Improvements after the demolitions! (Casa Mirador)

Finally, after a long stint of illness I feel capable to return to blogging!  Once again, apologies for my long absence!

Due to Barry having to drive backwards and forwards to the hospital, there has been little progress at Casa Mirador for sometime. However, prior to my hospitalization, I did manage to take a few photos of developments and thought it was about time I logged them.

My last post was about demolishing parts of the casa. Well, with demolitions done, we can now proceed to make changes and improvements!

Remember the room which was originally the Lounge? With a door/window into the conservatory and a large opening into the kitchen area one side, plus an archway to bedrooms/bathroom the other? An area now designated for the kitchen/diner. A  window has been installed and we are currently knocking out for where the exterior door to a rear courtyard will be positioned. (see pics below)

The original lounge with fireplace.  The fireplace has been removed and a window installed in the wall to the right hand side......

You can clearly see where the lounge fireplace was fitted and here's a picture of our friend Aiden knocking out for the fitting of the exterior door to be positioned.

The window has been fitted into the now kitchen/diner and the arch (though to the original kitchen) is to be bricked up very shortly.

Already, you can see how much extra light is coming into this area, just with the addition of an average size window.  Of course some light will be lost once the large arch has been bricked up, but once the wall between the new kitchen/diner and the old conservatory has been removed, the light will be regained.

Additionally, new windows have been fitted to bathrooms and bedrooms too.  Next step is to remove the huge arch metal windows and double doors in the conservatory; to be replaced with new windows and patio doors to the terrace.  Plus, bricking up of the large arch from original kitchen to new kitchen and fitting of a front door where there was previously no door at all.

Apologies to you all!

Hi all,

Just a quickie post to let you all know I have not posted recently due to being hospitalized again!

I was taken ill on 29th November and have undergone 2 operations and a stay in hospital ever since, with the exception of a brief visit home for christmas and new year!

It seems the radiotherapy caused a lot of damage to the intestine which had ceased to function properly and caused leakage into the stomach resulting in peritonitis!

Anyway, feeling a lot better now and with the aid of laptop in hospital hope to be back to usual blogging soon.

Thanking you for your patience in the meantime.

Restaurant El Jardin, Malaga

El Jardin is said to be, Malaga’s secret. The best, most authentic Tango and Flamenco show in the Costa Del Sol, every Friday and Saturday starting from 11pm. Also good food and a very friendly service.

see video of tango/flamenco night here courtesy of TV Spain.com

El Jardin was recommended by some friends. As it is just a stones throw away from the hospital where I was unlucky enough to have my operation in January this year, we decided to pop in and check it out.

Unfortunately, on this occasion, we did not have time to stay and sample the food due to an appointment at the hospital, but we will make better plans for a future visit. We did however, have time to pop in for a quick coffee (cafe con leche) and take in the atmosphere of the restaurant.

Coffee is served with a bite size sweet snack and the service was very prompt. Brought to us by a waiter in smart dress with a fabulous smile, despite the fact we only ordered coffees!

It was surprisingly busy too considering it was almost 4pm. The majority of the other patrons had clearly been enjoying a leisurely lunch (lucky them).

As I am unable to provide a complete review at this time (watch this space) see here what others says

I will most definitely be returning shortly as I hear the food is fabulous!

Demolishing parts of the Casa! (Casa Mirador)

Following on from my last post we bought another casa I thought I would update with the mess we've made so far LOL. Well, it has to get worse before it gets better.

Oh and I forgot to mention last time that we have a new member of the family too. Her name is Leyla, she's the most beautiful and affectionate cat ever. She came with house too! How she became part of the house is another story for another time. But for now, let me introduce you to Leyla...

Barry has been busy removing the kitchen and bathroom, plus the tiles too.  A messy job, but someone's got to do it.

We've also removed the broken terrace table and umbrellas, the terrace looks more spacious now and that's before we extend it!

I also forgot to show you last time, the sea view we have.  Not that I'm over bothered about a sea view, but it is a good selling point for the future.  The only problem is the telephone cables running right across it.  We'll have to think what to do about these.

Actually, it's not such a great pic, you can't see the sea LOL.  But trust me it's there, it's the white looking part just through and above the telephone cables!

What's next?...

We've ordered new windows and doors, bought new fittings for the existing internal doors and a couple of lamps for the lounge too.

The electrician has been to provide his quote for the electrical works that Barry can't do himself.  Hope he's not too dear!!!!!

We have also found the double sided fireplace (woodburner) to go into the new fireplace wall which will sit between the lounge and kitchen/diner, providing heat throughout.  Yes, it get damn cold here in the winter .

Also, we found the sofa style and fabric for the lounge.  Now that I thought would take forever, but we both agreed immediately on the design.  Barry was happy to leave the fabric choice to me being the interior designer!

Kitchen next I think.  I know exactly what I want, but it's finding the right combination of door/drawer fronts.  This may take a little while.  Watch this space.....

We bought another casa (Casa Mirador)

After selling our old finca in September, we have now purchased another property.  This time we have gone for a 30+ year old villa.  After previously renovating two finca's, (farmhouses) we decided to opt for something more modern this time.

"Casa Mirador" as it is now

The previous owners. Who just happen to be my in-laws, pretty much left the house as it was.  They owned it for some 16 years and will no longer be owning a property here.  They are both in their 70's now and with our village being high in the mountains and therefore very hilly my MIL struggles to get around as well as she used to.

However, they are not ready to completely give up on Spain just yet and have a rented a little house, just down the road for 1 year to gradually ease themselves away and return their possessions to England, where they actually reside approx 6 months of the year anyway.

The property is currently 2 bed, 1 bath and be re-arranging the internal layout, we will be converting it into a 3 bed, 2 bath property.  All this without even extending!  Just as well as no planning permission whatsoever is currently being given for extensions in Spain!  Not good news for property developers.

There is a lot of work ahead and luckily my cousins own a villa here too, which we are currently staying in whilst we prepare our new home.

First up, the swimming pool.  Well, not exactly a swimming pool.  More a dip pool.  We are planning on altering this to look more like a jacuzzi.  Personally, this suits me better.  We've now had two properties were we have installed large swimming pools and they can be real hard work to maintain.  Plus, I don't even get in very often!  An expensive ornament eh?

Current dip pool

Not entirely sure what to do with this yet, except that we will be making it level with the terrace and removing the large white edging stones to be replace with tiles to match the finished terrace.

Inside the house there will be major changes. Here's a few pictures of the current layout.

Current kitchen - to be 3rd bedroom

Current lounge with fireplace, this side will be dining area and the other side the kitchen

Part of current lounge looking out to conservatory, this wall will go

Current bathroom to be totally renovated

Mail bed (same as bed 2), new storage areas and floors here

Currently known as the 'the battery room'  will be a fully fitted shower room

Battery room with access to water deposit, to be shower room

Currently the conservatory, this will become the lounge

Currently entrance from conservatory into main house.  This wall will be replaced by a central double sided fireplace

As you can see, we have major works to do here.  But the result will be a bright and modern home, hopefully very soon.

As we progress with the project I'll post more details and pictures along the way.  If of course you are at all interested in seeing the developments LOL, please stop by regularly for updates.

I promised you won't be disappointed with the end result.

The 88 Most Expensive Properties in Spain

In a recent article written by Luxurious.es Spain's 88 most expensive properties have been featured.

Luxurious says.....

Can you imagine a mansion decorated with gold and Swarovski crystals? Or a designer villa by the sea with the boat moored just behind the garden? All that and much more can be found in the latest special report from Idealista.com titled “Spain’s most expensive homes“.

One for the girls!



Nerja (photo courtesy of fotothing.com)



My fabulous friend, Jayne and I had a wonderful girlie day out this week.  What's so special about that I hear you ask?  Well for many reasons, this was a much needed & definitely well deserved day for both of us.

Those of you that know me well are aware that for a couple of years, whilst trying to sell our house, Barry (my husband) and I have not had much spare cash for luxuries.  To make life even more difficult, I was diagnosed with cancer in January and this year has been very hard.  Not just for me, but equally so for Barry, our families and friends too.  Glad to say, the house is now sold, yay.

Then in February, my friend Jayne & her husband Michael came over for a holiday.  They used to live here, but unfortunately returned to the UK full time almost 3 years ago.  They still own their lovely town house here though and fortunately for us, they regularly visit for holidays.

So when they visited in February, shortly after my release from hospital, we were delighted to see them.  Plus, it was Jayne's birthday too, so a fun filled night out was planned.

We went to dinner in a local restaurant with some other friends, Tony & Sue, plus Debbie & Karen. We all had a great evening, but unfortunately it ended in disaster!!!!

Anyway, I won't rant on too much about it but basically on her way home, Jayne slipped and broke or ankle.  It was a bad brake which resulted in surgery.  It has also taken her a long time to recover properly and consequently they were unable to return to Spain, until now.

During my illness, Jayne kept in contact with Barry on a daily basis via skype.  Plus when they were here in February I was showered with not only support and love, but some fabulous gifts too.

This current visit happened to coincide with Jayne & Michael's 20th wedding anniversary too.  So, what better excuse is there for a right royal girlie day out?

Tuesday morning, Jayne & I headed off to Nerja for the day.  A truly wonderful place, full of shops, bars, restaurants, etc and of course amazing beaches too.

Our plan was to do a little shopping, a little pampering and have lunch too.  The day was perfect.  Upon arriving, we visited a local nail bar to make an appointment.  I booked for a french manicure and Jayne decided to opt for a foot massage.  Great choice considering her earlier accident!

So with our appointments booked.  First stop was a coffee after the short journey.



Jayne during coffee



View towards the sea from the plaza

After coffee, we hit the shops and yes, we did treat ourselves to a few prizes too!  Then, it was time to head back to the nail bar for our pampering.



Me, having my french manicure



Jayne, relaxing and thoroughly enjoying her foot massage

After my nails has dried and Jayne had woken up from her foot massage, which she enjoyed so much it sent her to sleep.  We headed off for lunch.

The choice of restaurants is mind boggling, but as it was market day.  Most patrons were on the other side of town, leaving Nerja fairly quiet and therefore no problem getting a table for us.

We decided on an italian restaurant and we both ordered a pasta dish.  Unfortunately, we were chatting so much I forgot to get the camera out again.  Sorry for that.  It also means I can't do a restaurant review, sorry for that too.  But I'm sure I'll return there one day and will provide a review then, I promise.  However, I can say the food was delicious and I had my favourite dish.  One I often create at home too, called Aglio-e-olio, shown here on my other blog.

After lunch we ventured back up the mountain to Competa. I dropped Jayne off at home and then I went home too for a quick nap before Barry & I returned to Jayne & Michaels, with our friend Sue, for an evening of drinking, chatting and of course wonderful food as always supplied by Michael.

Thanks guys, you are all truly special friends.

Buying/Selling Property in Spain! - Part 3 (to sea or not to sea?)

Not yet read Part 1 read it here and Part 2 here

So, you've decided on your location, type of property etc.  But, what about your preferred views?

Maybe you've chosen a location on the coast.  In which case the chances are you will have a sea view (at least before someone builds & blocks the view LOL). 

Maybe you've chosen a mountain location.  In which case you may/may not obtain a sea view!

Maybe you've chosen an inland location.  In which case you are unlikely to obtain a sea view.

However, from experience, most first time buyers in Spain specify a sea view!  Why?  Well, because that's what everybody 'thinks' they want!!!!

A sea view is beautiful without a doubt, especially with a coastal view too which at night is stunning with the twinkling lights etc.

However, many people don't actually consider the option of a mountain view!

When my husand & I moved to Spain we did not consider which type of view we preferred.  The choice of property was far more important to us.  Of course the view is important too.  Living in a village we would not want to find our ideal property only to discover our main view would be one of the local building yards!!!!!

We have moved several times now and I/we both agree that a mountain view is our preferred choice.  Why?  Well simply because this view changes throughout the day, there is always something newly discovered to look at, plus during the winter months the mountains can often be covered in snow which is stunning!

We have some friends who insisted on a sea view when they arrived in Spain.  Initially, they rented a property and were delighted to obtain a sea view.  A year or so later, they moved into another rental property and had a slight sea view, but were happier in the new property.

Eventually, they purchased their own property, without a sea view & are just as happy with their now mountain view!

The moral of the story!  Don't assume you have to have a sea view.  In fact, if you find the right property, a view of both allows you to have your cake and eat it.

Aproveche LOL.

Photos were selected from Google Images, thanks to those for sharing.

Buying/Selling Property in Spain! - Part 2 (before you buy!)

Beware of falling in LOVE!

Not read Part 1 yet? Read it here & Part 3 here

OK, you've decided you want to buy a home in Spain.  A second home for holidays, rental etc or maybe permanent.  Either way, the same rules apply.

Before you begin viewing properties there are a few points to bear in mind:-

Which area do you want to be located?

What type of property are you looking for, i.e a new build, purchase from existing vendor, or even a ruin?

What is your budget?

With regards to area, take a good look around.  Visit the areas you are interested in and stay a while to discover if it's truly the place for you.

What type of property is right for you?  It's not un-common for perspective purchasers to state they want a certain type of property, but actually end up purchasing the opposite to their initial requiremets.  Do some research & be specific about your requirements.  It's a waste of time & effort, not only yours, but agents and vendors too if you are viewing the wrong type of propety.

Budget.  Have you taken into consideration additional costs i.e taxes, notary & solicitors fees, exchange rates etc?  Don't view properties being marketed for 300,000E if you can only afford 200,000E.  This may sound obvious, but it's surprising how many people do exactly that.  Then fall in love with a property they cannot afford and despite efforts of putting forward lower offers, which are subsequently declined, it often results in broken hearts (for all parties).

Talk to property agents, solicitors etc and people who live in your area of choice before viewing properties.  You'll be surprised how much easier this will make the purchasing process before you start viewing.

Think of purchasing a property like setting up a business.  Would you start a business without planning & research first?  No, you probably would not, so don't spend thousands on a property either without the initial preparations.

This is an area on which there is so much to say, so we'll come back to this later.  In the meantime, don't forget the above points.

Enjoy your research, don't make it a chore or you'll soon give up the dream!

Your comments, suggestions & contributions are most welcome.

Buying/Selling Property in Spain! - Part 1 (Introduction)

I've been thinking about this post for sometime now & delayed it for many reasons. One, being that my frustration may occasionally hinder my writing! Two, being that I'm not the best writer out there (but I'm learning).  Three, I'm no expert on buying/selling, but I am experienced and do have an opinion, but that doesn't mean I'm right and I don't want to get it wrong.  Four, I could so easily rant on for far too long, thereby making this post become boring, but there is just so much to say!

There, I've said it! I'm not perfect, but who is?

So, I decided 'I will publish a post on this subject' but in order to avoid the above pitfalls.  I will publish in sections over a period of time.  This way, it will also give you lovely people the chance to comment, send emails also, contribute with questions too etc etc.

So please stop by on a regular basis (better still, add yourself as a follower & never miss a new post) to keep up to date with this section on my blog and remember you are very welcome to contribute too.

I'll kick off with a very short comment.......................

It's common knowledge that the press/media report far more bad news, than they do good.  Yes, there are sometimes problems with home ownership in Spain.  But, remember this.  It's the same the world over!, we are not alone.

It's good to read these reports and watch the TV programmes, sometimes there is truth in it too.  I personally do exactly that and often find myself shouting at the TV too because this image portrayed is occasionally far from reality.  Equally, I frequently have a good laugh at them also when I hear ridiculous statements from writers, presenters who clearly only comment on what others say without personal experience themselves!

OK, I think you're getting the picture now, so we'll leave it there for the time being.

Read Part 2, here
Read Part 3, here

Remember, your comments, suggestions & contributions are most welcome.