Finca de Las Encinas, Los Juncares, La Subbética

After catering college and training with a French chef in Cardiff, Clive and Maki moved to London, then Cornwall, before deciding to uproot and escape to rural Andalucía Over a decade later the rambling finca (country house) has matured beatifically. Beneath towering holm oaks (encinas), the focal points are the eating areas beside the pool or on a panoramic terrace Chickens cluck (fresh eggs for breakfast!), dogs and a cat trot between dozens of blossoming plants, while the couple’s energetic young son, Cei, zips in and out Behind the house, Clive’s vegetable and herb garden ensures abundant organic produce which, coupled with wild rabbits or quails from neighbors, make perfect ingredients for his focus on traditional Andalusian food Between Maki’s warm intelligence and background in finance, Clive’s dry wit and knowledge, and the bucolic setting, Las Encinas achieves that perfect balance between the spirit and the plate.