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: 290,000 EUROS.

 

Email kerry.talkthetalk@telefonica.net for further photos and information.

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

The Place to Shop August 27, 2008

 

for your silk espadrilles. Established back in 1902, this shop looks like it has probably never had a refit! but it’s atmospheric shopping at its best. Little, old, bespeckled men, a small space always bustling with noisy senoritas and row upon row of coloured foot-candy all stuck to the walls above the counter. It’s amusing bedlam that’s well-worth braving.

 

The variety of espadrilles are immense and mostly hand-made. Costs vary from 10-35 euros a pair, and come sale time(now), they’re dramatically reduced so buying up for next summer is always a good plan.

 

This place is not easy to find but if you have it written on a piece of paper, any local will be able to point you in the right direction.  It’s less than 5mins walk from the main shopping promenade in Malaga, Calle Larios.

 

Happy Shopping

Urban Spanish Tasteries August 27, 2008

    

 I am so pleased to see the gradual introduction of slick, urban restaurants to Malaga city. They are still few and far between and usually tucked down narrow, unassuming side streets but boy are they worth snuffling out.

If like me, you become bored with the standardised rustic fare offered at most andalucian restaurants, you are going to enjoy my latest quest to track down new culinary offerings. Yesterday, I hit the jackpot with Sacacorchos in central Malaga.

Just a short hop, skip and a jump away from the Cervantes Theatre, Sacacorchos offers an ambience, style and menu better suited to Barcelona’s hip vibe. 

The food was fantastic (check out the menu in English on their website http://www.sacacorchosmalaga.com/ )  and the staff were charming.  I loved the decor and the wonderfully- shaped, huge serving dishes. This place is a real treat and with lunch costing less than 40 euros for two of us, it’s a treat that won’t cost a fortune.

I can’t wait to go back. Lunch anyone?

Clandestine Assignations May 9, 2008

        

Restaurant: Clandestinos, Malaga City

Walk through these unassuming double doors to wooden tables, rough brick walls, low lighting and a welcoming buzz - there is always a buzz. The waitresses are quirky, with cropped hair, piercings, tattoos, skinny vests and an average age of about 20. They’re the funkiest little workers I’ve ever seen. Doesn’t sound like your kind of place? Believe me when I say this is everyone’s kind of place. Diners range from suited business men to eccentric pony-tailed types. All locals. And the draw? The food is out of this world!

Favourite Dish: If you like duck, go for it. I’ve tried it cooked in two different ways and both induced ecstatic gasps from me. The salads are unusual and huge - more than enough for two. I’m not saying any more - go try it. Christine

Address: Calle Nino de Guevara 3, Malaga

Directions: Walk along Calle Larios away from the sea and take exit in far right corner off main square. Keep walking until you see an illuminated green cross/chemist sign. Turn left. The restaurant is about 60yds along on your left.  

Oldest Tapas bar in Malaga May 9, 2008

   

CASA DE LA GUARDIA, Malaga City

At first glance, this appears to be an old, traditional bar with a few seasonal tapas available, usually seafood. However, it’s charm lies in the fact that it is filled with HUGE barrels of different types of sherry. You have to take pot luck and point at one, give it a try and then move on to the next. I’ve never been one for the tipple of grandma’s BUT I truly enjoyed my samplings. The bar staff just keep a running tab chalked on the bar next to you. It’s only a small place but is a very popular starting point for an evenings wandering and tapas tasting.

 

Address: Calle Alameda Principal 18
Directions: Look out for the BIG wooden doors. It’s situated on the main drag, the road that runs parrallel along side the port, near the flower sellers, next to large modern book shop.