The Middle of Somewhere August 19, 2009

 

We first visited Archidona nearly 10yrs ago. The desire for me to escape the hooplah of London Town was strong and we needed a central base to explore the many corners of Andalucia. We chose Archidona and a small, family-run hotel called the Escua. Many kilometres and many weird and wonderful viewings later,  Archidona was to become the place where we eventually decided to lay our sombreros. 

Surprisingly, the owner of the Escua and his family generously integrated us into their own extended family and during our first faltering months here, their selfless support and kindness provided a solid foundation for our andalucian adventure. Our friendship has blossomed over the years to where we are now looking to extend our own support and kindness by offering the family’s traditional andalucian lodgings to the UK market.

Many of our own friends and family have enjoyed the local hospitality whilst staying here in Archidona (a number have even been inspired to buy their own bolt-hole) so, if you too, would enjoy immersing yourself in an authentic corner of Andalucia, check out Luis’ various accommodation options in Archidona. It truly is the Heart of Andalucia. 

http://www.themiddleofsomewhere.com

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

 

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!

 

 

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: REDUCED TO 250,000 euros

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

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

 

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

    

 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

   

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.