Malaga’s Dolls House Museum August 27, 2008

 

 

You’ll find the Picasso Museum mentionned on every Malaga website but the little-known Dolls House Museum is a true hidden gem. Born from a passion spanning decades, Voria Harras rescues neglected, hand-made dolls houses from once wealthy households and restores them to their former glory. She has some incredible examples all housed in a traditional 3 storey private house off the Plaza de Merced.

 

If you are a true aficionado, she has a selection of restored houses for sale together with a vast range of furniture and decorative items. The level of detail in each piece is incredible. 

 

We were fortunate to be able to spend time with Voria, hearing tales about her finds and seeing first hand, how she begins to tackle the restoration work. She struggles to fund the museum from her own pocket so every visitor is greatly valued and appreciated. Entrance fee is 5 euros.

http://www.museocm.com

Howling with Wolves May 11, 2008

      

Lobo Park,  Antequera, Malaga

‘Lobo Park’ is a conservation project set in vast natural park lands. It has been created by a German guy who followed his passion to study and learn more about these much maligned animals. He has built a fascinating haven where he aims to not only build awareness and understanding of these creatures but also to offer real-life insight into hierarchical societies and structures for businesses and organisations. 

 

There are several species of adult and young wolves in huge outdoor enclosures, including the rare white ‘polar’ wolf.  Daniels guided tour is captivating. He has personally hand-reared many of the wolves and to watch him interacting with them can be a heart-racing sight. It’s a great trip for kids too, as there’s also a petting zoo which houses some entertaining characters. (I love the pot-bellied pigs!)

 

If you’re looking for an unusual night out, book a place at a Howling Evening.  You can BBQ in the grounds to a pitch-black backdrop whilst listening to the haunting serenades of the hidden residents. A memorable experience.  

Directions: 10mins outside Antequera on A343
www.lobopark.com

Architectural Jewel Under Renovation May 9, 2008

               

Convento de Canos Santos, Alcala del Valle, Cadiz

Whilst out driving one day in the direction of Jerez, we spotted a huge abandoned ruin majestically perched on a hill in the distance.  Our curiosity was stirred so we decied to try and get to it.  There were no signposts or obvious roads leading in its direction so we headed for what appeared to be the only village in the area.  Surely someone would be able to tell us what it was and how it could be reached.

 

We followed a narrow, climbing road that eventually lead onto a plateau and we could see the village of Alcala del Valle in the distance.  Suddenly, to the left, we spotted a small, broken wooden ‘arrow’ with the word ‘Convento’ etched on it.  So we followed it. As the road turned into a track (and a steep one at that ) we abandoned the car and decided to continue on foot. The silence was deafening and the views that opened before us had been panoramically super-sized. This was going to be a special find. As we turned a corner, we were both stopped in our tracks. The HUGE dilapidated convent was a masterpiece in stone. There was nobody there but we saw a government notice that said that grants had been obtained and renovation was imminent. We explored and marvelled at the beauty-in-waiting. 

 

That first visit was 4yrs ago. We have since watched the transformation and only last week, called the local town hall to ask what was to become of the almost completed project. It’s to be a 35 bedroom hotel with conference and banqueting facilities.  Trust me when I say, this will be a venue like no other.  I look forward to posting up-to-date shots, sometime soon.