Handbag Addicts Unite September 16, 2008

          

 

MISAKO is a spanish chain of handbag boutiques whose stock is always high on style, yet low on cost. All bags are invariably priced the same at around 30euros. They look great, mirroring latest styles and stock is always new and exciting as this brand often run new styles on a weekly basis.

Ok, so they’re not high quality merchandise but they allow you to keep your accessories on-trend without breaking the banco.

This Barcelona-based company are fast expanding their network of shops so I am happy to report that we have stores in both Granada and Malaga.  I challenge you to come out empty-handed!

Amazing Andalucian Venue for hire September 16, 2008

 

Looking for a venue that can provide an authentic and unique back drop for family gatherings? celebratory dinners? corporate away days?  weekend retreats?  development workshops?  Talk to us – the possibilities to create something memorable are endless……..

 

This traditional andalucian cortijo is set in the grounds of a 300-acre working olive estate. Fully renovated to provide a self-contained venue with 8 en-suite twin bedrooms, large refectory-style dining room, kitchen, huge, yet comfortable lounge, downstairs cloakroom, courtyard and swimming pool. There is a further 50ft room which looks out onto the inner courtyard and is ideal as a formal or informal workshop space. An atmospheric breakout room is also available.

 

 

The cortijo is situated 2kms outside of the historic town of Archidona, in the North of the Malaga province and just 45 minutes from both Malaga and Granada airports.

Check out the website at http://www.themiddleofsomewhere.com For further details email kerry.talkthetalk@telefonica.net 

Special rates for people we know? You bet!

 

 

Ceramics Hunting in Andalucia September 7, 2008

       

 

You will see a variety of pots scattered throughout the suburban Surrey homes of my family – they can’t help themselves. Every visit is punctuated at some stage by ‘can we go to a pot shop!’ so we are forever hunting out new and exciting suppliers.

To date, we have two favourite spots. La Rambla is a whole town dedicated to ceramics in the south of the Cordoba province as is Purrullena, east of Granada.  Admittedly, there are a lot of bright, colouful offerings which would look out of place in an urban, contemporary setting but every visitor always goes home happily clutching a personal find. I’m a big fan of the earthware oven dishes, olive oil and vinegar sets and garlic pots, oh and the ridiculously low prices of course.

Happy Shopping

It’s a Dog’s Life September 7, 2008

     

 

This is a valuable tip for resident ex-pats who, like us, have made several additions to the family since moving to Andalucia - dog-shaped additions. The challenge which followed was to find great boarding kennels where we could happily check in our brood so we could head out and explore the nooks and crannies of Spain. 

We worked our way through the advertised options but didn’t personally feel comfortable with any of them. And then we heard of Paws and Claws, a totally different kind of dog lodgings, run by a remarkable woman called Doreen Cage.

Here, the dogs receive home from home treatment. No sterile pens, no rotated play times. All the dogs live together with Doreen! They have free reign to parts of the house and lots of interesting land to explore. There are even sofa’s and beds where they curl up at night. There is something magical about Doreen. I say she’s an unsung Dog Whisperer. Mutts of all shapes and sizes live in perfect harmony – it’s a total joy to see and our boys love her. You only have to say ‘Doreen’ and they form an orderly queue at the front door.

Paws and Claws are located in the countryside in the north of the Malaga province between Iznajar and Villanueva de Algaidas, 40mins from Antequera.

You can email Doreen on bbirding@wanadoo.es or call landline 952745028

Beautifully Restored Palace Hotel September 7, 2008

 

        

 

Were you one of the many BBC viewers who followed this roller-coaster restoration project? Nick and Lesley Vallance bought a crumbling 18th century palace and turned it into a beautiful boutique hotel in the town of Velez-Malaga, on the eastern side of the Costa del Sol. 

When we went to check it out, we couldn’t have been more impressed. The 8 en-suite bedrooms are  set around a wonderful central courtyard and are large, light and sumptiously decorated. The style is contemporary moorish with an indulgent palate of chocolate browns, reds and deep cerise against a crisp white backdrop – the overall effect is strangely dramatic yet calming. Infact, when you walk through the main doors, it is like going through the wardrobe in the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, into a whole new world.

Although we were only popping in to be nosey, Nick and Lesley could not have made us feel more welcome – what a warm and friendly couple. I was so pleased to hear they were fully booked for the coming 3 months. These two deserve success.

Check out flights to Malaga now (30mins from airport) and secure a booking for a weekend escape in the Palacio now. I promise you this is a special place to stay and will score big brownie points with the other half. 

http://www.palacioblanco.com

Your Own Slice of Andalucia September 5, 2008

 

This is an exciting opportunity to buy a large, traditional, yet fully renovated, Andalucian townhouse.

These houses often remain in the same family for generations rarely becoming available on the open market. It is located in Archidona, in the north of the Malaga province, 45 mins from both Malaga and Granada airports.

Archidona will surrounded you with nature, tradition and history and yet the house offers all the benefits and comforts that go with a modern home.No pollution, no traffic, no crime – this truly is a location to aspire to. 

Archidona also makes a perfect base for exploring the magnificent Andalucian cities – Granada, Malaga, Seville, Cordoba, not to mention the beautiful lake districts of El Chorro, Iznajar and Fuente de Piedra with its migrating flocks of flamingos in their 1000’s. The vast coastline and snow-topped Sierra Nevada mountain range are also within comfortable driving distance.

With the recent introduction of the fast AVE train service to Madrid and the scheduled local airport opening in 2009/2010, prices have escalated in the nearby (10km) governing town of Antequera, making Archidona the nearest affordable alternative.

Here’s an overview of the property;

• Recently renovated to a high standard using quality materials
• Original character and features retained
• 220sqm built with well-manitained, water-tight roof
• 4 double bedrooms – 2 with original beamed ceilings
• 3 reception rooms – 1 with rustic chimney
• 1 kitchen/diner – 25 sq metres – all new, quality appliances
• 1 sleek, modern bathroom
• 1 separate mosaic shower room with hydro massage shower
• 1 study/den with phone point and Broadband connected
• Large terrace with wide steps leading to garden
• Large garden with fruit trees and wooden pergola
• Mains water & electricity and private well
• Full amenities within walking distance
• Amazing views of hilltop monastery – floodlit at night

PRICE: 275,000 EUROS.

 For full details and photos see http://www.andalucianlifestyle.co.uk