OUT IN THE COLD OUR VIEW

THIS week’s freezing temperatures in Spain have reopened the argument for bringing back the Winter Fuel Payment for British expats. The scheme, which offers up to £600 for help with heating bills, was withdrawn for British nationals living outside of the UK in 2015, a move which wasn’t seen as particularly controversial by those in the UK who see the Spain as balmy temperatures all year round.

Those who actually live in Spain know the reality is very different however, with temperatures inland and particularly in the mountains often dipping into the minuses in winter.

Expats who spent tens of years of their lives paying in to the National Insurance system were justifiably angry with the turn of events when the news was announced. Now, plunging temperatures combined with soaring electric costs have brought this issue into the spotlight once again.

Expats are by nature, people who have paid taxes for many years before then asking for very little in return from their governments when they retire, in either health or social care. Given that the number of expats worldwide is estimated at 5.5 million and soon set to have UK voting rights for life though, the British government might like to remember the importance of the looking after of all its citizens, not just the ones living in Britain.

A LUXURY four bedroom three bathroom villa in Vera with the wow factor! Located close to amenities and a major town and less than 10 minutes to the local beaches. The property sits within a plot of 3,207m² and measures 266m² with detached garage, 10 x 5m pool and much more…

A private gated entrance to the rear offers plenty of off­road parking, whilst a side entrance offers further off­road parking in front of the house. At the rear is the generous garage/ workshop measuring 33m². An old well adjacent to the garage has been retained as a lovely feature. Gates from the rear parking area then open into an enclosed courtyard with a huge table for dining out and social occasions. The terracing then extends to the side of the property with lots of space, seating and planted pots.

Walking around the corner, you find a covered terrace/dayroom on the front of the house and overlooking the gardens and pool. Extended terracing with a feature balustrade then leads to the garden area. The covered terrace offers superb views to a distant backdrop of mountains, surrounding citrus groves and the Mediterranean Sea. A long pathway with towering palm trees through the centre of the garden is an impressive feature of the landscaped garden. To the right, a spacious private terrace surrounds the 10 x 5m with steps and a Roman end. At the end of the garden, a large section of land has been used by the present owners to grow fruit and veg and this sizeable area would be ideal for keeping horses, dogs etc. There is a small orchard, including pink grapefruit, almond, orange, lemon, pomegranate, olive and fig trees.

Entering the villa via the front door, a bright entrance hall leads to the most amazing modern kitchen. This room is drenched in bright sunlight and overlooks the pool and gardens. All appliances have been upgraded and there is an abundance of wall and base units. A long island with high stools, hob and extractor above forms a centre­piece. Patio doors lead to the front terrace. Back in the entrance hall, and on the right a door leads into the master bedroom suite.

Firstly, you enter a long dressing room with floor to ceiling mirrored wardrobes on one side and lower fitted units on the other. A door opens into the double bedroom with air conditioning. On the opposite wall, a further door leads into the huge ensuite bathroom. This bathroom has been refurbished with an ultra­modern finish. There is a double walk­in shower with glass screen, full bath, double vanity basins and a wall heater and heated towel rail.

Back in the entrance hall and straight ahead is a door into the ground floor lounge area with ceiling fan. Another door on the right leads into the second bedroom; a double bedroom with air conditioning and en­suite shower room. The en­suite boasts a huge walk­in shower, glass shower screen and vanity unit. From the lounge, a door leads to the rear enclosed patio area with two sets of fitted store cupboards, a separate W/C, additional fridges and freezers and a rear door out to the parking and garage area. Above this enclosed terrace is a Perspex roof that has a retractable sun awning, providing shade when needed.

Returning to the entrance hallway, a grand staircase leads up to the second floor. On this floor you will find an incredible second lounge/entertaining room with a central fireplace and air conditioning. This vibrant room spans the full width of the house. Sets of patio doors at either end of the room provide access to elevated terraces offering magnificent views. At the rear of this room, a door on the left opens to a further double guest bedroom with fitted wardrobes and air conditioning. The final door, at the other end of the lounge, gives access to the fourth guest bedroom with ensuite shower room.

SLEEPCENTRE and Homecentre are two long established unique shops based on Calle Malaga In Albox, serving a wide area inland to Baza and beyond, and down to the coast to Mojacar and across to San Juan. Often copied and never equalled is their mantra.

Their long serving, friendly and professional team offer a wealth of product knowledge and advice to every shopper. Quality is a key word for all their products but at competitive prices, there are options for all shoppers from budget to premium ranges, but never compromising on quality.

Sleepcentre have a wide range of UK and Spanish beds in fabric, wood, metal or faux leather and have huge stocks in their warehouse ready to deliver. They specialise in UK beds which include the headboard, a product which is difficult to find in Spain, but also have excellent ranges of Spanish bases and storage options. With their personal touch and knowledge they can help and advise whatever your needs and budget.

To complement the beds they have over 50 mattresses from three manufacturers including Tempur Sealy, all of which are available to try in the showroom. The Sleepcen­ tre team believe that you cannot maintain your health without quality sleep and that with their free consultancy choosing the right mattress is the crucial first step. The right mattress can relieve pressure points and help you maintain proper alignment throughout the night.

A bad mattress can cause back pain, neck pain and other health problems.

Sleepcentre also sell a wide range of bedding, sheets and duvet sets guaranteed not to pill up, in polycotton and high thread count 100 per cent cotton, beautiful designs and quality at unbeatable prices. They also have soft fluffy towels, throws, stunning cushions, amazing artwork and lamps, all available to view.

Sleepcentre’s sister shop Homecentre focuses on furniture for the rest of the home, tables, chairs, sideboards, coffee and lamp tables in a variety of styles. Homecentre also has a kitchen accessories sec­ tion, a bar and wine rack section, and the Rug Room at the rear with a professional display stand allowing customers to see and feel the quality of the rugs. Not forgetting Clearance Corner with half price and discontinued items, so pop in and grab a bargain. The third shop in the Sleepcentre family is Abodes based on Mojacar Playa, specialising in unusual and quirky items to make your house a home.

Any sizeable item purchased from all their shops are offered free delivery, and beds and furniture have free assembly with free removal of the old item if required. Their in­house delivery team cannot be bettered, offering a personal, professional and timely service.

Choose Sleepcentre, Homecentre and Abodes to ensure complete customer satisfaction and don’t forget they don’t just sell beds!

EXCLUSIVE to Next House Almeria, reformed B&B with breathtaking views, horse stables, swimming pool and outbuildings in the peaceful mountains of Velez Rubio (Almeria).

This property is very unique, it is two farm houses which have been renovated, maintaining the original character. Upon arriving at the property you are met with two buildings for storage on your right and a car port for parking. On your left is the magnificent property and in front of you is ample parking, a garage, horse stables and more outbuildings used for storage.

In the building by the car parking there is a garage space for inside parking and there are three large horse stables and a storage room. Behind this building is more storage and an area for chickens. This building could easily be changed to use as a workshop or more rental apartments.

Walking up from the car parking area you are welcomed by a terrace area and covered porch overlooking the breathtaking moutain views. The main house is on the left part of the building and is seperate from the B&B area. Entering the main house you arrive to a spacious lounge/diner with a lot of light, a traditional fireplace and unspoilt views. Continuing there is a well equipped kitchen and pantry, with a back door leading out to a private terraced area. Going upstairs you will find two good sized double bedrooms, a spacious family bathroom and a master bedroom.

Outside, on the right side of the main building you will find the entrace to the B&B, entering you are welcomed by a lounge area and then onto a large hallway with high cellings and a wood burner. To your left are two double rooms with ensuite bathrooms, very spacious and light throughout. To your right you find a utility and laundry room, a large kitchen area leading onto a light and airy dining room overlooking the pool area and sensational mountain views. Upstairs you will find a large mezzanine area, two large double bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and breathtaking views and a further family bedroom consisting of two adjoining double rooms and an ensuite bathroom. There is also a door which used to connect the B&B to the main house. The current owners bricked the door closed. However, if desired this could be reopened to join both properties again.

From the dining room there is a door leading out to the the stunning, modern swimming pool with a beautiful terrace surrounding it, there is also an outdoor shower and a wooden storage room. Behind the back of the property you will find another storage room.

The house is powered entirely by a well equipped and up to date solar system. The hot water is also powered by the solar panels. The water is connected to mains water from the town. It also has rights to agricultural water for the trees and has a 10,000l water tank as an extra, There is access to a good internet and phone connection.

The property has been reformed to a very high standard and you wouldn’t need to change a thing to move in. The B&B is currently up and running with all licences and it would be the perfect property for someone wanting to live in the Spanish countryside and make an income straight away!

It is positioned around 9km from the village of Velez Rubio with good access to the property. The house is located on a plot of 25,000m2 of land, including a large field full of almond trees. There are unspoilt views from every part of this property, the area is very peaceful and private.

If your dream is to live and work in the beautiful Spanish countryside and you want a property ready to move into, then this is the one for you!!

This is a MUST SEE property, the possibilities are endless, contact us to arrange a viewing. This could be your Next House in Almeria!!!