Review: The Little Wooden House is a charming hidden gem nestled in an olive grove in inland Malaga – and offers the perfect autumn escape

LOTS of hotels, Airbnbs and campsites promise an ‘escape from it all’ but few achieve it quite like this extraordinary gem hidden in the hills just inland from the Costa del Sol. 

The Little Wooden House was built by expat Elizabeth Wynn as a ‘refuge’ surrounded by nature, near the charming inland town of Monda. 

Just 20 minutes inland from Marbella, the home is perfect for those hoping to recharge in the peaceful surroundings. 

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The carefully crafted building is nestled among olive trees and vineyards, providing an oasis of calm. 

A deep waft of wood hits you as you enter the house, making you feel instantly welcome. 

I’d first heard about the rental via Channel 4’s hit show George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces and written about in our Property magazine earlier this year.

So it was great to come back and stay.

Elizabeth has certainly used an eclectic mix of wrought iron and other recycled materials to further add to its charm.

The rustic, warm decoration including deep orange colours further adds to the autumnal feel, prompting a sudden urge to curl up in the sofa nook with a fantasy novel.

Luckily, there’s a whole shelf to choose from, with titles ranging from Bill Bryson to Yann Martel. 

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I’m soon undergoing a Fleetwood Mac moment.

Though ‘tiny’, the house makes great use of space, with a small bathroom, kitchen, dining table, sofa and a bedroom. 

Each corner is illuminated by big, bright windows looking out over olive groves and the Sierra de  Alpujata. 

The calming views make cooking in the mini kitchen a pleasure and guests can even pick fresh grapes or figs for dessert. 

For the resident chef, there’s two hobs, a microwave, fridge and stove top kettle on hand, accompanied by all the spices, utensils and pots you could need to whip up something delicious. 

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Outside, there are two tables to choose from to enjoy your meal and wherever you are, the resident cats are sure to come and say hello. 

Under swaying branches which catch the last of the summer sun, the garden is the perfect spot to enjoy a cold glass of wine before snuggling down for the night. 

Up a small set of stairs, the mezzanine bedroom houses a surprisingly big double bed with soft sheets and fluffy pillows. 

Surrounded by small windows looking out onto the night sky, the cool country air gave me the best sleep I’d had in months. 

After a relaxing lie-in, the next morning I was greeted by bright sunshine through the windows and for once, I did not feel grumpy. 

What better way to spend a Saturday morning than drinking a coffee and watching butterflies float by. 

Although I was heartbroken to leave the Little Wooden House, I was excited to see what the nearby towns of Monda and Ojen had to offer. 

A sleepy pueblo, there isn’t much to do in Monda, but it is nonetheless very pretty and the castle is well known for its restaurant. 

Ojen, on the other hand, is known for its caves, including the Cueva de Columnas, believed to be an example of a prehistoric home. 

As well as the local towns, there is plenty of walking to do nearby, being next to the Sierra de las Nieves National Park.

Elizabeth also offers arts and crafts workshops in her neighbouring property, Eden Whispers Art Farm. 

At just €82 a night, the Little Wooden House offers an idyllic escape for creatives, dreamers and most of all – anyone that needs a good rest. 

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