Juniper Jubilation

In an area such as Andalusia that's blessed with both natural beauty and a kind climate, it makes sense to stay somewhere with as much outside space as possible. This penthouse apartment more than delivers on that front. As well as offering guests a vast rooftop terrace complete with seating, a barbecue and views of local hillsides, the home's guests can also take advantage of a communal swimming pool and tennis court.

If that sounds a little too active for your tastes, the apartment's interior is a lovely space in which to relax. There's a contemporary elegance to the design, from the large artwork on the white walls and chic furnishings to the tiled kitchen and bathrooms. The fireplace in the living room may not be in use, but it's still a characterful presence in our books.

When it comes to seeing a little more of Andalusia, golf fans will be particularly pleased to hear that the home practically neighbours a course, and there are plenty more in the surrounding region. The sandy beach of Puerto Banus is only 4km away, while Marbella's charming old town is about double that distance away.

Home truths:
*There's private parking available for guests
*The single-level apartment's on the second floor of a building with no elevator
*Though there isn't a dedicated desk here, the dining table doubles up as a laptop-friendly workspace
*The TV has channels in Spanish, English, German, Dutch, French, Russian, Swedish, and Norwegian