Building work

35. Hot tub has landed.

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To choose, purchase and install a hot tub is easy isn’t it? I can honestly answer that question with a, ‘Hell no!’ For me it has been a lengthy road from beginning to end with many things to consider at every stage.

My first consideration was on style and size. I had imagined something slightly different from the circular or square tubs but large enough to easily accomodate 4 people. Size was important as I found the advertised 7-8 seater tubs may only be suitable for tiny people that like crowds and that’s not us.

Then there was a decision to be made on the type of hot tub. The all electric tubs ‘jacuzzi’ can be very expensive to heat the water and, in our case, would need a separate electrical feed from the main box, which when quoted for, was a small mortgage. However, after a little investigation I was introduced to the wood burning hot tubs (similar to what you may see in Sweden). With the water heated by wood, the only electricity necessary was for lights and jets which have minimal requirements. After installing an extra electric socket to the garden area where the hot tub was to be sited, we were all set.

I eventually found the perfect 8 sided tub with a wood burning stove, LED lights and lots of bubble jets – except it had to come from Estonia. If anyone is looking to start a new business within Spain then wood burning hot tubs would be a good choice!

After several months the hot tub arrived, and with the help of our local builder Miguel, was carefully located in the rear garden of the cave on top of the concrete base that had previously been prepared.

This is when my fun started. It was time to design the area around the hot tub and make it somewhere for ourselves and guest to relax and enjoy whether you were in or out of the tub. The design was not the only consideration – there was the practical issues too like how do you get into such a high tub!

The outdoor shower was built and floor tiled, the hot tub base was plastered, steps built, statues purchased, plants planted, gravel spread and blue grass laid. I now know that, at my tender age, my knees and back have lowered their limits of usage than ever before! Slowly it all took shape.

I wanted this particular area to be a continuation of the already established back garden keeping a flow all the way through. I hope I have achieved just that.

I am pleased with the outcome and looking forward to many happy hours sitting in the tub with a glass and a good book or just simply relaxing as I listen to the many birds around us. I cannot wait for guests to try it out too when we open Cueva Limon in April this year. Take a look at other photos we have at http://www.caveholidays.com.

Let me know what you think. Stay safe and well.

33. Building a table – part 1.

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Cave life continues during this weird and daunting time we find ourselves in. As the virus persists to threaten our lives, John and I are finding our happiness in the immediate part of the world we call home. Our cave has been our saviour. It has given us shelter, room to move, repair jobs to do and new ideas to design and build.

I don’t think we will ever be in a position where we can sit back and say, ‘ We are done’. It’s never going to happen but perhaps that’s a good thing…. it keeps us on our toes and certainly keeps us busy. We may have aching backs and bad legs between us but…. we carry on, as you do.

I have several projects ongoing at the moment. One of these projects is the building of a new table with seats within the rear garden area. The actual design of this table has changed 4 times from when I first sketched out a design on my computer. After transferring the design to the garden by placing breeze blocks to give me an idea of size and shape I decided that the first two designs were a little complicated (and that is slightly understated), How about a circular table with a base to match? All sounds good until you ask the local metal man if it’s possible to make a round frame for the table top so we can fit bardos within the frame and then tile. He simply said no – not possible! Plan B… how about 6 sided table top? That was a ‘yes’ so off he went. In the meantime I had a friend build a circular base for me as I really do not want to try cutting breeze blocks with a cutter. I will try most things and have my tools all lined up in the garage but not a large cutter that was needed to cut these bricks. I have my limits!

As of last week we have had the frame delivered and I have placed it on the base to give me an idea of the size. I am so pleased with the overall look – thankfully. Now… what size should the seats be? That appears to be a straightforward question and one that should be easily answered. So why did I find it so hard? Well, firstly the patio area for the table is not level. It runs down in two directions. As the table will be fairly level, (thanks Steve), the seats around the table will be differing heights. Eventually, I decided that after measuring the height of each of the 6 sides and working out the gap that would be needed between the top of the seat and bottom of the table, it became easier.

Ok, I’ve got the height sorted. Now for working out how far from the actual edge of the table the seats should be? They cannot be too close as someone like me would never get in. They cannot be too far away as smaller people would never reach their food or drinks! It was a few days of measuring and moving blocks about before I decided on what I think will be a good compromise and I’m sticking to it. Anyone that cannot reach the table can sit on my lap! So, the blocks have been positioned and tomorrow I am going to start to concrete them in.

Post note: the seats will have to wait as I was called to have my first jab yesterday and not quite feeling up to cementing today. Perhaps tomorrow.

Stay safe everyone.

31. Tourist Board inspections are scary – or are they?

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It had arrived. We had received notification that our new cave rental, Cueva Limón, was to have an inspection from the Tourist board of Andalucia. All licenced holiday rental properties have inspections at some point and it was time for ours. We were notified 10 days ago of the date and time and given guidance on what to do with regards their visit during these covid times.

We had 10 days to ensure we had all the relevant paperwork in order, registrations, visitors books in place, first aid and fire precautions sorted and all the other smaller things you need to look at when having such an inspection. This all seems relatively simple but not so easy when you are in the middle of a lockdown. We have had the paperwork in order for some time and the forms had been printed off the computer. Amazon, due to lockdown, was the only way I could buy a first aid kit, fire blanket and fire alarm at such short notice. The inside painting jobs we needed to finish off and the building of a garden bench and table in the back garden had to be left half finished due to lack of materials. But at least the inspector could see that we had started and what our intentions were.

Although John is going to our local school twice a week to learn Spanish we decided that this inspection was too important to try and answer any of the questions we would be asked so we arranged for a recommended translator to join us and help with communication. I’m so glad we did. He was great and although we did understand some of what was being asked the rest went well over our heads. Thank you Annie for the recommendation and thank you Guy for your translation during the visit.

When our allotted time of 9.30 arrived we had our first surprise. We did not have one inspector come to see us but two! The fact that there was more than one put our stress levels through the roof. It was going to get very serious we thought – two inspectors aiming questions from both sides. However, it was nothing like what we had imagined. It was 45 minutes of “Muy Bonito” (very nice), lots of photos being taken and many wide smiles on both of their faces. The two inspectors were very happy with everything we had achieved and the projects that we had yet to finish off. The only request was that we purchase a printed pre numbered complaints book from the bookshop in Baza. Their parting words were, ‘We are very impressed and we wish you the best for your future bookings. Muy Bien’.

I will admit to being nervous before their arrival, very nervous on their arrival and a complete jelly on their departure. It will take me a few hours to actually stop shaking. I was in complete shock that the visit went so well.

Moral of the story is … don’t worry about what may happen. It may surprise you and never happen at all and if it does, you can work it out. However, life is not that simple is it? We are all human and we will continue to worry about the ‘what ifs’ in life. Makes things more interesting I suppose, however in my case, it’s given me more grey hairs.

Please take a look at Cueva Limón and we hope you will consider joining us in the near future for a holiday that you will remember, Cave life is the best – come and try it for yourselves. http://www.caveholidays.com

Keep safe and keep smiling.

29. SOLD – broken our own record!

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How lucky are we!

Our success at selling properties started when over 14 years ago we decided to sell our cottage, office premises and 2 businesses back in the UK.  We wanted to relocate to Cyprus but imagined it happening in 6 months to 2 years allowing us time to sell.  However, fate had other ideas and everything sold within 2 weeks!   The cottage was sold unbelievably quickly,  it Soldactually went through within 11 days, that’s from viewing to final completion.   Yes, 11 days, honestly.  He was a well known footballer looking for somewhere to stay in the area whilst he was seconded to another local team.  Apparently…. the whole cottage could have sat in his lounge within his permanent home!

Then, after 11 years in Cyprus, we decided to relocate to Spain the same thing happened.  Both our Cypriot properties, Villa and the beautiful rental apartment sold very quickly,

within weeks.  It was brilliant but quite scary as we had nowhere to imagesmove into.  If you have been following our story you will know that we had purchased a beautiful unreformed cave.  A cave that was certainly not livable. So the search began for a cave in Spain that we could actually move into.

Now we are selling again but, I hasten to add, not our home.  I love my cave home far too much.  As I had explained in the last blog (28), we are looking to slow down and not work so hard.  I sometimes feel that I am playing catch up everyday and getting nowhere.  So, the decision was made to advertise our 6 rental caves on Facebook.  Well, I was absolutely amazed at the  overwhelming response I received within the first 24 hours.  It was a complete surprise.

186674951On the same day as the advert went live I answered a message from one couple who actually told me they were so interested that they were driving over as we “spoke” to take a look.  We agreed to drive up and meet them so at least they could look inside and….. they are now the new owners – or will be shortly. images Contracts have been signed today, deposits paid but, due to their work commitments abroad, they will be unable to take over officially until 1 April 2021 (may make that 2 April for obvious reasons!)

We cannot be any happier, for us as sellers and for Debbie and Bryan as purchasers.  They are an absolutely lovely couple and I have no doubt whatsoever that they will make a roaring success of the business.  The ideas they have will only help the business to continue growing making it even more of a success than it is now.   Please don’t forget that bookings for Cuevas de la Paz continue so if you would like to take a look please visit http://www.caveholidays.com.  When the sale is finalised I will keep you up to date with the new web address giving you choices for your future holidays in cave land.

How do we feel?  Being truthful… quite sad in as much as we have worked hard to get the business to where it is now but I also feel a huge relief as I can now put my energy and time into Cueves Limòn which is our rental cave next door to our own cave.  Up until now it has only been used for family and friends although it is fully licenced for tourists.  Our hesitation has been about our three dogs that share the outdoor space.  Should we separate the outdoor area or advertise for dog lovers only?   We decided on dog lovers only!  So, a new launch of the website for Cuevas Limòn will be happening very soon ready for the 2021 season.   This will keep me busy enough but in a more relaxed way if that makes sense.

Take a look at http://www.caveholidaysspain.com but please remember it’s not quite ready yet as there are lots more photos to add and plenty more to say.  However, it should give you a taste of what’s to come.

So… please bear with me as I finalise the website of Cueva Limòn.   I am truly looking forward to sharing our own piece of cave land with some great people.

Again, congratulations and a huge welcome to Debbie and Bryan.  We look forward to good times together.

Stay safe and keep following.

Sue

26. Lockdown within Cave Land – part 4

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IMG_20200503_100635We are now in our 9th week of lockdown – 59 days to be precise.  What has that meant for us?

For the first couple of weeks we just got on with it.  What choice did we have?  But then there were days we lost our positivity and needed to kick ourselves in the butt.  Thankfully it hasn’t happened that often and as I have said before, and will say again, we are lucky to live where we do in such lovely surroundings and scenery.  It really does help to be able to sit outdoors and enjoy what we have around us.

We are trying to keep busy and that is not difficult at all.  The hardest part is finding the energy each day.  There is so much to do and our ‘to do’ list is never ending.  I have painted in several areas of our cave house, built two tables by the back door, we have a new front door step, everything in sight at the front of the cave has been jet washed  (including the cane furniture), made a pair of concrete wellies, updated the sign post and …. we are trying really hard to keep up with the weeding.  This last task is the one we mostly fail with. Weeds just grow anywhere and can be inches tall overnight.

 At the moment we are still unable to go food shopping together and we can only go to our nearest shop.  It’s not a deal breaker but John and I have different tastes and what I would purchase is not necessarily John’s first choice (or second come to that).  He is a vegetarian who likes ginger, marzipan and nuts (my worst nightmares) and I am a meat eater who enjoys ribs, marmite banana toasted sandwiches and chicken curries (Johns worst nightmares).   We are very different in our tastes that’s for sure.  So over the 9 weeks my solution has been to take pictures of the items I would like John to get for me.  Generally it’s successful but sometimes not….  it can be exciting to see what I get.  We are trying to stick to the rules and go shopping only when necessary not only because we have been told but because we feel safer not going out.

As of last Saturday I can join John on the daily walks with the dog.  We are allowed to go for a walk within 1km of home and to walk together has been good for us.  We do not have specific times to go out as we are in a small populated area so have the freedom of going out at a time that suits us.   It is good to see the spring flowers, especially the poppies we have all around, and to feel the warmth of the sun as we amble along with the three boys.  As fate has it we have rain forecast for this week but the sun will be back soon.

Other than not being able to take a drive out in the car, or go to our favourite bars and restaurants, its life as usual for us accept that our rental business has obviously been put on hold.   This year was to be our first full year and it started off better than we expected.  We had so many advance bookings we were over the moon.  However, from March the cancellations have poured in.  We have accepted that business will be slow for the rest of the year and money will be tight but so many others are in the same position.  We are not on our own.  Hopefully we can all enjoy our freedom and breaks away in the very near future.

If you would like to plan ahead, please take a look at our cave rentals.  Go to http://www.caveholidays.com and choose a cave that is right for you.   I will be happy to answer any questions you may have or pass on information about our area in cave land.

imagesStay safe everyone and one day we will look back and hold our heads up high and say we did it.  We got through it and came out of it.

25. ‘Lockdown’ within cave land – part 3.

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download-2It’s now day 12 of lockdown in our cave home.  

We have had days when we have been happy, sad, worried, bored, busy and thoughtful but thinking about it, can’t we say the same for our normal everyday lives too.

As some of you know, I am usually out and about working hard getting our rental cave ready for guests to enjoy and ensuring they are well maintained.  However, I have not visited the caves, Cuevas de la Paz, for 12 days and that’s a strange feeling!   I miss them!   If, like me, you are forward planning to take a short break when this strange time is over please take a look at http://www.caveholidays.com. There are other great rental properties within our area where you can stay and I highly recommend you take a look at the places you can enjoy and the new experiences you can have within the Altiplano.  You may get an idea of what our area has to offer from the website. It is a beautiful place.

So, my time has been spent, like many others, doing the jobs that get added to the ‘when I have time’ list which in reality, would normally stay unticked.  I’ve emptied drawers, batched cooked, cleaned, sorted out clothes and generally slowed down.  This is not a bad thing but I do wish I could have friends around to witness how clean and tidy our cave is now. 

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When our doors are once again open, the house will have returned to the ‘almost tidy’, ‘as clean as you are going to see it today’ and ‘more dog hairs then I care to think about’ cave then I would honesty like but…. If you are friends you will understand (I hope).

I have also taken more time to read posts on Facebook, which for us living in a small community, has been a vital source of information during our 12 days. It has also on occasions given me a few great laughs with the funny words and videos that are out there.  It has also been the biggest source of rubbish just like our newspapers can be on occasions.  We do have to consider each post with care and decided if we believe it or not ( looking at the source of the post is a good guide for me).

I found this on FB recently which for me epitomizes what I mean about false information and I absolutely love it.

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Just a heads up The Ministry of Defence have been told to be on standby for complete UK lockdown as of Sunday evening at 6pm… No one is to leave their home’s unless you work in Front Line Retail or the NHS and have brown hair.

I heard this directly from my neighbour Trigger who is best friends with a guy called Boycey.  Boycey knows a guy named Del who drinks down the pub with his uncle Albert.  Albert was in the Navy during the war so knows his stuff.

Please pass it on.

On the more positive side I do enjoy the posts that make me smile or perhaps make me think (I’ve been told that using my little grey cells is a good thing).  I  found this on FB today posted by a friend and its is just perfect – could not have put it better myself!

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           Do we say ‘we are stuck at home’ or

           should we say ‘we are safe at home’. 

         One word makes so much difference.

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Today on day 12 the Horton household have chilled out.  Not doing that much, just pottering about and smiling at all the good things we have around us.  John’s highlight was popping to the chemist for my hayfever pills and his own prescribed medication.  My day was made even brighter when I spotted the crowd gathering around our bottom gate. 

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Now it’s time for a spot of TV for even more relaxation.  Tomorrow is another day when I may get started on the painting of the dining room walls…… or not….. I may just make these for the garden.  My choice is endless.

Thats day 12 in cave land.   Take care everyone and stay smiling.

23. ‘Lockdown’ within Cave Land

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The Corona Virus is affecting everyone all over the world.  The majority of people have had and will have more restrictions placed on their everyday activities as the days go by.  Some more than others.  We are presently on day 4 of our lock down in Spain.   ‘It’s not been that long’, you may say.  I would agree but it is harder for some than it is for others and we have to be prepared for the original 15 days enforced restrictions to be extended further.   This is not going to be a quick fix.

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We sit here in our cave discussing how this is affecting our lives and what hardships we will have to endure.  We will not be able to visit friends and family for a while, won’t be able to go for a meal at the local swimming pool in Los Carriones or a coffee at Emilio’s.   We won’t be able to go to the garden centre or my favourite mall in Granada.   We will not be able to go for a drive out to the lakes or explore nearby towns and villages or chat with the friendly postman as he sorts through the packages in the back of his garage.   Ok, so that is how it is going to be, for us.   Not to bad you might say.  Yes we are confined to our home boundaries (with the exception of going food shopping, vets, bank, fuel, (only one at a time and strict regimes in place when you get there)), but we are truly lucky to have what we have around us.  Our own personal hardship is not that great – so far.   

We then started thinking about how it could be affecting other people near and far who may not have the things we have.  

Why do we feel so lucky?

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We have a large cave in which we can spread ourselves around.   As our rental cave next door is empty we are free to use that space if necessary.  By adding both caves together we have in total 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 kitchens 3 lounge areas, one dining room, an office,  a gym, 2 garages, numerous patios and a huge wood store.   That’s enough space to find a quiet spot if you need one.

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There are many people in Spain who live very happily in their smaller apartments or homes.  However, being confined within that space can be hard for some, especially now.  In normal times people live their lives and everything is generally ok especially when you are happy and content with what you have and with the person(s) you are living with.  But, what if you are already in an unhappy relationship or the thought of not being able to leave the confines of your home is very limiting and depressing?  I cannot imagine how difficult that must be.   There must be many people in this predicament who, on day 4, are counting every second with dread.  All I can say to anyone who may be in that situation is to use friends via any communications method you have, find something to do that you enjoy or think about things that make you happy.  From me to you – I send you all a huge virtual hug.

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We have our own land around our cave so we and and our three dogs can freely roam and potter in the fresh air.  We also have the added bonus of lovely scenery all around us. 

Many people do not have that luxury and have little or no outside space in which to escape.  We have sometimes thought the land we have is a little problematic regarding upkeep and trying to think of ideas of what to do with it but … I am, on day 4, so pleased we have it.  Weeds and all.

With today’s communications network we can keep in touch easily with family and friends far and wide.  We use WhatsApp, Messenger, Skype etc etc which is all becoming increasingly more important as the days go by.  They keep us in contact with the outside world and obviously with our family and friends.

Some people do not have these luxuries.  They may have a mobile phone and tv but little else.  Don’t get me wrong, that is enough to keep in contact with people but we feel spoilt for the choices that we have.

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We live in a sparsely populated and rural area where few cases have been reported.  In fact, we have had no reported cases within our immediate area to date.  So far, we are healthy (relatively of course.  John still has his heart problems and I seriously need to lose  the weight which has piled on recently).  So why are we as worried as we are?  That is the question being asked by some back in the UK.   

Because we are!

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How many times have I heard ‘but it’s just like the flu’! For me it’s the same as people’s attitude to smoking ‘dope’.  For many it’s a case of feeling good for a short time while you enjoy your homemade joint.   Good for you!  That is your choice and you are free to do what you want with your life.  However, for others, and there are many, it causes mental health issues. hallucinations, horrid nightmares and paranoia.  I have seen it happen so many times to so many people around me over the years.  The same attitude is being applied to this virus.  This virus may just be a walk in the park for some but for many it has and will continue to be painful, disruptive due to being hospitalised and even in the worse case scenarios causing loss of life.

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We like most families have people we deeply care for who have a medical condition which this virus poses a great risk to.  We have good friends who need hospital treatment but cannot get it now as the hospitals have no beds or are closed to regular appointments.  It is causing such distress to those who need to carry on with the treatment they were receiving and now are in limbo not knowing if the lack and delay of treatment will cause them to get worse or halt their own recovery.   It’s not a happy position to be in.   I don’t want to lose any one of these people due to others not taking precautions and treating this virus as ‘the flu’.    I’ve just been watching on TV the scenes at a popular coastal area of Spain where Brits are acting as idiots and only interested in drinking themselves stupid while they happily socialise in the streets.  It does get to me.

Getting back on track,  we are lucky to be locked down where we are, but I do ask everyone to consider the consequences of what they do especially in the next few weeks.  The UK may not yet be in lockdown, but it is coming I am sure.

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So, day 4 comes to an end and I’ve planted the flowers I purchased last week, watered the trees, moved 3 pallets that you apparently can see on Google Earth, brushed the dogs, done the usual housework and washing and now I am going to sit down with a cold drink.

Cheers everyone and please please please keep safe.  For you and everyone around you.

20. Has it really been two years!

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On the 16th October 2017 we began a brand new chapter in our lives.  We were moving lock stock and barrel from Cyprus to Spain.  We landed in Alicante with 4 large suitcases thinking we had a plan!  Well… you know what happens to plans don’t you!

We had already purchased our hole in the ground, our total restoration project, in the Cuevas de Luna area of Benamaurel.  I had fallen in love with this cave from the moment I saw it in the distance as we were driving down the very long track towards Hablacon (or privately known as ‘Sue’s Rock’).  The plans I had made in my head and on the computer were many, this lovely hole would become a home with a difference – something special.

We knew that it would be at least a 12 month project what with planning permissions, architects and building works etc. So, in the meantime, we were happy to look for somewhere else to live whilst the work was being done.  When it was time to move into our dream cave we could then turn this second property into a holiday rental  giving us a little income during our old age.

If you have been following my blog you will know that we had a few twists and turns during the first few months of our new adventure in Spain.   Before we arrived in Spain we began the process of purchasing these caves in Rio de Baza however, the owners decided at the last minute, not to sell!  At the time we were devastated (and homeless) but, with hindsight, that was the best thing that could have happened!

To cut a long story short, (please read the previous blogs if you want to know more),  it was not long before we found another cave in Puente Arriba.  We moved in to our forever home on 29th November 2017.

Not that it started off as our forever home.  No, this was going to be our future holiday rental but, I fell in love, again.  I love the way the caves, (it was one and now divided into 2), went through the hill giving us two front doors, 2 back doors and lots of windows giving us light; we have lots of land around us which we are still trying to decide what to do with it all; I love the views we have of the river and valley looking across to Baza while we sit on our patios or roof terraces, I love the walks with our three dogs down by the river (I say dogs but I have a sneaky suspicion one is a polar bear), I love that we have neighbours but feel alone and private.   

In my next blog I will attempt to tell you about our favourite places to visit, to eat, to shop and those places where you can ‘just be’.   If anyone has any questions they would like to ask please get in contact and I will try and help – if not I hope I can direct you to someone who can.  It has been quite a learning curve for us both.  Well it would be wouldn’t it if you ended up becoming an 8 cave family!

Please take a look at our traditional holiday rental caves, (but with all mod cons), Cuevas de la Paz in Los Carriones at www.caveholidays.com and our second cave property Cueva Limon at Puente Arriba which has a more contemporary feel (with many hidden extras like secret gardens and private roof terraces) at www.caveholidaysspain.com. Both sites will  give you a taste of what cave holidays can be like.  I truly recommend you try cave holidays for yourselves but be warned – they can become addictive!

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Cuevas de la Paz is up and running and has proven highly successful in the 6 months we have been open.  We thought that now the main summer season was over bookings would slow down but they continue to come in.

 

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However, Cueva Lemon, although fully licenced, has not yet been advertised as we have to think about our three dogs.  We may need to advertise particularly to dog lovers until we can get our heads around the logistics of having someone on holiday here.  Plenty of time for that, it just means that family and friends can enjoy the open house a little longer.

Over these past two years we have had to jump over many hurdles especially when dealing with the authorities. Whether it’s your residency, driving licences, health, licences or permission to do certain works, we have certainly ‘been there and done that’.  Experience has taught us to go to the professionals in the area that you are working within.  There are too many ‘I can do thats’ here in Spain.  On two separate occasions we have travelled down the ‘I know a man’ route and both times it has caused more problems than it should have and both costing us more money because of it.  We truly believe in trusting your solicitor, accountant (qualified) and local Spanish builders to know what has to be done.   It makes life easier, less hectic, fewer worries, (although you cannot completely eradicate them no matter who you use), and we like to sleep easy at night knowing we have done our best to comply with all the different and varied rules and regulations there are around us.

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Another important factor for us here in Spain is friends.  We knew no one when we arrived.  I am proud to say that over the two years we have gained a good foundation of friends, both English and Spanish.  Over the last 18 months we have had family and personal problems that have been greatly eased by the support of good friends.  The kind of friends that drop everything to look after your dogs and home, who send messages of support, promise to bring gin (even if it isn’t quite up to scratch and I’m still waiting;-)) and those that you know you can pick up the phone to and shout for help without having to think twice.   We have been very lucky to have found you all.  You know who you are. 

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Would we change anything – categorically no!  I am a great believer in fate and this is where we were supposed to be.  However, if in the future fate decided that we have to move on to pastures new, then I am sorry but my heels are cemented well and truly in Puente Arriba.  We are here, end of!

19. Cuevas de la Paz are finally ready for guests.

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What can I say…. it’s been hard work and it’s given me more grey hairs than I like to admit to but, we have achieved our goal and can now open the doors of Cuevas de la Paz to our guests.

When we purchased our own casa cueva we did not intend to buy anything else.  We had (and still have) lots to do to transform our large cave into a home and a separate holiday let.    However, whilst sitting with a cup of coffee, up pops the bargain of a lifetime on my Facebook timeline .   The selling price had been dropped dramatically and we had no hesitation in wanting to know more.  We quickly arranged a viewing for the next day knowing that others would be interested to.  We had been determined not to rush into anything but, once viewed, we soon realised that these caves were ‘too good to be true’ at the reduced price.  They were full of artifacts collected within the farming region and with a little TLC could be up and running quickly.  Once we had looked over each cave twice we both decided to take a risk.  We jumped in with two feet and the caves went off the market.

There are many quirky things in these caves but one ‘adornment’ in particular has people coming up with lots of ideas!  One cave has two iron rings above the bed!  We were told by the agent that these were used for the animals when the caves had been shelters for the local goats.  We will leave you to decide whether that is a true fact or an addition made by a previous owner for other uses!

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Our next decision was whether we left the caves as they were, (already a going concern but being trueful, they were dark, cluttered with various items and not that appealing), or should we give the caves a makeover.  After several conversations with my loving accountant husband it was decided to start with plastering (yeso) the lot rather than patch the walls up!  We knew that this would give a cleaner and a more pleasing look to the interiors.  Once you start looking around you find other things to do don’t you? – well we did!

The large expanse of barren car park appeared to be a waste of land.  So we decided to make a smaller car park at the top end with its own gated entrance and the rest of the area into a walled garden and seating area.

Then there was the bedding, toasters, towels, patio area and how about making the store room into a new gym.  To cut a long story short we have spent more than we intended to but, isn’t that always the way?

DSCF1040Gym? Well why not. Some people do like to ensure their fitness does not deteriorate during their holidays!  We have tried to cater for most tastes with 5 different machines – treadmill, rowing machine, bike etc and a small set of hand weights.

The immediate outside area has been stripped of its tangled ivy and replaced with seats.   We have added a budha or three to give a calming and relaxing feel to this outside area.  It is now an ideal place to sit with a morning cup of coffee.

We are now happy with the new revamped look of the caves and the area they sit in and any further work can be completed when and if.  I need to get my hair coloured and my back mended before we do anything else!

The area we live in is varied  and beautiful with great walking paths, magnificent lakes that we have around us and old abandoned caves to explore.  It is truly beautiful and so vast – you will have to return again and again to see it all!

To see the other transformations, especially of the interior of the caves, please take a look at the Cuevas de la Paz website.     www.caveholidays.com   Any questions please do not hesitate to ask.

Thank you to all our friends and family who have given us encouragement and offered help during this time.  It has been much appreciated and we will never forget you.

 

 

18. What Are We Upto Now!

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For those of you following our adventures in cave land we have, not one, but two pieces of exciting news to tell you. 

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If you recall we originally purchased a wonderful, awesome and peaceful cave that needed a total reform within the area known as Cuevas de Luna (Caves of the Moon).  The plans I had for that cave were endless.  However, as life sometimes does, we went off at a tangent.  We purchased a second huge cave which had already been fully reformed nearby in Puente Arriba.  We soon fell in love with this cave and the land that surrounds it (or should I say them!).  We have almost completed the transformation of turning our one cave into two caves – One side for us and one side to rent as a holiday let.  All we needed to do to this rental side was yaso (plaster), fit a kitchen and do the final touches to the large lounge and bedrooms.  It already has two fitted bathrooms (one ensuite) and a lovely log burner within the lounge.  

Now we are at the stage where the whole cave has been yesoed and the kitchen has been built so we are close to having the cave ready for guests.  We must wait for our rental licence before we can advertise and that is somewhere in the process within a Granada government office as we speak so we should be up and running for next year.   The rental cave will be known as Cueva Limon (Lemon Cave).  Here is a taster to what the kitchen will look like. Once the painting is complete, we have bright material at the shelves and the washing machine is in place I will quickly update with better pictures.

For those who would like to experience a different kind of holiday, cave living is certainly a great idea and if you are one of the 98% of the human race that has not had this experience I urge you to consider this as a holiday choice.  You may very well get hooked like John and I.

The cave will have access to 2 large and private roof patios and a front patio (shown above) for guests to sit and watch the sun rise from behind the hills and over the river.  There will be sun beds, hammocks and tables and chairs for those that enjoy the outdoor living as we do.   We would also be happy to share our own gardens with our guests where you can enjoy table tennis and boules.

To take advantage of the many wonderful sights and interesting places to visit in the area we can organise 1/2 or full day tours to suit your needs.   If you are considering buying a property we do urge you to tour around with someone that has a little knowledge of the different areas and we are always happy to pass on our own experiences to help you make the right choices for you.

As soon as the interior for the rental cave is ‘dressed’ I will update with more detailed pictures.  In the meantime, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

info@caveholidays.com

NEWS FLASH

For those of you that thought we were mad to buy a cave in the first place…… we’ve gone and done it again!  Well, to be precise – we have just purchased 6 caves in all.  We are now an 8 cave family!

These caves are 5 minutes from our home and already have a licence in place for holiday lets. The caves are very different to our own and have a Spanish feel to them due to design and decoration.  We have a little work to do with yeso, lights and accessories but again, we should be up and running by early next year.  As we speak I am preparing a website for these caves so watch this space. They will be known as Cuevas de la Paz (Peace Caves).

I will be happy to provide pictures of the interiors and  any other information as soon as we are at the stage when I feel that we are ready to show the world.  

If anyone would like the experience of staying in a cave please get in touch.  You will have a holiday to remember – promise.  There is so much to see in the area from abandoned caves, fresh water swimming pools, beautiful cave villages and not forgetting the many mountains that surround us.  Whether you walk, bike or travel by car there is something for everyone. But… don’t forget to stop and say ‘hi’ to the local shepherds whilst they attend their goats.  I am always amazed at how the goats are herded by the shepherd and especially the dogs – usually by a nod of the head!  I am thinking of recruiting one of our local shepherds to train our 3 rescue dogs. We need it! 

As soon as the interior is ‘dressed’ I will update with pictures and share the new website for these beautiful caves.  In the meantime, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

info@caveholidays.com