My name is Mark and my wife’s name is Angie and we both came to the conclusion that buying a property in Spain would be such an adventure. We were drawn to this area after my wife’s auntie moved out for a change of life style. We came out to visit her for a holiday and to secretly check that she was okay. We needn’t have worried because we soon realised her life in Spain was fantastic. Well Angie and I wanted some of that life so we thought we would have a look round to see what we could afford. We were shown around by Spanish Mountain Property and after viewing a few properties in our budget we found the one.

 

Our cottage looks over a valley with mountains in the distance and hills with goats clanging muted bells nearby. The local villagers are so friendly; they welcome us every time we see them. We cannot speak Spanish yet we are taking lessons but we still communicate with handshakes, smiles and Buenos dias or hola! One day we will be able to have chats and really get to know them.

 

The cottage has electricity, mains water and telephone with gas bottles for heating and cooking. It just needed a bit of modernising but keeping the rustic character of the building. We changed the kitchen and painted walls and waxed the beams. All these jobs were a joy for us to do as we could see our dream home becoming reality.

 

For larger jobs we use local builders. In fact we are having a roof terrace and ensuite bathroom about to be built over the kitchen. Once this is built we can spend time relaxing and looking out the stunning views which carry on for miles and miles. Spanish builders are excellent at building concrete, cement and block structures. From our experience they are efficient, quick and hard working. They are superb plasterers and can quickly transform an old ruin into something special for a lot less money than you ever hope to achieve in the UK. I really don’t know where the manana perception of Spanish builders came from as my builders rarely stop for a drink !

 

The food, fiestas and people cradled by the Segura Mountains in amongst the almond and olive groves makes for a very special lifestyle indeed. The warm sun dappling through grapevines allows you to have those long lazy sunny afternoons in peace with a favourite novel.

 

Its not unusual to see an Eagle flying overhead, and wild boar still roam un-spoilt woodlands. It’s a place that never stops to amaze you. A place where you can drive and drive and not see another car, a place that is so far removed from the busy tourist hamburger and fries coastline that you know that you are in the real Spain. In later summer you feel you could be in the Wild West in a Hollywood cowboy movie especially when you see proud men on horses at fiestas and bull runs.

 

It’s a place where people still have time for one another. People still feel they can speak to strangers without feeling awkward. In restaurants people coming in will acknowledge you and say ‘Enjoy your meal.’

 

It’s an area free from traffic wardens and ticket machines. Where the community charge is less than £10 a year.

 

This area of Spain is natural. It’s a social place but also a quiet place. Its hot in summer and you still can enjoy log fire evenings in winter. It’s a place that can easily steal your heart and your happy to let it.  It’s healthy and the air is clean and fresh. Every season has such startling beauty, every day you’ll want to explore its offerings whether it’s a simple walk spotting wild flowers and birds. Fishing with Dragonflies and dazzling butterflies overhead to keep you company. Swimming in pure lakes and streams where you can also drink from trickling spas and fill bottles. Pony trekking, white water rafting, Painting landscapes even mushroom walks can all be done with much more besides.

 

It’s a lifestyle to cherish, a lifestyle which is affordable and achievable. It’s a rich and varied countryside that my wife and I have found our place. A place, which has stolen our hearts to fill with the lifeblood of this truly captivating, land.

 

Angie & Mark Mason