The story of our move to Andalucia .... and our move back to the UK

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Monday 24 August 2009

A day of viewings - Part 3.

Ok, by now it was getting late and we still had a 3rd agent to meet and see 2 properties - but while we were in the area it seemed sensible to see as many as we could.

So, we met up with Jo who was taking us to see a Farmhouse that needed a reasonable amount of work to do it up, as most of them do - but not a total renovation, some of the rooms needed a coat of paint and a bit of TLC.

For example - it needed a new kitchen!




But we have seen a farmhouse that has been fully renovated and they make fabulous traditional houses, with huge rooms unlike the new villas that they build which tend to have small rooms.




The bathroom also needed ripping out and replacing but it had a good view from the roof terrace over the almond trees to the mountains.




Unfortunately, at the back of the property was another farm that was a real mess, a total eyesore and not something we wanted to live next door to - so, onto the final property for the day.





And once again, we found ourselves heading for the Rambla. Now, the sides to the Rambla are very steep and there are properties dotted all along, and the quickest way to get to some of them is along the Rambla, which considering how long it is since we've had any rain, is not a problem at all. The property we were going to see was built high up on the Rambla hill, but it said it had good access.

Now, one lesson we've quickly learned is that what some consider good access, others would seriously struggle with - and this house turned out to be in the latter category! It was up a very steep lane that ran between 2 houses that we barely fit between, and then up some more. It was tarmac, I'll grant you that, but incredibly twisty and turning and at one point I'll warrant the tarmac was no more than 6 inches wider than our wheels, with a steep drop to the Rambla below. This house could have been perfect for us, but we wouldn't be buying it - there was no way I would be able to drive up and down this track! But the views were stunning!

As it happens, the property wasn't bad. It had been partly renovated by a couple who had run out of money, (not an unusual story over here) and so wanted rid of it. They were obviously descended from a family of mountain goat herders, not to be bothered by the drive up - but this one was definitely not for me!

So, a long day and not a property that was right for us - but we are getting a better idea of what we are looking for and more importantly, what we are NOT looking for!


We have another day out tomorrow.

5 comments:

Linda Lou and Senor, Too said...

I am surprised to see your mountains and terrain look alot like ours in sonora. which house are you leaning toward? are you seeing more? I love the farmhouses, the rambla which would be our arroyo here doesn't sound good at all. Can't wait to see more!

Brindy said...

Hi Linda Lou, I think there are many similarities between our part of Spain and Mexico, apart from the language. We love the scenery in the mountains more than the coast.

I like the traditonal Farmhouses, built with thick walls to keep the sun out in summer and the heat in during winter, the larger rooms and the enclosed courtyard which would be a safe place for the dogs when we are out - but, we'll know the one for us when we see it - maybe tomorrow, we have some more to see.

Spanish Owner said...

I was amazed at where Jane & Terry, who we stayed with last June the night after you kindly asked us to stay, had built their gorgeous villa as the road to it is scary in a hire car. It's near Bedar village, gorgeous area, stunning scenery.

Linda Lou and Senor, Too said...

Jacqui, I can't thank you enough for telling your brother about telcel/telmex and the playlist/naked lady situation. I left a comment below what he wrote. I was so very impressed. He wrote in language I could actually understand and I am very grateful. He can read my full comment on my last post if he wants. Thank you again so very much and please tell him I said so. LL

Sarah said...

Fascinating process and a great set of posts! Making me feel a little like maybe I could take on something like this too!