Spain Property Portal Magazine May 2011

issue 2 May 2011

INSIDE:

Featured Properties on the Website Check Out These Fantastic Offers Before They’re Gone

Get Off Your Horse and Drink Your Milk

We Have a Day Out to Remember at Rancho Luz del Sol

Angels on your Shoulder

Meet Lee and Nicki of Almeria Angels and learn the truth about Private Nursing

Also:

Food Glorious Food

We Sample the Cuisine at El Mar la Mar

View From the Web

Social Networking for Businesses

Spain? Isn’t That Just for Pensioners?

Rose-Tinted Specs for Ex-Pats

Interview with the Devil Findmeahome Tell All

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May 2011

Welcome, or Welcome Back If you read the April edition, Welcome Back, if you didn’t then Welcome to the Spain Property Portal Magazine.

It’s been a hectic month on Spain Property Portal.

We’ve moved to a new faster server, which meant the site was out of action for a couple of days while everything was transferred, but now that it is all moved the site is much, much faster in download and processing of properties.

We have thousands of new properties on the website since the last issue and several new agents. A couple are in the process of signing up as I write this, so by the time this magazine hits the shelves there will be even more properties for you to browse through. Take a look at the Article from the WebMaster on page 4 to get the lowdown on what’s been happening on the site and using Social Networking to promote your Business.

It’s a bumper month in the Spain Property Portal Magazine this month. We’ve jumped up to a whopping 38 pages with extra articles about life in Almeria. Next month promises even more as we are focusing on the Costa Blanca area which covers a lot more ground, so I’m expecting an issue roughly the size of the Oxford Dictionary.

Included in this bumper issue is a culinary review of the always fabulous El Mar La Mar in Villaricos. We’ve also been talking to Lee and Nicki Wakeman of Almeria Angels about private nursing care in Almeria, Murcia and their forthcoming venture in Malaga. Delving deeper into the magazine will reveal a hidden gem of equine adventure when we visited Rancho Luz del Sol in Partaloa. If you’re of a horse disposition, or if you have children who like animals, this place has to be on your to-do list.

We also have an interview with a couple from Belgium who have recently purchased a holiday home in Almeria where they discuss their experiences. This article has been written by the couple in both English and Dutch, so gives everyone a chance to brush up on their O-Level Dutch... Slaapkamer!

There’s also the regular Interview with the Devil, this month with Stephen from findmeahome, the Spain for Under 35’s and the location review which this month gives us the lowdown on the beach town of Mojacar. Be sure to check out our pages below or email me at info@ spainpropertyportal.com Until next time... www.spainpropertyportal.com on.fb.me/gfpP20 twitter.com/SPropertyPortal spainpropertyportal.wordpress.com info@spainpropertyportal.com

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May 2011

View From the Web

What’s Happening on SpainPropertyPortal.com As I promised last month, this month we are taking a look at Social Networking for Business.

If you’ve had a look at Spain Property Portal in the last few weeks, you may have noticed some strange icons in the top right of the page and on the property pages.

These are what’s called Social Icons and they link directly to Social Networks. On Spain Property Portal they are currently linked to Facebook, Twitter, Google Buzz and Wordpress.

The buttons in the header of the site will take you to our pages on the Social Networks, the ones on the property page will let you share that property with your friends and followers on that network, all you have to do is click the Social Icon you want to share on, sign in, then click Update.

I’m sure most of you are familiar with Facebook.

What you may not know is that Facebook also offers business pages where people can create a mini website inside Facebook. I’ve created a miniaturised version of Spain Property Portal where you can search for properties, view them and also you get the latest Featured Properties updated there before they are sent via email to clients on our Newsletter list. This means that whilst you’re updating your current status and keeping up with what your friends are up to, you can also be searching for your new home at the same time!

If Facebook isn’t your cup of tea, why not try Twitter or Buzz? These two services are very similar and both keep you up to date with the best properties on Spain Property Portal with short, timely messages and links. Follow Spain Property Portal by clicking the links in the header and clicking Follow on the Network page.

If even that isn’t enough for you, we also have a blog page on Wordpress. Click the “W” icon at the top of the page and it will take you to our blog which we try to keep regularly updated with the latest news, views and changes.

Check out the website and next month I’ll bring you some explanations about some of the abbreviations you see on Spain Property Portal and the Internet in general.

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April 2011

Big Mac with Fries?

A View of Spain From a Resident Under 35(ish!)

When I arrived at Alicante airport in March 2003, I was armed with 75€, 200 Marlboro Light, a suitcase full of clothes and a glint in my eye.

The glint in my eye was because I was suffering from two and a half hours on a stuffy plane with 200 other sweaty people and the worst case of Man-Flu since records began. In fact, my doctor was baffled as to how I was still alive when I arrived.

Fast Forward eight years and I’m sitting here with a good job, a beautiful family and a lovely home. It hasn’t been all plain sailing though and it never will be. Just because I live in the sun, in a relaxing part of the World where every problem that ever existed could be settled over a bottle of Brugal, it doesn’t mean that problems aren’t there.

What it does mean is that, yes the problems are there, but if you can get yourself through the initial period and roll with the punches the same way you always have done in the UK, you will feel the benefits for years to come. You may feel homesick for a few months when you first arrive. I did. I arrived in March and flew back for my Mums 50th birthday in the August.

Before I got on the plane I had been missing the comforts of home and was on the verge of packing up and heading back to Blighty with my tail between my legs, but when I got back on the plane at Gatwick I realised that my memory of the UK had been so rose-tinted that I had started making things up. Unimportant things like McDonalds didn’t taste the same in Spain had become a major reason for heading back. Was it really important? Was it a reason to give up everything? Was it ever that good in the UK, really?

Once I’d realised (or rather remembered) that eating McDonalds burgers in the UK, while faster and tastier than in Spain, had not been that important while I was there, I was able to leave it behind.

A lot of people don’t do this. A lot of people will give up and return to the UK at the first hurdle. For some there is a damn good reason, but for others it is just a case of “I missed the way McDonalds tastes”. Don’t do this, give yourself a chance to settle down. Give yourself a chance to mingle with the people and the way of life. If you up and leave as soon as you meet someone who doesn’t speak English, you miss out on meeting some truly wonderful people.

The problems I’ve experienced in Spain are nowhere near as severe or permanent as the ones I had in the UK. Because I was able to get through the initial period of uncertainty when I landed here, I believe I’m now reaping the benefits. I did try to learn the language. My Spanish isn’t fluent, it’s OK but I’ll never be able to argue the pros and cons of the EMU with a Spaniard, but the Spanish people appreciate someone who is actually trying to learn the language as opposed to a person who believes if they speak English slower and louder, the message will get through.

So the moral is stick with it, learn some Spanish and chill out because if you have got as far as buying in Spain you really should see it through to the end.

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May 2011

May Featured Properties Featured Properties from Undiscovered Spain

Daffodils Country House for Sale in Alcala la Real, Jaén 3 Bedroom Country House Full Reform Needed Has potential to be a two floor property of 140m²

36,000€ View this Property on the Website

Cortijo Javi Country House for Sale in Villanueva de Mesias, Granada 6 Bedroom Cortijo in Good Condition Potential to convert into 2 or 3 linked cottages for rental/holiday income 3500m² plot with fabulous views

77,000€ View this Property on the Website

The Valley Country House for Sale in Huetor Tajar, Granada 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms Cortijo Completely Reformed to a high standard 26,000m² Plot

199,000€ View this Property on the Website info@spainpropertyportal.com

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April 2011

May Featured Properties Featured Properties from Inmo AMS

ASVP405 Apartment for Sale in Turre, Almería 2 Bedroom Apartment Superb Value for Money Ideal Capital Investment for Rental Income

59,000€ View this Property on the Website

AS772 Villa for Sale in San Juan de los Terreros, Almería 2 Bedroom Villa, 500 mtrs from the Beach Quiet Residential Area Fully Furnished including White Goods

115,000€ View this Property on the Website

ASO249A Apartments for Sale in Bedar, Almería Four 1 Bedroom Apartments Available Walking distance to all amenities Roof Terrace and Garage included in the price

299,000€ View this Property on the Website info@spainpropertyportal.com

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May 2011

Interview With the Devil

We Find Out If Stephen at findmeahome.es Really is a Normal Human Being Excerpts from an interview in March 2011 with Stephen Amore, the founder of findmeahome, an estate agency based in Bedar.

Stephen started work with an estate agent in the Almanzora Valley and soon realised that there were wildly different standards and values being practised by the various agents in the area. Then the opportunity came up to start up findmeahome and they have now been trading for 4 years. He says about findmeahome, “We are well established now and pride ourselves in being straightforward and honest which always pays dividends in the end”. Stephen enjoys the countryside, loves listening to music and champions local bands and currently writes a weekly column for the Euro Weekly News.

What do you think of the editors heading for this article?

Having experienced first hand the under hand way a few agents choose to run their businesses I think the title is apt for some.

Running my own business I can control standards and would not wish any of our clients to be ripped off or taken advantage of by us or any of our trusted suppliers.

There are ‘devils’ in any business and unfortunately the saying that’ buyers leave their brains on the plane’ means that some unscrupulous businesses will take advantage of someones naivety.

You’ve been here a few years now, what’s changed in that time and what makes you stay?

I love the challenge of running a business in Spain and being able to be out and about in the lovely Spanish weather sure beats the often gloomy UK weather. Helping people find their dream home is very satisfying too. The financial meltdown has meant lots of cowboys have gone - both builders and agents - so clients are more likely to use a reputable and legal business. Property prices have tumbled to more reasonable prices and so findmeahome can genuinely offer bargains. Improvements such as new roads and the high speed train will all make it a bit easier for us all. And of course the weather is better here than in the UK and the beer is cheap.

What sets you apart from other Estate Agents in Spain?

In short - we listen!

Some agents take clients to properties that are completely unsuitable for their needs. I have no intention of wasting my time and fuel let alone wasting the the poor clients time.

I would rather take a client to 1, 2 or 3 ideal properties rather than spending all day looking at 6 or even 8 random properties. The client then gets to see what they want and have food for thought. They also dont feel over tired or that their valuable time has been wasted. info@spainpropertyportal.com

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May 2011

How has the Economic Downturn affected your business? Is it as bad as people are saying?

Yes - in a positive way. Prices are much more realistic and we are not agents that sit on their backsides waiting for the phone to ring. This means we have lots of bargains which we advertise heavily and our website is very easy to use (thank you Richard - Editor of this magazine with his MODSnet hat on). Its still cheaper to live in Spain than say the UK plus the weather is so much better. Better to be poor in the sun than poor in the rain any day. Businesses are suffering of course and I often bring the subject up in the articles I write especially as the smoking ban badly affected bars and restaurants and I have written urging people to use local businesses.

What would you say to people who are thinking of buying a property here, but worried about the devaluation and losing money on the purchase price?

Buy a property from findmeahome!

How many times do agents hear from clients that they wished they had made the move earlier. I was 39 when I moved here and the reasoning was that this would give time to set up a business and be established when the time comes to take things a bit slower. Food and drink is cheap here, as are local housing taxes. As I said earlier better to be poor in the sun than in the rain. We all only have one life and we cant take our money with us when we pop off this mortal coil. Enjoy life will you can! With property prices now so cheap and the Spanish economy coming out of recession the downside is not as big a fear as say 12 months ago. So come on in the waters lovely!

What keeps you in Spain, instead of packing everything and moving back to the UK? Running my own business, the glorious weather, the fabulous countryside and that feeling that anything is possible in this land of opportunity. The bad news from Blighty keeps me determined to succeed and there’s lots of Spain yet to discover. Plus I can always watch my beloved Liverpool FC on telly with little effort.

Why did you choose Almeria and not another part of Spain, or indeed another country?

The countryside, the great coastline, the lack of development compared to other parts of Spain and of course house prices are more realistic here.

And lastly, what advice can you offer to people who don’t know where to start when looking for a property abroad, or indeed to invest some money in overseas property?

Research, research,research!

Find an agent (or two) that you trust after building up a relationship via the phone or online.

Make sure that your agent LISTENS to you. If the agent is sending you unsuitable properties after you have sent them a detailed wish list then choose another, otherwise your time will be wasted. Make sure when choosing a solicitor that you have a ‘no obligation get to them chat first’. Ask to speak to clients of theirs and dont be afraid to ask questions. Your solicitor should work for you and be prepared to do all the legal searches necessary. Ask if the property is correctly recorded in the deeds and registered at the catastro. If not then insist the current owner corrects all mistakes. If its a new villa then you need to see the first occupation licence and insist that the building licence was issued correctly with no sanctions pending from the Junta de Andalucia for example. Dont leave your brains on the plane guys - Buyer Beware!

Stephen Amore was talking to Spain Property Portal Magazine in March 2011.

To contact findmeahome, call them on (+44)(0) 203 384 3277, (+34) 968 006 171 or visit their website www.findmeahome.es www.spainpropertyportal.com

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May 2011

May Featured Properties Featured Properties from findmeahome

FMAH518 Country House for Sale in Arboleas, Almería Walking distance to Arboleas Detached cottage with garden and garage Quote in place to transform into a 3 bedroom home Buy and renovate for under 90,000€

57,500€ View this Property on the Website

FMAH542 Country House for Sale in Caniles, Almería Huge 5 bedroom cortijo with 3.2Ha including stables Super views and flat land High spec. solar rig and own water supply Ideal for self sufficiency project

135,000€ View this Property on the Website

FMAH601 Country House for Sale in Velez Blanco, Almería Stunningly reformed 4 bedroom cortijo Outstanding views on edge of Los Velez Park Spacious with oodles of character and huge garage Fantastic low price with part mortgage available

151,500€ View this Property on the Website info@spainpropertyportal.com

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May 2011

Riding Into the Sunset

A day out at Rancho Luz del Sol shows just what can be achieved with a dream and a small amount of hard work Not just to live in Spain but to create something special. To benefit from the community but also bring something to it .

This was the vision of Jay and Erika when they arrived in Almeria back in 2004. Formerly of Sutton in Surrey, they opted out of the rat race in 2000 and firstly settled on Majorca where they purchased and ran a successful bar and live music venue. Over the four years there the ever changing hotel trade began to eat into their profits and when the trend in hotels went all inclusive they decided to sell up and pursue an avenue that had always been an integral part of Erika’s Life.

So how do you turn a passion for horses that has roots in childhood into a way of life that would bring both personal satisfaction and the ability to support a growing family?

The answer was to bring to life the Sunlight Ranch, or to give it the proper Spanish name, Rancho Luz del Sol. The couple had been looking at Almeria for over two years. It offered a fantastic climate, a growing friendly community into which they could integrate and the ability to buy or build houses on very large plots of land at affordable prices. After a few visits they located a stunning plot of some 10 acres just outside the small hamlet of Retamar, Partaloa. At this stage Jay’s parents who had, up to now, remained in the UK decided to come over and join forces.

Working with a local architect they sought and gained planning permission for a large family home and stables on the plot.

Within 15 months the house was complete and work could start on building up the Rancho Luz de Sol riding experience.

Work then commenced on the stables and from very small beginnings via good honest hard graft, a few spoonfuls of determination, unflinching dedication and just two horses, Pepper and Zeraphin, have now increased to 36, 18 liveried and 18 owned and they form the backbone of a rewarding, ever changing business.

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A visit to Rancho Luz de Sol today would reveal little of its humble beginnings. Visitors, riders and non-riders alike are treated like part of the family. Of course the work is constant: feeding the horses, dogs and adults, mucking out, grooming and tack maintenance name just a few, so don’t turn up expecting to be idle. An ever growing band of helpers are ably assisted by Jay and Erika’s many dogs, Zamo and Josie to name a couple, in keeping things together and what a grand job they’ve all done.

The 7 years spent in Almeria has seen the arrival of 3 children, the oldest now five, plus the purchase of a second property. This time a town house in the neighbouring Partaloa.

This has given Jay and Erika some much needed space for the growing family but now the kids are old enough to enjoy the benefits of the stables, more and more evenings are being spent in a large static caravan pitched right alongside the corrals. This static doubles up as in informal stop off centre during the day with many regular visitors using it for tea/loo stops or just as a nice spot to take the weight off.

An informal, easy going but informed approach and a truly beautiful setting are key to the growing popularity of Rancho Luz del Sol. If you are in the area of Partaloa, either living or on holiday, then please do stop in and say hi or perhaps partake in some of the regular things on offer. If you’re an experienced rider and wish to ride, you can hire a horse for the afternoon and use one of the many tracks in the grounds to trot or gallop to your hearts content. If you’re not so experienced, or it’s something you’ve wanted to try for a while, private lessons are available for people of all ages. Children are catered for with a variety of smaller horses with docile natures and Jay & Erika will find your perfect match from their large selection. Group rides take place regularly and the Saturday Pony club is great fun for everyone. Quad bike rides and mountain biking are new additions this year so there is always plenty to do for non-riders and the Summer Sunset ride outs which end in a fantastic BBQ are a real must.

For more information or to contact them directly, please visit Jay and Erika’s website at: http://www.rancholuzdelsol.com/

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May 2011

May Featured Properties

Featured Properties from Calida Homes Property Consultancy

CLA 1930 Villa for Sale in Albox, Almería Large Detached Villa Private Swimming Pool Very big garden Non-Estate location but close to all amenities

149,950€ View this Property on the Website

CLA 1907 Country House for Sale in Oria, Almería Huge Character Home Stunning views Private pool Bargain price

119,000€ View this Property on the Website

CLA 1693 Villa for Sale in Oria, Almería Bespoke detached property Easy walk to town Private pool Top spec interior Owner Will Accept:

150,000€

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May 2011

May Featured Properties Featured Properties from Sunseeking Europe

SSE-ky261676 Villa for Sale in La Zenia, Alicante 3 Bedroom, 3 Bathroom Villa 5 minutes to the Villamartín Golf Club Stunning Property

239,500€ View this Property on the Website

SSE-0407NS Villa for Sale in Moraira, Alicante 2 Bedroom Villa 20 Minute Walk to El Portet Beach Beautiful Setting

165,000€ View this Property on the Website

SSE-Las Rosas Country House for Sale in Iznajar, Alicante 2 Bedroom Cortijo Pretty little Postcard Cottage Perfect for Reform

65,000€ View this Property on the Website

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May 2011

Food Glorious Food!

El Mar la Mar, A Villaricos Restaurant that will tickle the most discernible pallets 10 years in Spain, during which time we have eaten in countless places ranging from beach front chiringuitos, famous tapas bars, roadside truck stops to 5 star establishments.

Never before have we put pen to paper in an attempt to sing the praises of any but then we hadn´t visited El Mar la Mar before. We are all very quick when it comes to having a moan so why can´t we be as quick to compliment when something is good. If you are due to be spending any time at all in Almeria then this really is a must visit eatery which will leave you wanting to return.

Owned by Londoner Richard Shepherd since March 2006 and located just outside the small but pretty fishing town of Villaricos, overlooking the Med this charming establishment truly is a culinary gem.

A beautifully sunny March afternoon found us driving the old coast road between San Juan de los Terreros and Vera and at 3pm the rumblings of hungry stomachs were getting stronger.

The large number of cars parked outside, and indeed over the road from, one particular building drew our attention and we soon identified this as a restaurant. The outside covered

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terrace had numerous tables all of which were reassuringly full. Welcome to El Mar la Mar. A friendly waitress soon cleared some space and we were seated.

A look at the extensive menu and wine list and you´d be forgiven for thinking a visit would cost an arm and a leg, but not so, the menu is very, very affordable yet top quality.

Fresh local produce has been cleverly combined to provide a mouth watering a la carte menu which is served alongside a fantastic menu del dia which at 11.50€ per head including a half bottle of wine and coffee is phenomenal value.

Of course local favourites like seafood Paella, Squid rings, roasted peppers with goats cheese are beautifully prepared and popular but we opted for a selection of dishes not so commonly found on the menus of other restaurants. For starter we ordered oven baked scallops served in the shell with a white wine, brandy and garlic sauce which were heavenly and Richards chicken liver pate, which melts in the mouth. Main course presented a major problem. What to have? So many dishes to choose from and only room for one. The 3 of us dining all went in different directions. A massive bowl of fresh caught mussels accompanied by roasted potatoes with rosemary, a rump of pork with herb crust on pureed potato and an exceedingly large cheese burger with fries. My 17 year old son selected the cheeseburger and it´s the best he´s ever eaten. This from an exceptionally well travelled burger connoisseur, high praise indeed. A 9€ bottle of very drinkable white wine accompanied the food as did a couple of Gin and Tonics. Pudding ah pudding. Again a 3 way split and I think this time wifey just edged it. Her dime bar toffee crunch was all that you’d expect of a pudding and more, although my son would argue his chocolate brownie with cream and a big scoop of vanilla ice cream was as good. Watching the waistline, yeah right, it was the delicious Pistachio flan for me.

After this wonderful feast the drive home gave us time to reflect on what a genuinely great experience we had enjoyed. The food was unquestionably top notch and up there with the best we have had in Spain but it was more than that. The front of house team were super efficient and yet the whole time we were there the atmosphere was relaxed and so friendly.

Food and drinks appeared effortlessly and always with a smile. We heard the waitresses attending others tables speaking fluently in Spanish, English, German and Dutch. They all had time to stop and chat to the regulars and new customers alike. This, well for us anyway, is what takes a good restaurant to a whole different level. Feeling Hungry then have a look at their menu. http://www.elmarlamar.com/menu-la-mar.php

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May 2011

We All Need an Angel

The brains behind the private homecare nurses of Almeria Angels reveal all...

Lee and Nicki Wakeman are the driving force behind Almeria Angels, this regions best know nursing agency and 24hr support service based in Mojacar.

What area of the UK are you both from?

Nicki: We were both born in London, in fact, just two streets away from one another but a couple of years apart. Later, as children both our families moved to Peterborough ,but strangely, even though we had always lived in the same areas as one another growing up, we had never met.

How did you eventually meet?

Nicki: I’m afraid it’s not very exciting really. I was planning on going to Australia for a year, to work, when we happen to meet one day in a bar in Peterborough. He was out with his flatmate who had arranged to meet my friend in town. We saw each other across the bar and the rest is history!

Lee: How could she resist!!! I had her at hello!!

So did you have a plan when you moved out here?

Lee: Did we have a plan? No, not really, it was going to be an adventure!

We came out a couple of times to visit different areas and eventually settled in the Almanzora Valley in 2007. We knew that only when we where living out here, would we work hard and make sure we survive, just like a lot of hard working, honest people living out here.

So how did Almeria Angels come about?

Nicki: Well it started just by talking to people in the village and finding out a little bit more about the way the Spanish health system worked and what was available here to assist people at home or in the hospital. That’s when we realised there was a small gap in the market. I thought I might be able to help out a few ex-pats who lacked family support close by in our village but had no idea it would grow into what it has become today.

So in 2008 with my nursing experience and Lee’s business background we started Almeria Angels.

Originally with just myself looking after a few clients but within no time at all we had started to get so much work we had to take on more nursing staff.

We now offer bespoke Home or Hospital care packages, depending on the individuals needs. Our clinical lead nurse will meet with the client and their family to discuss a package designed to meet all their requirements. This may be for as little as an hour a week, to full 24hr care. Our Angels assist with care functions either at the client home or in hospital. We also offer a pre-booked translation service for those who wish to take a fluent Spanish speaking translator to the doctors or hospital.

Almeria Angels Nursing & Home care Services has been running for a number of years now and in the summer of 2010 you launched your new 24hr Emergency Support Service to the residents of the Levante region. How was this service conceived and what are the benefits to your members?

Lee: After working with our clients for a number of years, and seeing what was available to the Ex-pat community, we saw that there was a real need for a more comprehensive support service, that could be available to people 24hrs a day, 365 days of the year

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So, we set up the Almeria Angels Emergency Support Service on a membership only basis. This allows us dedicate substantial resources to our members, meaning that at the touch of a button via either their home unit, or their dedicated Angels mobile phone, no matter how great or small the emergency, one of our trained British operators will be there to assist them. We securely store a detailed medical history of each member, which is automatically displayed when an emergency call comes in, giving the operator and the on-call nurse a full profile of the member who requires assistance. The on-call nurse can also be despatched and the client call transferred to her mobile phone on route. This means that in the event of a more serious medical emergency, the nurse can remain in contact with the client, through out the journey to the clients’ property, and that no time is lost when every second counts.

It’s an impressive service and did you say all the Emergency Support Staff are native English speakers?

Lee: Yes, that’s right! Which means there’s no language issue for our clients when dealing with medical matters or in an emergency when a clients stress levels may be running high. An Angels operator will liaise with any of the Emergency services for our members giving precise directions to the property as well as GPS locations, so as to avoid delays in reaching our clients.

So with all that in mind, will we see Almeria Angels in other regions along the Spanish coast.

Lee: Well! We already have a nursing agency in Mazarron which we launched in 2009, which has proven to be a great success and we’re currently in the process of opening another office in the Malaga region, which will offer our 24hr Support Service as well as our home and hospital care services.

Are you both enjoying the Spanish way of life?

Nicki: I love it! It’s everything I thought it would be! Also, being able to continue nursing is fantastic, it’s what I wanted to do when we first moved out here but I wasn’t sure if it would be possible, not without a very good level of Spanish.

Since moving to Spain I know there has been a new addition to the family.

Nicki: That’s right! We had our daughter Daisy here in Huercal-Overa hospital, she’s now 20 months old and definitely has her own little personality.

Lee: She goes to a Spanish nursery where I believe she is one of only two English children. So it’s great for her integration and she will obviously speak and understand a reasonable level of Spanish when she starts school at the end of the summer next year.

Do you think Spain is a better option than England when bringing up a child and offers greater opportunities?

Lee: Definitely! She’s going to grow up speaking and writing both English and Spanish fluently.

This coupled with what will hopefully be a good academic career, will give her a great opportunity and should open up many more markets, not just Spain and the UK. I also think it’s a much safer environment for children here and the Spanish seem to be a little more tolerant of children than we are in the UK. And what does the future hold for you both?

Lee: Well we’re concentrating on the business at the moment and will do so for the foreseeable future. We’re enjoying our life here in Spain as a family and wouldn’t want to change anything. We’re happy to be able to provide a necessary service to the local community and want to be able to offer the same service to other people in other areas.

Maybe we can catch up in a years time and I’ll tell you how we’ve got on.

If you would like to know more about the comprehensive range of services that Almeria Angels can offer you, or a loved one, you can visit their website at www.almeriaangels.com or contact the Mojacar office on tel: 0034 902 02 64 68 or by email: info@almeriaangels.com info@spainpropertyportal.com

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May 2011

May Featured Properties Featured Properties from Arboleas Villa Resales

AR466 Villa for Sale in Arboleas, Almería 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Villa Private Pool and Jacuzzi Fully Walled Plot with established gardens

145,000€ View this Property on the Website

AR712 Villa for Sale in Arboleas, Almería 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Villa 8x4m Swimming Pool Stunning Gardens and Mountain Views

161,000€ View this Property on the Website

AR406 Villa for Sale in Arboleas, Almería 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Villa All White Goods Included Spectacular Panaramic Views of the Surrounding Area

125,000€ View this Property on the Website info@spainpropertyportal.com

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May 2011

May Featured Properties Featured Properties from Grupo Platinum

SNP001/2 Apartment for Sale in Ohanes, Almería Choice of 1, 2 or 3 bedroom properties Can be easily furnished for a low price Perfect Investment Opportunity

From

31,000€

View this Property on the Website

SJP10017 Apartment for Sale in San Juan de los Terreros, Almería Choice of 1, 2 or 3 bedroom properties Right on the Beach Private Roof Terrace and Underground Parking

From

93,200€

View this Property on the Website

ASJP001 Duplex for Sale in Escullos, Almería 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms Duplex 100% Finance Available Fully Furnished to a high standard

249,743€ View this Property on the Website info@spainpropertyportal.com

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May 2011

The Perfect Holiday Home Het Perfekte Vakantiehuis This month we feature a couple who have just purchased a holiday home in Almeria Back in February Victor Coronado, a Spanish national, and his wife of 14 years Marion who both live in Belgium finally took the plunge and made an offer for a Spanish property they had fallen in love with and been monitoring for many months via the internet.

In februari van dit jaar besloten Victor Coronado, van Spaanse origine, en zijn vrouw Marion, beiden wonend in België en 14 jaar gehuwd, uiteindelijk de sprong te wagen en een bod te doen op een Spaans eigendom dat ze al enkele maanden op het oog hadden via internet.

They had visited Almeria last year and fallen in love with a particular area but wanted to organise their finances before making a serious commitment. The owner of the property they liked was called with the offer but just the day before he had accepted another offer, and what are the chances, from another Belgian couple. So back to the drawing board.

Ze hadden Almeria vorig jaar bezocht en waren wèg van één streek in het bijzonder, maar ze wilden weten wat financieel mogelijk was alvorens een serieuze verbintenis aan te gaan. Uiteindelijk werd hun bod voorgelegd aan de eigenaar van het huis van hun voorkeur, maar net de dag voordien had die een ander bod aanvaard, uitgerekend van een ander Belgisch koppel. Terug naar af dus.

Victor,43 and Marion, 42 both confess that losing the house they had been watching for months was a big blow.

Victor, 43 en Marion, 42, geven toe dat het verlies van het huis dat ze al maanden op het oog hadden een opdoffer was.

They had decided over a very long period of time that all the pieces of the jigsaw had come together.

They were able to take advantage of very low interest rates at home to organise finance, both had good jobs, Victor as a production operator for a specialist American owned paint company and Marion a long serving crew member with Thomas Cook Belgium. Prices in Spain had, they felt reached the lowest level and most importantly they wanted somewhere to spend holidays with their Children, twins Laura and Selina and the youngest Luna. As for most of us with families they were aware that times spent together on vaccation as a family are so precious and that in far to short a time, as the kids become young adults and want to do their own thing, stop being possible.

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May 2011

Ze hadden immers na lange tijd eindelijk besloten dat de puzzel in mekaar viel. Ze konden genieten van de lage rentevoeten in hun thuisland om het plaatje financieel rond te krijgen, hadden beiden een goede job, Victor als produktiearbeider in dienst van een Amerikaans chemisch bedrijf en Marion als cabin crew met veel ervaring bij Thomas Cook België. Bovendien hadden de vastgoedprijzen in Spanje nu wel de bodem bereikt, dachten ze, en, belangrijkste reden van al, ze wilden een plek om de vakanties met de kinderen door te brengen, de tweeling Laura en Selina en de kleine Luna. Zoals de meesten onder ons met een gezin zijn zij zich er sterk van bewust dat familievakanties onbetaalbaar zijn en minder evident eens opgroeiende kinderen liever hun eigen ding doen.

Many at the stage of finding the perfect home and losing out give up but for Victor and Marion this wasn’t an option.

Velen die het perfekte huis gevonden hebben maar het dan weer kwijtraken, zouden opgeven, maar dit was geen optie voor Victor en Marion.

They wanted a property that had stunning views, was spacious enough to accomodate the family,and in a peaceful location. A pool was a must have, The price had to be right and, hard to put into words, but the house and gardens had to feel right.

Zij wilden een eigendom met prachtig uitzicht, groot genoeg voor hun gezin, en op een rustige lokatie. Een zwembad was een absolute must, de prijs moest correct zijn en, moeilijk te verwoorden, huis en tuin moesten dat ‘buikgevoel’ opwekken.

A day after losing the first option they were sent details of another property via a local agent based in Arboleas, Almeria. The details and usual photos were accompanied with a very useful video which allowed Victor and Marion to watch in comfort from home before taking the plunge and booking flights.

Eén dag na het verlies van hun eerste keus woning kregen zij gegevens toegestuurd van een ander eigendom via een lokale makelaar gevestigd in Arboleas, in de provincie Almeria. De gegevens en gebruikelijke foto’s werden vergezeld van een zeer nuttige video, die Victor en Marion toeliet thuis in alle comfort het huis te bekijken alvorens de sprong te wagen en hun vlucht te boeken.

The house was lovely, and better than the one they had lost. A spacious, warm property that had been designed to the highest specifications with beautiful swimming pool and the views they wanted. Flights were booked, a viewing arranged and by the end of March Victor and Marion took possession. Here you can see them at the notary in Vera on day of Completion.

Het huis bleek schitterend, en in alle opzichten beter dan datgene wat ze verloren hadden. Een ruim, warm eigendom, afgewerkt volgens de hoogste normen met een prachtig zwembad en het zo gewenste uitzicht.

Ze boekten de vlucht, regelden een bezoek aan het huis en eind maart werd het definitief betekend. Hier ziet u hen bij de notaris in Vera op de dag van ondertekening.

They will be back with the kids in Summer for a well earned holiday.

In de zomer komen ze terug met hun kinderen voor een welverdiende vakantie.

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May Featured Properties Featured Properties from Price Brown S.L.

A1098 Apartment for Sale in Mojacar, Almería Ground floor Apartment 100m from the Beach Fully Air Conditioned

69,950€ View this Property on the Website

A1095 Apartment for Sale in Mojacar, Almería 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms En Suite with Jacuzzi Quite Location close to amenities

85,000€ View this Property on the Website

LV592 Villa for Sale in Turre, Almería 2 Bedroom Villa Views of the Cortijo Grande Golf Course Superbly priced for the size and location

115,000€ View this Property on the Website

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May Featured Properties Featured Properties from V.I.P. Almeria

VIP1746 Apartment for Sale in Mojacar Playa, Almería 2 Bedroom Apartment Amazing Terraced Garden Reduced from 125,000€

88,950€ View this Property on the Website

VIP1189 Villa for Sale in Mojacar Playa, Almería Spacious 4 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Villa Excellent Investment and Holiday Home East Facing with Sea Views

190,000€ View this Property on the Website

VIP1801 Apartment for Sale in Mojacar Playa, Almería 2 Bedroom Corner Apartment Short walk to the beach Located in a Fantastic Position in Mojacar

125,000€ View this Property on the Website info@spainpropertyportal.com

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A Brief History of Time...

Mojácar Style Life in a Spanish Beach Town wasn’t always Beach, Beer and Bikinis. Here we take a look at the history of Mojácar Situated in the south east of the Province of Almeria (Andalucía) in southern Spain and on the Mediterranean coast, Mojacar enjoys one of the hottest climates in Europe.

Mojacar is immediately noticeable when traveling through the area. Perched atop a hill, this picturesque, white-painted village is steeped in history and culture. Mojácar has been inhabited by many different cultures since times of antiquity. Populated since the Bronze Age around 2000 BC, traders such as Phoenicians and Carthaginians arrived to serve the growing communities. Under Greek dominion, the settlement was called Murgis-Akra, from whence came the Latinized Moxacar, the Moorish Muxacra and finally the current name of Mojácar. The north African Moors established themselves in Spain in the early 8th century and the province of Almería came under the authority of the Caliphate of Damascus and later ruled from Cordoba Under this second enlightened rule, Mojácar quickly grew in size and importance. With the coronation of Muhammad I of Córdoba in Granada, Mojácar and its lands became incorporated into the Nazari sultanate, and the town found itself on the frontier with the Christian forces to the east. Watchtowers and fortresses were built or reinforced during the 14th century, which nevertheless did little to discourage Christian incursions and fierce battles like the bloody event of 1435 where much of the population of Mojácar was put to the sword.

On June 10, 1488, the leaders of the region agreed to submit to the Christian forces, although Mojácar’s alcaide refused to attend, considering his town to be already Spanish. At that time occurred the well-known meeting at Mojácar’s Moorish fountain, where a pact of free association between the local Moors, Jews and Christians was agreed to. www.spainpropertyportal.com

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Mojácar once again began to expand until the early 18th century, when the census of the time recorded 10,000 people.

Around the middle of the 19th century, Mojácar began another period of decline. The records state that several severe droughts brought about this drop in the town’s fortunes, with a consequent emigration to northern Spain, Europe and South America. The depopulation of Mojácar was reaching worrying proportions by the 1960s when tourism began to reverse the trend. Today, Mojácar remains loyal to the past with architecture, the whitewashed houses and the openness of the people, who inherited the ways of understanding and sympathy from their forebearers.

Perhaps one result of this continuous mixing of cultures and religions is the Indalo or Mojácar man.

This magical totem is said to bring protection and good luck, and from times past was always painted onto the fronts of houses once the whitewash was dry: keeping away the evil eye and protecting those within from storms. The figure might be interpreted to be a man holding a rainbow between his outstretched arms. The original totem is thought to be around 4,500 years old, and the earliest known one appears among other prehistoric paintings in a cave in Vélez-Blanco. The name, Indalo, is recent, and was coined by a group of artists and intellectuals who settled in Mojácar in the early ‘sixties, attracted by the magic and bewitchment of the town, and who commercialised the totem which today signifies the whole province of Almería. Indalo Man has, probably due to the increase in tourism, spread in popularity and has been seen on houses as far apart in Europe as Brittany in France and Cornwall in England for the benefit of its protection from storms and the evil eye.

Undoubtedly the most romantic and picturesque resort town in south-eastern Spain, the white-washed houses and cobbled streets of Mojacar are sprinkled atop a hill overlooking pristine sandy beaches, washed by the warm Mediterranean. This unspoilt ancient Moorish fortress town has been a favorite with artists and writers for many years, and now attracts holiday-makers who fill up the hotels and villas which have proliferated along the nearby stretch of beach, fortunately not yet to the detriment of the town’s appearance or beguiling atmosphere. The village centre is honeycombed with narrow casbah-like cobbled alleyways, which hide many quaint surprises, like a Roman fountain pumping fresh spring water and the unusual fortified church of Santa Maria.

Regards from Mojácar, Almeria info@spainpropertyportal.com

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May 2011

May Featured Properties Featured Properties from Spain Property Finder

SO47 Villa for Sale in Pinoso, Alicante 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Villa Built in Wardrobes Throughout 11,000m² plot with Panoramic Views

170,000€ View this Property on the Website

SO138 Villa for Sale in San Miguel de Salinas, Alicante Spacious 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Villa Finished to a very high standard 700m² plot with a stunning pool and barbecue area

299,950€ View this Property on the Website

SO237 Apartment for Sale in Rojales, Alicante 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Apartment Views over the Golf Course Solarium and Communal Pool

99,500€ View this Property on the Website info@spainpropertyportal.com

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