the garage when you return.
Airports
♦ Malaga airport is a 1 hour 20 minute drive.
♦ Sevilla airport is a 1 hour 45 minute drive.
♦ Granada airport is a 1 hour 50 minutes drive.
