Curves of Alabaster

Chic and minimal inside, opulent and fun outside, this villa is nestled on a hillside in the upmarket Mijas Golf neighbourhood, close to shops and restaurants, and just a short drive to the beaches, but with a sense of privacy and calm. Inside, neutral tones and glossy, contemporary furnishings make this a very easy place to love, with an uncluttered simplicity perfect for busy families.

The ground floor, flooded with natural light, is home to a sophisticated living room with high ceilings, comfortable sofas and an arched wall of windows to the outdoor terrace, and there's a well-equipped kitchen and indoor dining table. And while three of the bedrooms are also on this floor, another three can be found down on the lower level, along with a handy TV and games room.

But it's the outdoor space you'll be spending most of your time in, and this home's open, landscaped grounds have all sorts of fun surprises in store. As well as the beautiful pool, there's a section of it that forms a luxurious Jacuzzi, and along with a trampoline, there's an area where kids of all ages can play football or basketball. Add in the outdoor exercise area and table tennis, and this place really has it all.

Spend your days playing golf or strolling along the nearby sandy beaches of Fuengirola and La Cala de Mijas, or even cycling in the surrounding hills. When you come home, you'll be treated to a spectacular sunset as you enjoy a barbecue and a few drinks on the terrace.

Home truths:
*You'll have private parking for several cars and a lockable garage – which could also store bikes
*There's laptop-friendly workspace here
*On the lower level of the home are two bedrooms which share a bathroom, a further ensuite bedroom and a second lounge/games room with a Playstation – this could be perfect for kids and teenagers wanting a little more independence or if two families are sharing
*The beds can be arranged as doubles or twins – let the host know which arrangement you'd prefer