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EDITION No. 2
27th 2015
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www.masmovil.es/en Record breaker! OLIVE PRESS – Earpiece 27th May
PABLO Picasso’s Women of Algiers has broken the record for the most expensive painting ever sold at auction. The artwork went under the hammer at €160 million after 11 minutes of raucous bidding at Christie’s in New York.
We must stay in Europe! A GROUP of key British businesses are lobbying for the UK to remain in the EU. Bosses of defence company BAE systems, as well as BT and WPP, are among dozens of blue chip companies fighting to keep the UK in Europe. It comes after David Cameron won the British general election opening the door to a promised in-out referendum for 2017.
Faith
BT boss, Gavin Patterson, claims an EU exit would threaten key deals with Spain, France and Germany. “The EU is a positive thing for business,” he said. A study by German firm Bertelsmann estimated a ‘Brexit’ could lose the UK economy €300bn, a whopping 14% of the country’s GDP. Meanwhile, the boss of bank Goldman Sachs, Michael Sherwood, said he felt ‘confident’ Cameron would restore faith in the EU.
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I can’t come back!
A BRITISH mother is making a desperate High Court plea to quash a repatriation order forcing her to live near an abusive ex-boyfriend in Spain. The 19-year-old told the Olive Press she is ‘frightened to death’ of her former Spanish partner, who was convicted of strangling her unconscious while pregnant. She is now appealing against a UK court ruling ordering her to live with her two-yearold son within 100km of her former abuser, who lives in the Alpujarras region of Granada. She has until June 1 to overturn the order, which is based on the Hague Convention. The bizarre ruling would see her forced to live near a man, who received a four-year prison sentence for a vicious assault on her in 2012.
Price: €625,000
High Court appeal launched after expat mother and child ordered to live close to a man who strangled her EXCLUSIVE By Rob Horgan During the horrific attack she was kicked in the stomach twice and strangled until unconscious. “I am terrified of going back to Spain,” she insisted. “Justice is not the word to call this ruling. It is anything but just. “I am sure this treaty is meant to do good but in my case, and so many others, it doesn’t work and does more harm than good.” The mother, who we are not naming for legal reasons, revealed that she had been suffering from stress and even
fainted during the initial court hearing last month. Now a special High Court appeal hearing will examine a psychiatric report into her mental health on May 22. She insists it is her ‘last hope’ of overturning the decision. Her sister meanwhile has also launched a change.org petition which has so far garnered nearly 1,000 names. The petition ‘Stop my sister and her baby being sent back to be beaten, or worse!’, addressed to UK Home Secretary Theresa May, has been backed by the family’s local Conservative MP and MEP.
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€1.3 billion ‘stolen’ by the Junta A MASSIVE €1.3 billion was embezzled by corrupt officials in a decade-long bogus training scheme fraud. Police now estimate that employees at the Junta, in Sevilla, syphoned off the staggeringly high sum over a 12-year period from 2002. Detectives believe that there was collusion between Junta bosses, regional chiefs and a series of trusted companies to cover up the movement of grants. So far 16 senior figures at the Ministry of Employment have been arrested in what is almost certainly Spain’s biggest public money scandal. Three of those, Antonio Fernandez, Manuel Recio and Antonio Avila, are also accused in the separate on-going ERE probe, looking into
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Bad cop weeded out
Chaves knew about fraud From Page 1
SMOKED OUT: Ex-police boss arrested
A FORMER police boss has been arrested for smuggling 1,800 illegal packets of cigarettes into Spain. The ex-chief of La Linea local police was picked up with the contraband, which had a street value of €7,931, stuffed inside suitcases in the boot of his car. Malaga police had been monitoring the retired offi-
cer’s vehicle and made the bust after he picked up the load from a garage in La Linea. The policeman, who previously worked for the Guardia Civil, admitted he didn’t have the necessary paperwork to prove they were legal. He put his lawbreaking down to ‘financial problems’.
Not above the law Corrupt lawyer gets three years for massive money swindles
AN Estepona lawyer who swindled over €100,000 from a client has been sentenced to three years and nine months in prison. Abusing his position of trust
between 2002 and 2004. Malaga court has ordered him to repay all the money plus a €5,700 fine. He has also been barred from any legal work during
EXCLUSIVE By Iona Napier with the promise of lucrative investments, the lawyer stole over €112,000 in three instalments
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THE British family found dead in Gibraltar in March were killed by the mother, an inquest has heard. Spaniard Anarda De La Caridad Perez Friman, 37, stabbed her husband and two children, aged four and six weeks old, before taking her own life. It comes as it emerged that the
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Investigation
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Why is Ashya in? smiling aga See Page 3
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HOLY: Cross-beare
sparks into
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at the screams who heard 10:45am. source told the A government believed that Olive Press he red his family the man murde his own life. betaking before we don’t “Put it this way, of four years and lieve children slash their own six weeks could throats.” that the man He also hinted 2
report in March
life
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“Given that the investigation only involved the two people this is an unduly long period,” said a source y the case. close undrto La The lawyer created the imFM pression that the three financial instalments were aHowloan, an investment in a string of celebrities factory and a high atop shoe helped mafia0 launder €20 yield bond. the million on Sol
the Olive King family gives interive Press an exclus
Liverpool-born dad John Joseph Shannon had defensive wounds on his body and died from a stab wound to the neck. The family were planning to return to the UK after living in EsQuadruple tepona for more than a year. ‘suiciderder’ in ile Gibraltar, wh They had been staying at a ssing of mu retired expat Cro shot hs as a long couple friend’s home who discoveredpat ante dead in Alic weekend of FLASHBACK: Our ta Semana San the bloodbath on March 30. processions
Horgan
the theft of a further €1.2 bn in bogus tourist businesses and fake redundancy cases. Judge Alaya, who is instructing both cases, this week accused a further 25 people, believed to have been involved in the ERE case. The group, which includes two mayors in Sevilla province, are believed to have stolen over €50m euros in grants for bogus tourism companies. Meanwhile, former Junta boss Manuel Chaves was accused by a Judge of knowing all about the so-called ‘reptile fund’, a shady slush fund of millions of euros, used to pay the grants. Guardia Civil detectives insisted Chaves, who led the Junta for 19 years, was warned about the fund on various occasions. On one occasion in 2004 a group of miners from Huelva complained officially to him and the Junta about bogus redundancy payments to miners who did not exist. In the letter, published by El Mundo, the group complained that these people had ‘not been near the mine, neither inside or outside.’ While Chaves has insisted he will stand down after the national elections this autumn, his continuing links to sleaze could force another Andalucia election this Spring. See our election special on P7, 8 and 9
the Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015
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Geordie short-fuse
FIGHTING FIT: Vicky Pattinson
EXCLUSIVE By Iona Napier AN EXOTIC and colourful mix of characters have been chosen to appear in a new reality TV show being filmed on the coast. Dozens of local expats have been selected for programme Life on Marbs, which is filming for the next 12 weeks in Marbella, it can be revealed. The cast includes Sarah Carter (inset, below), the boss of Golden Tarts beauty salon, Lina Hodgkins (far right), the manager of the Lineker group, and a journalist and sales rep from Marbella Rocks magazine. Made by the team behind UK hit show The Only Way is Essex (TOWIE), dozens of cameramen, producers and scriptwriters have descended on the town. The Olive Press was on hand for one of the first nights of filming at the launch of brand new restaurant Infuschia, in Puerto Banus. At the bash, the good-looking cast mostly milled around, eating canapes and drinking champagne, while waiting to be summoned for snippets of filming. “The show is completely unscripted – unlike TOWIE – which means that anything could and probably will happen at any time,” said one cast member. So far, producers have chosen around two dozen people to star in the show split into two groups, group A and B, with the main characters in group A.
A STAR of British reality TV show Geordie Shore has been hospitalised after a drunken night out in Marbella. Vicky Pattinson, 27, allegedly got into a fight at Pangea Club while on a friend’s hen-do, and was rushed by ambulance to hospital where she spent the night. While Pattinson refused to comment, a source told a UK newspaper: “One minute
3
the Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015
everyone was having a good time, the next it was chaos. Vicky flew out of control. “She was screaming, swearing, spitting. Lots of people tried to help by physically holding her back, but she was fighting as hard as she could. “Then suddenly she just passed out cold. That’s when the police arrived and it was decided she should be taken to hospital.”
Weird and wonderful mix of local characters chosen to star in TOWIE-style Reality TV series
Life on Marbs
JAZZ STAR: Miller
All that jazz
INTERNATIONAL musicians are descending on Alhaurin de la Torre this summer for the annual Porton del Jazz festival. Grammy winners Marcus Miller and Robert Glasper, as well as Portuguese singer Carmen Souza, are just some of the artists set to perform in the town. Cameroonian Richard Bona and Cadiz-born flamencojazz fusion artist Antonio Lizana are also on the bill. Visit www.portondeljazz.es for more info.
SET FOR: Pandemonium
Party ring
WATCH out, Pandemonium is coming to Fuengirola. The town’s bullring will play host to 12 hours of back-to-back DJs for a brand new festival on May 30. ‘Pandemoth nium at the Bullring’ is FUENGIROLA BU LL RING set to showcase the very best in elec- JONATHAN ULYSSES tronic music from Spanish and international DJ’s, kicking off at midday. Malaga-born DJ Colombo and Belgian duo 2Empress are just two of the names gracing the centre of the bullring, along with Jonathan Ulysses and Brian Cross. Visit www.marinafestivals. com for more info. www.MAR
s u o l l e b r a M
GLAMOUROUS: Life on Marbs Another cast member said: “I am sad not to be in the first group but it’s all so exciting - there’s an amazing
team and it should be a lot of fun.” The 12-part series, airing later this year, promises to feature cameo appearances from the TOWIE stars themselves.
INAFESTIV
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30 MAY
sse. Life on Marbs po ral home for the e, La Sala by the Sea is tu na ct rfe pe e th nc IT is Marbella experie res. The quintessential equal measu in n fu d an st, with attendant us ro glamou Life on Marbs ca hand for the seae th at th en th e re on No surpris ligatory extras we film crews and ob 1. ay M d went reon g son’s reopenin y rammed – packed to insanity an. “We were “It was absolutel Burrows, marketing manager out.” ally well.” said Jostart but the word obviously got until early hoping for a soft ecialises in Thai food from 11am with DJ. June 6 complete The restaurant sp en at night from evening but will op
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NEWS
5 NEWS IN BRIEF Return to Franco
Brought to book as crime pays for Great train robber
THE New York Times slammed the PP’s ‘gag’ law, which discourages protests, as a draconian and disturbing hark back to the days of dictator Franco’s regime.
Flying high FULL STEAM AHEAD: For Gordon Goody’s latest venture THE mastermind behind the Great Train Robbery is still cashing in on the infamous heist some 60 years on. Surfacing from his home in Almeria, Gordon Goody, posed for photos and signed copies of his latest memories at a book launch in Antas. The 85-year-old who spent 12 years in prison
for his part in the ‘crime of the century’ is hoping his book How to Rob a Train will refill the coffers as his money has run dry. Goody moved to Spain after his release from prison in 1975 to run beach bar Chiringuito Kon Tiki in Mojacar.
Blowing a fuse Expats slam electrical shop Worten after being left with faulty fridges and TVs EXCLUSIVE By Iona Napier A PAIR of expats have blown a fuse after one of Spain’s biggest electrical chains refused to refund or replace faulty items. Both men slammed the ‘nonexistent’ customer services at Worten’s Marbella and Fuengirola stores after the ‘useless’ appliances arrived broken or quickly broke down. Mike Hodge, 49, of Benahavis, was left dumfounded when his €1,200 fridge arrived with a broken door. “When I was told I’d have to pay to fix a fridge I have not even used I almost exploded then and there in the shop,” he said. “We have spent thousands with Worten and yet we have been made to feel like criminals – it has been very upsetting.” Meanwhile, Marbella-based Jeff Lewis, 43, bought a 65” Samsung television for €2,200 to find the sound did not work within a month. “I have been batted between Samsung and Worten, neither of whom will take re-
THUMBS DOWN: From Lewis with his faulty TV and (inset) Hodge’s fridge sponsibility. “The staff were extremely rude in the store – they shouted and even swore at me - and now they seem to run away whenever I come in to raise it with them.” Both have now filed official complaints against the Portuguese company and have been joined by numerous other unhappy customers on Facebook group Expats Warning & Information. Two years ago, the Olive Press
Forced to return From Page 1 London, fled back to the UK seven months ago after her partner allegedly acted aggressively towards their son. “He picked up their baby by the armpits and slammed him to the floor,” explains the woman’s mother, who has lived in the Alpujarras, in Granada, since 1999. “That was the final straw for her.” The grandmother added that she had also been forced to file a denuncia after the man chased her down the street and threatened to kill her recently. “This is a very aggressive man, he is intimidating and has a personality disorder,” she added. “He is an extremely vengeful person and I am worried for my daughter and grandson’s safety should they be forced to return.”
reported how expat John Benchley was so furious at Worten’s customer service he smashed his new printer on the ground in the shop. He said: “I am not proud of the fact that I lost my temper but at least it provided some amusement to the other customers.”
Test flights suspended after fatal crash SPAIN has joined the UK and Germany in suspending all test flights of Airbus A400M planes after four people died in a crash in Sevilla. Another two were seriously injured in the crash near Sevilla airport, just 15 minutes after the plane had taken off on a test flight. All six crew members were employees of Airbus Defence and Space. A team of technical advisers was sent to assist the committee in charge of the investigation.
LOW-COST airline EasyJet reported its first ever winter profit in 13 years as a result of lower fuel prices and the strength of the pound.
Green light MALAGA town hall has approved plans for a 7,000m2 aquarium in the port in the old Real Club Mediterraneo building.
Maiden voyage AIRLINE vueling has launched its new summer route between Saint Petersburg and Malaga traditionally with an arc of water created by firefighters.
Thirsty times RESIDENTS in Mijas, Fuengirola and Benalmadena were left without water for three days after engineering work to fix a fault in one of the coast’s main supply lines.
May 13th - May 27th 2015
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POLITICAL NEWS
the Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015
www.theolivepress.es
Brand’s new crush on Podemos BRITISH comedian Russell Brand has leant his support to anti-corruption party Podemos. The self-confessed member of the ‘don’t-vote party’, Brand talked up a ‘new type of politics’ in his latest rant on YouTube channel The Trews. After voicing his disdain for the British Con-
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servative and Labour parties, the Essex man, 39, championed the progressive political views of Podemos and Greek party Syriza. “Syriza and Podemos are parties that believe we’re not here to lead you, we’re here to serve you, we’re here to ‘represent’ you as the word suggests,” said Brand.
Re-election looming Eye on
CORRUPTIO
N
New Andalucia vote looking increasingly likely as Susana Diaz fails to form coalition over sleaze links ANDALUCIA could be set for a regional re-election as PSOE leader Susana Diaz failed in her second attempt to be re-crowned Junta president. After almost two months of negotiations Diaz has failed to convince any of the other political parties to support her. She now has just over a week to form a coalition before the May 22 deadline, when - by law - a new election could be called. Confidence in Diaz’s leadership has taken a battering due to her party’s continual links to sleaze and corruption. It hasn’t helped that more
details have emerged of her party’s close links to two big Junta fraud probes, which have seen over €2 billion embezzled over the last decade. The recent resignation of former Junta president Jose Grinan and the promise to retire this autumn by another president Manuel Chaves hasn’t helped. Both the PP party with 33 seats and Podemos and Ciudadanos, with 15 and nine seats, have insisted they will not back her. Nonetheless, Diaz maintains she is still the right woman to lead the Junta and described the situation as ‘surreal’.
BAFFLED: Diaz “I call upon the other parties to behave responsibly for the best interests of our region,” she said.
PP spending almost double its rivals in elections THE PP party is spending more money on the upcoming local elections than all the other parties put together. Never before have Spanish municipal elections, set for May 24, seen such a huge discrepancy between the most and least extravagant campaign budgets.
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ELECTION SPECIAL NEWS
the the Olive Olive Press Press May May 13th 13th -- May May 27th 27th 2015 2015
OPINION Now it’s OUR turn to make a difference IT may only seem like yesterday that the cheesy grins of Susana Diaz were torn down from their lofty lamppost perches, following the Junta elections in March. But now the billboard brigade are out in full force once again with millions being spent during Spain’s local elections. This time, instead of Diaz, Teresa Rodriguez and co, we have the faces of mayors and mayors-elect promising this and that. Local election fever is sweeping the nation, prior to the ballot on May 24, and ‘time for change’ is the phrase on most people’s lips. After four years most mayors have done their best, many their worst and some have behaved downright illegally. In many cases - although not all - it is time to move them on and find someone new with fresh ideas. In this country full of nepotic town halls and scandalridden politicians, the time is ripe for a new dawn. The local elections provide a platform to vote for that fresh start, but unlike in the Junta elections, expats will have their say.
Use your vote
Given that over 6 million foreigners live and pay their taxes in Spain, it’s fair to say this makes sense, and that we have every right to take part. So use your vote to make a difference to the country you have adopted, a positive change. Thankfully, this year we finally have some real choices with the likes of Ciudadanos and Podemos, and its little sister Ganemos, emerging on the political landscape. Consider what they offer, demand transparency and insist on an end to corruption. Above all, challenge the old regimes and call for more. Rarely has a nation been so riddled with corruption as Spain has been: from the big-wigs in Madrid embezzling millions to undeclared Swiss accounts to the crooked politicians at the Junta robbing the state of billions. We say out with the old, stale crop and in with the new, fresh faces, ideas and hopes. When corruption becomes synonymous with politics, so does time for change.
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or admin@theolivepress.es or sales@theolivepress.es A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in southern Spain - 200,000 copies distributed monthly (130,000 digitally) with an estimated readership, including the website, of more than 500,000 people a month. Luke Stewart Media S.L - CIF: B91664029 951 273 575 Carretera Nacional 340, km 144.5 Calle Espinosa 1 Edificio centro comercial El Duque, planta primera, 29692 San Luis de Sabinillas, Manilva Printed by Corporación de Medios de Andalucía S.A. Editor: Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es Reporters: Newsdesk Newsdesk@theolivepress.es Tom Powell Tom@theolivepress.es Rob Horgan
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As politicians up and down the country are gearing up for battle at the ballot boxes in May 24’s local and regional elections, Rob Horgan examines how the X-factor could play out on voting slips along the Costa del Sol and beyond...
Get ready to rumble
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N the year of the ballot box, expats will join the Spanish electorate in casting their vote in the next round of elections at the end of this month. And it could be a game changer. With the Andalucian regionals out of the way, and the general election looming at the end of the year, it is now the turn of local politicians to drum up support and don’t we just know it! Every municipality in the country has been busy refreshing its floral borders and giving its civic buildings a lick of paint. But it’s purely cosmetic. After four years blighted by revelations of fraud, mismanagement and corruption in high places, town halls across the country will no doubt be in for a shakedown. And, unlike the regional or general elections, expats registered on the Padron will be able to have their say and, perhaps, tip the scales. All municipal elections will be held at once, on May 24, while 13 of Spain’s 17 regions will also be dishing out voting slips that day. Andalucia, Catalunya, Galicia and the Basque country work on separate electoral cycles.
Much like March’s Andalucian vote, the outcome of the country’s other regional elections will reveal whether ‘newer’ parties Podemos and Ciudadanos have a chance of knocking the PP (Popular Party) and PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party) off their respective pedestals at the year’s end. And while the new kids on the block may not be running in the majority of local elections, the results will serve as an early indicator of public opinion before
Mayor in the capital Esperanza Aguirre looks unstoppable in her pursuit of Ana Botella’s mayorship T appears there is no stopping RIO ALEG Esperanza Aguirre from trouncing MA
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resented in 18. Of the 101 mayors currently in office, only 10 are bowing out without a fight; the remaining 91 are gearing up for battle to retain their seats. Despite there being two more mayors, there are three less parties standing in Malaga province than there were in 2011, down from 73 to 70. However, in 26 municipalities, the number of parties standing has increased. In Cortes de la Frontera, for example, political division has led to a plethora of nine new parties being formed. In Marbella, Mayor Angeles Munoz is hoping to hold on to her seat for the fourth time, after an impressive victory for the PP in 2011. However it’s by no the general election. Voting in local elections works means in the bag. via proportional representa- Her party’s reputation has tion. Each party submits a list taken quite a battering since of up to 25 councillors. The claiming 52% of the overall number of seats, or local gov- vote in Marbella four years ago. ernment councillors, they end And, this time round, she faces up with depends on what per- some stiff competition from no less than 10 other mayoral centage of the vote they claim. candidates. Within a month Four new parof the votes beThe big boys in ties are in the ing cast, a mayor is elected. He Madrid will have running for the first time or she is usually their beady eyes in Marbella, the number one encandidate for the fixed on the fate including vironmental party which comof every town hall party Equo mands the most and Podemos seats. In the breakaway event of a split decision - two parties claiming an equal num- group, Costa del Sol Si Puede. ber of councillors - then a third Munoz’s main threats come from PSOE’s Jose Bernal and party may form a coalition. In Malaga, there are currently Rafael Piña, for Opción Sampe101 municipalities, each with dreña, who is running for mayor its own mayor. That number will for the third time in as many rise to 103 after the upcoming elections. election, as Serrato and Mon- That said, voting in March’s tecorto have recently become Andalucian elections suggests the PP is still popular in Marbs, independent in their own right. Only the PP and the PSOE are with the party taking almost standing in all municipalities. 32% of the share to the PSOE’s The IU is standing in 96 elec- 29%. tions, while Ciudadanos is rep- And there are other changes YOU DECIDE: Time to vote
her opponents in the Madrid mayoral race on May 24. The former Popular Party (PP) regional premier is expected to be a shoe-in to take over City Hall from current Mayor Ana Botella, who was told to step aside by the same top party officials who came up the voting slates. The outspoken and sometimes controversial Aguirre didn’t need much help from the PP. Her strong voting base was evident when the local Madrid PP committee decided to select her as a candidate even though some of her detractors inside the party believe that she was partly responsible for the kickbacks and payoffs scandals that have ensnared many of her former collaborators in the regional government. When Aguirre announced her retirement from politics in September 2012, while she was still regional premier, no one believed that she would stay away for long. The temptation to become the PP’s candidate for prime minister in the future is still strong. But first she wants the Madrid mayor’s seat, which is an important and pivotal position for anyone vying for national office. Whether she will use the office as a springboard for a shot at the prime minister’s race isn’t clear. Aguirre says “probably not, but nothing is impossible.” She has explained that she decided to return to politics because she saw back in December how anti-austerity Podemos party was gaining strength in December while the PP’s approval rating had plummeted. It is somewhat difficult to believe that Aguirre returned to the political scene just because she feared the “liberticide populism” – as she put it – that Podemos proposes for the country. She is back because she knows hers is a strong candidacy and she is the only high-profile contender in the race. And of course, there is that possible attempt to capture La Moncloa after Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy decides to step aside. It could be difficult but not impossible.
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MINORITY: Munoz
that could affect the outcome in Marbella, where campaigning has taken on a ‘PC’ twist, with paper posters and flyers outlawed for the first time. Instead, each of the 11 parties has been given equal time to promote their party on electronic advertising boards throughout the town. Meanwhile in Estepona, PP Mayor Jose Urbano’s ‘flower power’ revolution looks set to blossom into a majority that
ELECTION SPECIAL
the the Olive Olive Press Press May May 13th 13th -- May May 27th 27th 2015 2015
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The Lady vanishes WOMEN still take a back seat in Spanish town hall politics. Yes, the boss of Andalucia’s Junta is a woman - Suzana Diaz is also pregnant - and Marbella’s mayor is also female. But in Malaga Province, for example, only 26% of candidate lists are topped by women, while 32 municipalities have no female mayoral runners at all. In total, 430 candidates are standing for mayor in the province with an alarming 318 (74%) being men. Although the PP and PSOE are standing in all 103 of Malaga’s municipalities, they are only
will keep him in office. His party stormed the last local elections with a massive 48% of the vote, and came out top again in the recent regionals, with 35% of Estepona voters backing them. Urbano’s task may be made even easier by the reduced competition. In 2011, there were 13 parties to choose from, compared to just six this time round. But the flowerpot-loving Mayor is not resting on his laurels. As well as continuing his mission to transform Estepona into the garden of the Costa del Sol, Urbano has promised a 1 0 % I B I tax re-
presenting 30 and 27 female mayoral candidates respectively. The IU is fielding 31 female candidates (out of 96 municipalities) and Ciudadanos has five women challengers in the 18 towns it is contesting. In Malaga city, there are just three female candidates out of 15 parties running. While in Marbella, current PP Mayor Angeles Munoz and Inma Munoz of SIMA are the only two women among 11 parties in the running. There are currently 21 female mayors in Malaga Province – less than a quarter of the total number. This will probably increase in this election, but there is a long way to go before gender equality rules within Spain’s local political sphere.
duction if he retains his chain of office. In the red corner, his PSOE opponent David Valadez is promising a more ‘transparent’ town hall and wants to improve the local water system if his party wins the most seats. And although the cards are stacked in favour of the PP, the PSOE has one further trick up its sleeve which may bag the party a few extra supporters. While the majority of town halls are run by middle-aged males, Estepona PSOE has made it a priority to even up the odds with a list of 25 candidates that runs in boy-girl-boy-girl order. Whether this blow for gender equality will see more women walking the local corridors of power is anyone’s guess. But in a male-dominated field (see pullout box, above) at least one party is doing it for the girls. Meanwhile, up the road in Ronda, PP Mayor Maria de la Paz Fernandez will again be pushed all the way by the PSOE
for the top seat. Last time they tied with 30% of the vote each but a pact between the PP and the PA (Andalucian Party), which came third, saw Fernandez crowned mayor. Fernandez has promised to bring ‘stability and transparency’ to Ronda but if the Andalucian elections are anything to go by - when the PSOE claimed 36% of the vote, 8% more than the PP - we could see a new mayor walking in the door. While the regional elections are a different beast to local elections it will largely be the same people who turn up at the polling stations, but this time with the all-important added extra of the expat vote. Whatever the outcome, the big boys in Madrid will have their beady eyes fixed on the fate of every town hall in the country. They could badly use some free lessons on how to play it when their turn comes at the general election in six months time. Watch this space!
THE GUIRI VOTE: Tyler Shelton and Hillen
The eXpat Factor THE expat vote could have X-Factor repercussions in town halls up and down Spain, raising foreigners themselves to the hot seats of power. With the huge number of expats living on the Costa del Sol and throughout Andalucia, the ‘guri vote’ could be a deciding factor in some marginal municipalities, when it comes to the final ballot count. Unlike in many countries, where mayors are merely ceremonial showpieces, in Spain they often wield huge power in local government. Marbella’s disgraced mayor, the late Jesus Gil (along with one or two of his successors) are cases in point. For this reason a number of expats are planning not only to vote in the upcoming elections but are putting their own names forward for office. Dean Tyler Shelton, representing the IU, is one expat in the running in Manilva. “Foreigners make for 42% of the registered population of Manilva and probably reach somewhere between 50% and 70% of the total IBI council tax income from which council workers and politicians are paid their wages,” he told the Olive Press. “In my book that should make it an absolute necessity that we should not only vote in the local elections but that we should also participate in governance. “I’m a great believer that If you don’t use your right to vote then you can hardly complain when things don’t get done in the way you would like them to be.” Meanwhile expat Maura Hillen, the number two candidate for the PSOE in Albox, passionately agrees. “If you have no representation in that mix, then your interests go unnoticed,” she said. “And if you choose to become utterly invisible by failing to exercise your right to vote, then you do not matter at all.” Meanwhile, in Mojacar, expats Jessica Simpson and Lenox Napier are both in the running with their party, Somos Mojacar. Napier told the Olive Press that he is standing because expats ‘must participate in local society, or forever be seen as guiris’.
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NEWS
May 13th - May 27th 2015 www.theolivepress.es
Anger over cat massacre
TRAGIC: Cats found dead in a street and disposed of in bins
EXCLUSIVE
RESIDENTS in Sotogrande are furious after 30 cats were apparently exterminated by poisoning. The group of expats are particularly angry after they had been paying to have dozens of the area’s stray cats neutered at the cost of €50 each. They believe the exclusive enclave’s rat population is now likely to soar after San Roque town hall brought in a pest control company to kill the stray cats. Valerie Schulz, 56, said: “It has been horrifying. The cat population has dropped to less than half in just a few days. It is just so sad and so unnecessary.” Visit http://sotocatsrescue. com, for more information.
99 training@clic.es www.clic.es
Equine shame EXCLUSIVE By Rob Horgan
BROKEN noses, festering wounds and other injuries have upset visitors to Spain’s ‘biggest horse show’. In a damning dossier compiled by an expat group, dozens of stallions were photographed with horrific injuries at the SACAB event
Expat group demands regulations are put in place to stop cruel abuse of horses at Coin fair in Coin. British expat Michelle Lewis has now set up a petition to demand better checks are carried out before next year’s event. “This form of abuse is unacceptable,” she said. “We want more inspections by
Terrifyingly close WILDFIRE: Istan and (inset) Giles
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an independent vet and in the case of abuses the owners and trainers should be told to leave the event immediately and banned.” German expat and horseowner Claudia Pank, 49, added: “It is very upsetting and completely barbaric to THE first major fire of the summer ripped through Istan, near Marbella, this week. Four helicopters and a plane worked through the night to dampen flames, while residents were evacuated from their houses with three ambulances standing by. The emergency services received dozens of calls from the inland town but luckily there were no fatalities. Istan resident Giles Brown, an Olive Press columnist, said: “It was terrifyingly close and I’m counting my blessings. “If the wind had been blowing in the other direction my house would definitely have been destroyed.”
see horses treated this way. “This event is advertised as the biggest horse show in Spain, and it should be setting the standard.” However an anonymous trainer contacted the Olive Press to defend the fair. While he admitted some horses had injuries, he pointed out that they were horses commissioned for the performance show rather than for competition use. More than 175 horses were on display at this year’s show.
Petition
The petition received more than 100 signatures in 24 hours after being set up on May 13. Organisers of SACAB and Coin town hall have so far failed to respond to Olive Press questions. To find the petition visit www.thepetitionsite.com and search ‘abusos sacab’.
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Gibraltar NEWS
NEWS IN BRIEF Blood brothers
Solid as the Rock
BROTHERS Jessie and Damian Sanchez are facing 11 charges including assault, GBH and resisting arresting after they were involved in a bar fight two years ago.
Listen here POLICE are probing the Financial Services Commission after a hidden listening device was found in the financial regulator’s building.
Heavy baggage A FIVE tonne lump of Gibraltar’s famous limestone rock was transported to the UK by the RAF as part of the Gibraltar War Memorial in Staffordshire, UK.
Art attack SPRINGTIME in the Alameda Open Air Theatre means one thing: the Gibraltar Fringe Festival. Featuring the best new national and international art and comedy, this is an unmissable weekend. Running from June 20-23 the event – in its third year – is modelled on the Edinburgh festival and has venues all over town. Visit www.gibfringe.com for more details.
the Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015
EXCITING TIMES: New dining room
PERCHED high on the Rock with views spanning across the Mediterranean, the Rock Hotel is as synonymous with Gibraltar as the Barbary apes themselves. And just like the apes, Gibraltar wouldn’t be the same without the Rock Hotel. That is why the famous holiday hotspot has been given a makeover and restored to its former colonial glory.
From renovated bedrooms to revamped outdoor dining areas the hotel has maintained its original colonial style and sophistication. The Rock Hotel now ventures into a new and exciting era as its takes its rightful and historic place as Gibraltar’s most famous and prestigious hotel. For more info visit www.rockhotelgibraltar.com
Gib’s got talent The Rock’s very own Lord of the Dance has become an overnight sensation and an early favourite to win this year’s Britain’s Got Talent… and he’s just 15! MANY dance acts have taken the Britain’s Got Talent crown over the last few years… and the next could be from Gibraltar. At just 15 years of age, Jonathan Lutwyche has become an overnight sensation after his performance on the ITV show. His emotional contemporary routine had the judges mesmerised and the audience in awe. And he is now being tipped to follow in the footsteps of dance troupe Diversity and fellow teenage dance sensation George Sampson to take the BGT title. A student at Bayside Comprehensive School, Jonathan topped a snap viewers poll on the night, claiming a massive 89% of the audience vote and smashing his contenders out of the water.
FLYING HIGH: Jonathan
Exit anxiety CHIEF Minister Fabian Picardo has said that a British EU exit would ‘destroy’ Gibraltar. He insisted that a ‘Brexit’ would have ‘disastrous consequences’ for Gibraltar’s economy. He added that it would give Spain an ‘added weapon’ in its claim to the Rock, which could see Spain slam the border gate shut. “For us in Gibraltar, losing the ability to freely provide services to the single market
ON the Rock May 15, 8pm
Charity gala event on the Sunborn Gibraltar Yacht Hotel in Ocean Village Marina. Raising funds for local charity (MS) via tickets (£75) and auction. For more information call +350 20 01 60 00
May 16
Classic car rally to be held in Casemates Square. For more information visit gibraltarclassiccar. com or visit the Facebook page of Gibraltar ClassicVehicles Association.
May 22, 7.30pm
A workshop is being set up at John Mackintosh Hall to teach the secrets behind the laws of attraction to those in search of love. Tickets are £25, for more info email christaljoybreeze@gmail.com of 520 million people would be an existential threat in economic terms,” he wrote.
Babies at the double
Judge Amanda Holden told Jonathan: “I can honestly say I have never seen anything so beautiful and heartfelt.” Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon
and David Walliams were all equally impressed with the performance and gave Jonathan the nod to go through to the next round.
WILLS and Kate were not the only powerhouse British couple to celebrate the birth of a new baby this month. As coincidence would have it Chief Minister Fabian Picardo and his wife Justine welcomed baby Oliver Louis into the world on May 2 - the same day that royal baby Charlotte was delivered.
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the olive press - February 19th - March 4th 2015
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14 NEWS IN BRIEF Going swimmingly WORK has begun on the first indoor public swimming pool in Rincon de la Victoria – set to open late 2016.
Honest John AN honest Brit handed in a sports bag containing almost €6,000 in cash to Nerja Police after finding it near to Supersol supermarket.
Poop scoop SALOBRENA Council has launched its ‘Don’t be a dog’ campaign, calling on owners to clean up their dog’s mess or face a €500 fine.
Hashing it out
TWO men who smuggled more than a ton of hash into Spain via Torrox beach have been jailed. One man was sentenced to three years in prison with a fine of €2 million for endangering public health with the mitigation of drug addiction. His accomplice will spend 10 months behind bars with a €16,000 fine for money laundering. The crooks unloaded almost 1,070 kg of hash onto Torrox beach.
AXARQUIA
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Gloves are off Goalie faces jail for brutal onpitch attack in 2012 By Rob Horgan A NERJA goalkeeper who hospitalised a referee in a violent attack during a football match is to stand trial in Malaga. Ivan Cabello faces a 26-month prison sentence after assaulting referee Juan Sanchez during a game with Granada team Huetor Tajar
OUT COLD: Referee in May 2012. Cabello punched Sanchez in the face before kicking him twice on the ground, knocking the referee unconscious. His Nerja teammates had to pull the goalkeeper away as
Our Eastern promise WINE lovers in China have given their stamp of approval to a family bodega in the Axarquia which also supplies its award-winning Moscatel in Germany, Belgium and Switzerland. Malaga is the biggest exporter of sweet wine worldwide, but the 90-year-old Bodegas Dimobe is the most in demand brand in China’s booming market. One of the Dimobe brothers, Juan Munoz, said: “China has realised that we produce the best muscatel in the whole world and have guaranteed their alliance with us for the future. “The Chinese market knows exactly what it wants and appreciates our wines as they are unique.”
he wrapped his hands around the ref’s throat. Cabello snapped after being shown a red card for intentionally kicking the ball at the referee. Cabello admits that the incident ‘shouldn’t have happened’, but claims the referee antagonised him. “I’m not going to say what he said to me until court,” he said. Sanchez was taken to VelezMalaga hospital where he was treated for an injury to his left eye. The player is serving a fouryear playing ban handed out by the Spanish FA and now faces a criminal conviction. As well as asking for a prison sentence, the prosecutor is demanding compensation to be paid to the referee.
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the Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015
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GREEN NEWS
the Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015
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Cross-country lynx IMPRESSIVE: The solar powered aircraft
Impulsive flight A TRIP of a lifetime is taking on a new meaning for two aviators flying around the world in a solar-powered aircraft. Swiss pioneers Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg started their global adventure in Abu Dhabi on March 1 and will return there via Oman, India, Myanmar, China, USA, Spain and North Africa. The longest legs of the flight of the zero-fuelled plane ‘Solar Impulse’ are four consecutive days and nights and the trip itself could take a whole year. Follow the Solar Impulse’s progress on twitter with the handle @solarimpulse.
Eco-fest QUINOA, wheatgrass and organic cotton were not in short supply last weekend. Health enthusiasts in their thousands united for the seventh sustainable lifestyle fair Natura Malaga. Over 7,000 visitors turned up at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos for the best show of healthy and sustainable products including food, artisan goods, cosmetics and textiles. Promoting local producers and tradesman, the huge
Andalucia’s endangered icon looks set to flourish throughout the country THE birth of two Iberian lynx cubs in Badajoz is being hailed as a ‘breakthrough’ moment in the bid to save the world’s most endangered feline. The births are thought to be the first to occur in the wild outside Andalucia in many decades. It comes after an EU-financed project was launched across the region 12 years ago after the number of wild Iberian lynx dropped to under 100. That number has at least tripled since then and the latest births suggest the big cats are now re-establishing them-
RARE: An Iberian lynx cub selves across a wider area. “Females tend to have up to
three in a litter,” said a Iberlince spokesman.
Bottom of the deep blue sea GREEN PARTY: Malaga turnout confirmed the booming consumer demand for healthy, responsible produce here in Spain.
THE world’s oceans are awash with plastic which cannot be found. According to a group of Spanish scientists, most of the 8.8 million metric tonnes of plastic dumped into the seas each year will never be recovered and may be hidden deep on the ocean floor. “Most of the plastic is lost,” said Cadiz Uni-
versity oceanographer Andres Cozar. “We expected to recover much more plastic than we did.” The scientist estimates just 7,000 to 35,000 tons of plastic is floating at sea – just onehundredth of what they had expected. Most plastic recovered was polypropylene, used in grocery bags, toys and food packaging.
“To see the cats expanding across Spain is a great breakthrough for the project.” However, their existing numbers are still not enough for the long-term survival of the species – they are still in danger of becoming the first feline mammal to die out in more than 2,000 years. Indigenous to Spain and Portugal, numbers of Iberian lynx dwindled in the early 21st century as a result of rising temperatures and declining rabbit populations.
Bienvenidos al Hotel Hacienda Puerta del Sol, una experiencia única, un mundo aparte que les ofrece las comodidades que espera de un pequeño gran hotel Welcome to the Hotel Hacienda Puerta del Sol, a unique experience, a world apart that offers the a menities you expect from a small grand hotel
Ctra. Fuengirola-Mijas, Km. 4 Mijas (Málaga) Tel. 952 48 64 00 reservas@hhpuertadelsol.es www.hhpuertadelsol.es
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la cultura Show stoppers
the Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015
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what’s on C
Expat music promoter hits back at town hall after Mijas Rocks festival is dubbed ‘fraudulent’ for selling tickets without a licence THE British organiser of a costa music festival is determined to play on despite Mijas Town Hall announcing that the festival is illegal and will be cancelled. Carl Wileman, organiser of Mijas Rocks, scheduled for May 30, has slammed the town hall for putting his festi-
val in jeopardy. It came after councillor Juan Carlos Gonzalez insisted that the festival had ‘failed to obtain the proper authorisation’ and was ‘fraudulent’ and would be ‘cancelled’. However Welshman Wileman insisted: “We have attended several meetings with
Earth art IF it grows on land, Granada artist Annabel Keatley has probably used it in her art. Mixing her brightly-coloured oil paints with beeswax, sand and grasses is one of the award-winning artist’s trademark styles. Her paper sculptures are made from locally-gathered fig, avocado leaves and esparto grass. Now her work is going on display at Granada’s Galeria Cartel from May 21 to June 11. And anyone interested can attend her papermaking work-
shop which is being held on May 21 at the same venue from 11am. Call 618 213 781 or email annabelkeatley@yahoo.com for details and to book.
the deputy mayor and chief of police and have a signed 150 page security document approving the festival.” The Ferrari-driver, based in Mijas, added that councillor González’s comment that tickets were being ‘sold fraudulently’ could not be ‘further from reality’. “The town hall have made a huge error - we have done everything by the book,” added the Liverpool fan, who is also angry that the town hall failed
to meet his legal representatives last week. Despite the row he is still hoping the festival will take place. And as the Olive Press went to press, the promoter claimed to have struck a deal with Manilva to hold the festival.
FACE-OFF: Gonzalez and Wileman
LEGEND: Coppola
Good Cop WORLD-renowned American director Francis Ford Coppola has been awarded Spain’s most prestigious arts prize. Director of classics such as The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, 76-year-old Coppola claimed the Princes of Asturias prize along with €50,000. A spokesman for the foundation described six-time Oscar winner Coppola as ‘an inspiration’. “Coppola is essential to understand the transformation and contradictions of the art of cinema and the industry itself,” he added.
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ompeta, until May 30 An exhibition of 14 artists is on display at the Galeria Luz de la Vida as part of the 2015 International Art Symposium. Open from 11am - 2pm Thursday - Saturday and also open 5pm - 8 pm Thursday and Friday evening. For more info visit www.luzdelavida.es
S
otogrande, June 3 Over 34 different artists will be appearing at an exhibition of paintings, crafts and jewellery at the La Cabana de Sotogrande from 11am until 3pm. For more information visit www. nadfas-delfrontera.org
M
ijas, June 13 Salon Varieties will be offering you the chance to enjoy excerpts from the musical Oklahoma, featuring Ricky Lavazza, at the Mijas Auditorium as part of its 30th Anniversary celebration. Tickets are €15, to book call 952474542 or email boxoffice@salonvarietestheatre.com
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la cultura
TREND-SETTING: In Sevila
The pink package FOLLOWING gayfriendly Torremolinos, Sevilla is offering LGBT tourists the whole package. The world’s first ever LGBTi language courses will combine Spanish lessons with an ‘unforgettable gay experience’ in the Andalucian capital. Open to all ages, the two or four week classes are led by a gay teacher and focus on travel, socialising and Spanish culture. Putting students up in LGBT-friendly apartments and letting them loose on the city’s Gay Pride parade, the initiative comes from GETA (Gay European Travel Association) and Sevilla language school Sign Up. For more information visit www.gayspanishcourses.wix. com/seville
the Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015
Ole! Rick Cave
He’s a musician, not a church minister, although the Rev Richard John has his disciples. Sam Goodwin meets the 65-yearold blues artist making sweet soul music from a cave in Granada
W
ITH a harmonica, repeats the process. electric guitar and I caught up with him in Puertolstomp box stowed lano where he was playing in a in his white van, Rev small bar called La Luna, part Richard John travels all over of a tour taking in Granada and Spain, performing his captivat- Castilla la Mancha. ing solo shows to small but ap- Puertollano is a small induspreciative audiences. trial town - companies such as He’s 65, dyslexic, he can’t read energy giants Repsol have facmusic or speak Spanish and he tories close to the area. humbly admits it took him 40 It isn’t the most glamorous of years to master the guitar. concert venues but Richard is But his concerts are full of grit- not a man for glamour. ty emotion, straight from the Although he was excited noneheart of old-time blues Ameri- theless about playing in Puerca. When audiences applaud tollano. each song, the Rev Richard “From what I have seen on the expresses his gratitude with internet it looks like a great huge grins, clasping his hands place with a varied history and together towards the crowd. where people are very proud of From busking in London to gig- their culture.” ging around Spain, this very Everyone who meets him asks, alternative wandering minstrel ‘why the Reverend handle?’ has found a cure for life’s blues “It comes from The Reverend in a cave home in Granada, Gary Davis,” he says. where he and girlfriend Keeley The artist, also known as Blind live a simple, troglodyte life- Gary Davis, was an influential style. American blues “I live in Spain musician from Unable to because I prethe 1930s-tofer the culture 70s, he explains, read music he here and, of inspiring the likes spent 40 years course, the of Bob Dylan and sun,” he says. The Grateful honing his “This way of Dead. guitar skills life suits me.” “He’s got a great Normally voice. He was a he plays on real minister who was blind. He Fridays and Saturdays for a touched many souls with his two-week period, rests and re- talent and he put his money covers for several weeks, then into the community,” he says.
ONE MAN BAND: Rev Richard John “So I chose the name out of respect for him and his music. And it looks good in writing.” The Rev Richard’s own musical career has been less straightforward Born and raised in London, the blues maestro decided to sell his house and car over 13 years ago. Soon after, he saw an advertisement for a cave house in Granada. He and partner Keeley agreed to buy the property and have been living in Andalucia ever since. Before that, he lived in different parts of London, busking and doing different jobs.
He was unable to read music and spent 40 years honing his guitar skills but it was only when a friend gave him a guitar
I love Madrid for the buzz, Cadiz for the fresh feel, Barcelona for the difference slide that his music style really clicked. His way of learning is different because he has dyslexia.
“I suffer from anxiety problems. I’m severely dyslexic, that’s why I can play three instruments together. People with it think differently, I think in the whole,” he says. “I can’t speak Spanish either,” he adds. “It goes in here and nothing happens and when I try to speak Spanish it takes me three months to learn a single phrase, because I find it difficult to speak anyway.” So how does he take care of business in Spain? That’s down to his partner Keeley, a master of all trades, arranging gigs and organizing any press. However,
19 19 the Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015
www.theolivepress.es the Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015 AUTHENTIC: Cave life in Granada
like her partner, she is also still learning the Spanish language. What do the Londoners make of Spanish life? “A relaxed culture with great beauty, with something for everyone. “I love Madrid for the buzz, Cadiz for the fresh, youthful feel, Barcelona for the difference, Malaga is a crossover for everyone, Valencia for the quirkiness, especially the Fallas bonfires. The list is endless,” he says. MTV is playing pop video hits in the bar while we talk. Does he like that kind of music? “These bands have got a formula, a bit like football. Similar to when the back four of a team are so organized and you know which way they are going to play. It’s only when you get the genius of Lionel Messi, when
things are different,” he says. To be the blues music equivalent of Messi’s magic feet is his holy grail, a genre distinct from the world of One Direction and other pop groups. Although traditionally an African-American style of music, the Rev Richard doesn’t see that as a problem.
Stay put Pablo A SPANISH banker has been forbidden from taking his prized Picasso to the UK. Spain’s National Court confirmed that the work of art, valued at €26.2 million, was ‘unexportable’ because of its importance to Spain’s cultural heritage. Jaime Botin, main shareholder in Spanish bank Bankinter, purchased the oil painting in 1977 and has been trying to take it to the UK, with the intention of selling it at auction, since 2012. Botin, brother of former Santander chief Emilio Botin, almost got the century-old painting out of the country in 2012 but was stopped en route aboard a 65 metre super-yacht in Valencia. After three years of legal battles, Botin has now received confirmation that the Picasso is to stay put.
“Why a white man can sing the blues like I do is a mystery to me and all my friends.” He describes his past family life as ‘not very good’ - was this a major influence in his music? “I used to think it was a load of rubbish that you have to have bad times to be able to sing the blues. It’s an accident, what I do,” he says. MYSTERY: At the Chamber of Secrets
Best kept secrets The Olive Press reviews an unusual and amazing new magic show in Torremolinos
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A MAGIC show worthy of Vegas has arrived on the Costa del Sol. World champion magician Matthew Wright has brought his box of tricks to Torremolinos and has set up a mystery world in his Chamber of Secrets. Once inside the beautifully intimate venue, haunting vocals of Alarna Love are polarised by the mind bending memory of Tom Crosbie, think Rain man, but with less social skills... The show starts at 8pm and is split in three. Matthew presents the best game show to never make it onto TV, confusing and engrossing the audience, all with a tongue in cheek sense of fun. Mind-boggling illusions are complemented with puppetry and mischief. To finish there’s an explanation of the oldest trick in magic and a breathless finale that leaves you with just one question, How? Free flowing jugs of beer, bottles of sangria and soft drinks compliment the proceedings. Tickets are available on-line at www.chamberofsecrets.eu or call 655043578
Review by Chris Birkett
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LETTERS
Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015 thethe Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015
DEAR OP,
Memory lane To read about Gaucin and the view that I lived with for six years, is a cross between a kiss and a punch to the ribs (Supermarket sweep, issue 212). In 1987 I bought a ruined auberge in the Genal valley and built a farmhouse in it’s place, with unemployed labour from the village. The stories created by this gave rise to a shelf full of friendships, scandals, thefts, fun, lies, intrigue and corruption, such as to eventually push me to move back to Portugal. It was just too much! However, such is the indelibility of the Gaucin experience, that it is as they say, in my blood. I will now have to revisit just to remake the images and storylines. As if rewriting a book, I can’t put it away!
Bullfighting: Tradition or tragedy?
L
AST week Olive Press online blogger Mark Nayler wrote about his experience of watching a bullfight in Granada (Sadness and elation in Granada’s Plaza de Toros). Within a matter of hours, comments were flying into the OP’s website as opinion was split by the article. While the OP does not support bullfighting, it is inherently part of Spain’s culture and cannot be ignored.
Torture SICK and barbaric, what kind of people enjoy seeing a poor animal tortured, tormented, in pain and then killed. In my opinion this is NOT a sport – it is beyond evil. Some will say it is Spanish culture, but we are supposed to live in a civil world. Kerry Clarke, Granada
Geoffrey Swain, Algarve, Portugal
Cleanup call THANKS OP for a very interesting and much-needed article (The cost of guarding lives, issue 212). From Malaga down as far as Manilva the waters are a danger to health. Swim when there is a levante (easterly wind) and you will find the visible residue of toilet waste that does not disintegrate. In San Pedro rubbish is deposited a few metres from a
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sandy beach, while in Estepona there are at least two beaches which face continuous sewage discharges. Tourists enjoying the beaches are oblivious to the fact that a lot of waste is still discharged directly into the sea. The Costa del Sol is one of the most visited areas during the summer months so it is time we made the politicians aware that we are so unhappy about the mess. Myra Cecilia, Estepona
Holiday hoax THE Olive Press article (Holiday hell, Issue 212) highlighted a very real problem that needs sorting out. The problem is not only limited to Owners Direct/Home Away but also with Airbnb and Gumtree and many others. The companies probably don’t even know which listings are fake. This is just the tip of the iceberg and no doubt we will hear more of this in due
Art attack THE justification Spaniards have in ‘making an art’ out of torture and machismo in killing bulls should be outlawed! I think it is a shame that articles can exist which glorify this. Cathy Platin, Fuengirola
Bravery personified A VERY brave piece. I saw El Cordobes last summer in Berja, Almería and he fought a bull just by the ring where I was sitting. He played to the audience – simple country folk, not cultured city types – and captivated them. He is a course. In my experience I’ve never had problems going through ABTA bonded travel agents which is what I advise, or, to use a credit card with any booking site. Mike Noble, Coin
Golden ticket I THINK the Axarquia golden sprayer should be pardoned (Goldfingered, issue 212) and I agree with the mayor of Rincon de la Victoria. This is simple, he sprays things gold – we all see gold as happy and positive, he is showing his love of what he sees. There is nothing destructive going on here and he should not be treated like a criminal. Paula Cranney, Malaga
Expat vendetta IT is a shame television networks ridicule expats in Spain (Mockumentary, issue 211). Heaven forbid that we should want to work, pay into the system and integrate into the Spanish culture. TV programmes like this paint a to-
brave and capable matador. Lenox Napier, Mojacar
Mixed messages I FIND it disturbing and would not support bullfighting, but on the other hand, I do support fox hunting in the UK. What I find strange is how expats are quick to jump to the defence of animals in Spain when they have houses full of stray dogs and fields of donkeys. I am not supporting animal cruelty, I think this just illustrates the values of different cultures. John Lightfoot, Malaga tally false picture. Seeing this so-called ‘quality viewing’, I would not participate in having my businessdragged through the dirt just to make a TV producer happy. It is clear that the British media has a vendetta against expats in Spain and programs like this prove it. Jayne Gorman, Fuengirola
Perplexing I AGREE with the Olive Press’ stance on the Barcenas ruling (Victory for the PP, Issue 212). Although Barcenas is largely to blame and definitely should face prison time, I find it completely mind-boggling that the PP as a party has been let off the hook. Surely it should be held accountable in some way? Unfortunately this will go on in Spain until the courts are able to prosecute politicians who are turning this country’s political system into a joke. Nicola Bart, Cadiz
Job boost IT is good to see employment rising in Spain in the
POTTED POINTERS ANDALUCIA RESERVOIR LEVELS This week: 80.8% Same week last year: 83.84% Same week in 2005: 63.46% AIRPORTS Gibraltar 00350 22073026 Granada-Jaen 958 245 200 Jerez - 956 150 000 Malaga - 952 048 844* *For English press 9 Sevilla - 954 449 000 EMERGENCIES Police 091 Guardia Civil 062 Medical service 061 Fire 080 EURO EXCHANGE RATES 1 euro is worth 1.12 American dollars 0.72 British pounds 1.35 Canadian dollars 7.46 Danish kroner 8.66 H Kong dollars 8.42 Norwegian kroner 1.49 Singapore dollars
first quarter of the year. I’m sure the rises will become more solid as the property market clicks back into gear – note that this won’t mean a return to the crazy rises of the early 2000s, but a growing construction industry will need more labour. GDP rise predictions are being revised upwards by various agencies and government bodies too. I do find it quite surprising though to see mortgage figures rise by 29% in Spain so far this year. Kate Live, Sevilla
Letters should be emailed to letters@theolivepress.es. The writer’s name and address should be provided. Opinions are not necessarily those of the Editor.
CROSSMOT 53 Across 7 Man (6) * 8 Balancín (6) * 9 Gris (4) * 10 Ahogando (8) * 11 Andando (7) * 13 Vestido (5) * 15 Herida (5) * 17 Crop (7) * 20 Moliendo (8) * 21 Cinta (4) * 22 Prism (6) * 23 Líder (6). Down 1 Strap (6) * 2 Obedecer (4) * 3 Lectura (7) * 4 These (5) * 5 Northern (3, 5) * 6 Pinturas (6) * 12 Bondad (8) * 14 Aproximadamente (7) * 16 Worker (6) * 18 Saltó (6) * 19 Cigarro (5) * 21 Brings (4). L = 198
Property
EDITION No. 2
olive press
the
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the Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015
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Page 8 RE/MAX Top CEO Miguel Bilbao on the huge growth of foreign buyers even flocking to Malaga City
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Boom boom boy Mr Boom of Benahavis Scott Marshall reveals his master property plan with 20-something websites
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Property
22 22the Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015
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Property
www.theolivepress.es May 13th - May 27th 2015
Exciting times indeed for the Spanish property market WELCOME to the second edition of the Olive Press’s growing bi-monthly Property magazine. And what a fabulous couple of months it has been for the Spanish property market. In particular the Costa del Sol, the Costa de la Luz and nearby inland areas, are seeing spectacular growth. A number of our collaborating agents have seen their best April on record, some selling around 20 properties in a month! And the knock on effect is huge: with more people buying - particularly the British - this means more work for lawyers, architects, surveyors and builders. Next it will be the interior designers and furniture stores and soon it won’t just be the sun cheering us up… but the very real feeling of the economy finally picking up. And how we deserve it. All those dark years scrabbling around, repossessions soaring, paycheques down and companies folding. Finally, all those hard-working and decent expat busi-
nesses are getting just rewards for their hard work and patience in la crisis. We hope you enjoy this issue of the Property magazine. Aside from up-to-the-minute analysis from our specialists including Mark Stucklin, Peter Bowerman and Miguel Bilbao, we interview long-established Benahavis agent Scott Marshall and visit Fastighetsbyran’s stunning new Estepona office. Then there is the focus on the coast’s prestigious LPA group, a visit to the classic white village of Gaucin, where the Sainsbury family has just bought, and a feature on an amazing rural estate in Almeria. Yes, the Olive Press always works hard to ensure our readers are spoilt with interesting and varied copy, which in turn helps our advertisers to get noticed. Send your feedback to me at jon@theolivepress. es or contact 951273575. Jon Clarke, Publisher
Don’t flap over Cameron win Property expert Mark Stucklin (right) is convinced that a Conservative election win is excellent news for the Spanish property market… even with an in-out referendum on the horizon
I
F the flapping of a butterfly’s wings in Brazil can set off a Tornado in Texas, as Chaos theory suggests, then what does the surprise Conservative victory in the UK elections mean for property on the Costa del Sol,where the British are the biggest group of buyers after the Spanish? It’s not a trivial question. Last year the British comprised 17% of foreign demand for property in Spain - the biggest group of foreign buyers by a wide margin and growing fast...up nearly 30% last year. Around 25% of British buyers head for Andalucia’s Malaga province, home to the Costa del Sol, so British demand is crucial to the local property market. As I see it, there are two main ways in which the UK election result affects British demand for property in Spain:
COSTA FAN: David Cameron has visited at least three times
mand is the in-out referendum Cameron promisedon EU membership promised by 2017. Would leaving the EU reduce The pound has strengthened British demand for property around 35% since its lows of in the EU, including Spain? 2009, although it is still 15% My guess is yes, but I also susbelow it’s boom-time highs pect the British will vote to of around €1.6/£ or more. stay in the EU, particularly The pound surged 2% PROPERTY PICK with the sheer amount of against the euro in the first 24 hours after the A TOTAL of €2,900 million was invested business bosses vying for it, so I don’t think the Tory in property in Spain in the first quarter election result was known. victory will reduce demand of 2015, the highest rate in 31 quarters, That shaved 2,000 quid for this reason. according to BNP Paribas Real Estate. off the price of a €100,000 In the meantime, a stronproperty, and the savings ger pound , if that’s what will only get bigger if the house prices surge at home, we get,is almost sure to help pound heads back to €1.4/£ making property seem like a lift British demand for holior more, as it looks like it safe bet once again. day homes on the Costa del might. On balance, a Conservative Sol. “We’d expect to see sterling victory suggests a stronger Good times ahead. now continue to gain across pound in future, which, in the board as the focus falls turn, should boost demand for on whether Greece can avoid property on the Costa del Sol. Mark Stucklin runs www. a default or not,” explains The only possible thing which spanishpropertyinsight. Luke Trevail, a senior trader might influence British de- com 1) The exchange rate 2) Relations with the EU
and analyst a TorFX, a currency broker. A stronger pound, coupled with lower Spanish house prices in the wake of a seven-year crash, makes Spanish property seem much cheaper to British buyers, who have also watched
www.theolivepress.es Property
Berlin bonus Zara boss lines up German property deal while eyeing Oxford Street hotspot
SPAIN’S richest man is set to get even richer. Zara boss Amancio Ortega is set to make a tidy €25 million profit by selling one of Germany’s prime properties. Ortega – founder of Inditex, the parent company of Zara – is set for a €300 million cash injection as he lines up the sale of The Q commercial centre on luxury Berlin shopping street Friedrichstrasse. The retail magnate bought the 50,000 square metre property for €275 million in 2007, meaning he will bag €25 million in profit. Moving ever onward and upward, Ortega is reportedly also lining up a bid in excess of €500 million for the Primark building on London’s Oxford Street.
Olive Press - May 2015 the the Olive Press MayMay 13th13th - May 27th27th 2015
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CHASHING IN: Ortega (inset) and luxury Berlin shopping street
Friedrichstrasse, all but destroyed during World War II, was rebuilt into an upscale shopping street after the Berlin
Wall fell in 1989. Ortega spent a vast €620 million expanding his property portfolio in 2014.
Spanish sweetheart SPAIN is back as the top choice for Brits buying abroad. More than 54% of Brits looking to relocate abroad enquired about a move to Spain during the first quarter of 2015, according to finance expert Conti. Spain has bumped France off top spot to reclaim its former title as number one British expat haven. Meanwhile, Conti has seen the volume of overseas mortgage enquiries increase by 41% over the first three months of this year. Portugal, Italy and Turkey make up the top five destinations for Brits looking to buy abroad.
driving ahead
NEW HOMES: Estepona Golf
CONSTRUCTION giant Taylor Wimpey Works halted by the crisis are now being is benefiting from a renewed property brought back to life, explains Regional boom by launching the construction of 59 Director, Ignacio Osle. “The first quarter terraced houses in Esteof 2015 saw a 15% inpona. crease in sales... and PROPERTY PICK In a €12 million deal there is a big scarTHE average price of second-hand with Estepona Golf, the city of good existing company is set to build homes in Spain increased by 1.1% to homes, which has led € 1,636 per m2 in April, following 800 new homes, plus to a greater interest a hotel with 400 bed- seven months of consecutive decline. in new builds. rooms, by the end of “The type of housing 2016. at Estepona Golf has The plan is in line with healthy growth the not been built on the Costa del Sol since company is seeing in Andalucia this year. before the crisis started eight years ago.”
3 23
NEWS IN BRIEF Happy Bankers THE Banco de Espana has announced that the improved real estate sector signals the end of the Spanish property crisis.
New builds THE number of building permits issued in the first quarter of the year is up by nearly 50%, maintaining the rise seen at the end of 2014.
Top rate MORTGAGE agreements are up 30% for the first quarter of the year, with the average interest rate down to 3.35%, compared to 4.11% this time last year.
Bargain hunting PROPERTY prices have fallen faster in Andalucia than anywhere else in Spain. A 4.1% price decrease in the last year means bargain homes are up for grabs.
Staying put THE average period of ownership of a Spanish property has increased by 55% to 11 years and 4 months, according to the official Spanish government statistics.
Offices at the Puente Romano Hotel & opposite the Marbella Club Hotel Tel. (+34) 952 863 750 info@panorama.es www.panorama.es
An International Associate of Savills
Enclosed: 198 m² Terrace: 33 m² Price: € 975,000
LA TRINIDAD 3-bedroom, first floor apartment in this prestigious 5-star complex with 24-hour security. Wonderful views to the gardens and La Concha mountain. Walking distance to the beach. Ref. 7893
Enclosed: 206 m² Plot: 800 m² Terrace: 127 m² Price: € 1,050,000
MARBELLA EAST Contemporary style 3-bedroom
Enclosed: 416 m² Plot: 2,200 m² Terrace: 160 m² Price: € 1,500,000
CASCADA DE CAMOJAN 4-bedroom villa in a sought-after area on the Golden Mile with 24-hour security. Offering fantastic sea views from the upper level. Priced to sell. Ref. 7367
Enclosed: 187 m² Terrace: 128 m² Price: € 1,675,000
ALHAMBRA DEL MAR Renovated beachside
villa in Río Real. Under construction, due to be completed in autumn 2016. Gated community surrounded by golf courses. 10-minute drive to Marbella centre. Ref. 8398
3-bedroom duplex penthouse on the Golden Mile. Steps from the beach and walking distance to the city centre. Stunning tropical communal gardens. Ref. 8723
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Property
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the Olive Presswww.theolivepress.es May 13th - May 27th 2015
LPA: A solid code of ethics and only experienced agents The first, and the oldest, property industry association on the Costa del Sol for real-estate agencies gives buyers, sellers, and all those involved in the sector a guarantee of the best service possible
Six reasons to use the LPA 1. History and experience - Deal with an estate agency that has a brand name presence with more than 10 years of experience 2. Honesty and integrity – Deal with an estate agent that adheres to a strict code of ethics 3. Knowledge – Deal with estate agents who know what they are talking about and whose opinion is respected by their peers 4. Market presence – Deal with a member of an organization with an enviable reputation in the area he/ she covers 5. Industry recognition - You don’t pay to become an LPA member, you have to earn it
T
HE Leading Property Agents of Spain (LPA) was set up in 2002 with two basic goals: to ensure a guarantee of quality, service and integrity in the real-estate industry in the south of Spain and to enable member agents to work together, extending their reach and increasing their effectiveness, via shared networks and resources. Established by some of the longest-established agents on the Costa del Sol, the LPA today is made up of 11 member agencies, which collectively cover some of the most exclusive and in-demand locations from Marbella to Gibraltar, taking in areas including Casares, Estepona, and Sotogrande.
6. Visit one of our offices – All LPA agents have physical offices
Professional
Membership works on an invitation-only basis, meaning any potential new members have to meet the same exacting standards of quality, professional service practised by the area’s most reputable agencies. So, if you choose an LPA member to help buy or sell property in southern Spain, you’re in the best possible hands. On top of this, LPA members abide by a code of ethics that serves as the ‘rule book’ for the association, including such requirements as playing an active role in the communities where they work and havpredict exactly what is going ing in-depth knowledge of to happen. There has been a the areas they cover. slight slow down in ScandiThey must also always navian purchases because of act honestly, honourably, the Euro, while the British and transparently in their clients have grown” dealings with buyers, sellers, fellow agents, and anyone with whom they do business.
LPA MEMBER: Ulf Hessedahl – Andalucia Development Ulf’s father Kjell set up Andalucia Development and Ulf is now the manager, working there full time since 1996 “IN black and white terms the market is generally on the up. More houses are being renovated and built and there has definitely been an increase year on year on properties sold. There is more confidence, more sales are coming through and in some areas prices have gone up! But what is important is that each property is its own unique case – you can never
LPA MEMBER: Oscar Ernstsen – Villas and Fincas Oscar has been running Villas and Fincas for the last 15 years with partner Anita, also Dutch “We are so busy – and that comes on top of record sales last year and this year, we have already done half of what we did last year, so 2015 promises to be great. There are a few reasons for this: people have confidence in Spain and the international market in Spain is doing very well. The Swiss franc is going up, and the pound is also going up so all these things are helping people invest in Spain. We are also seeing quite a few Arabs buying – they like to have somewhere with
plenty of peace and quiet to retreat too – but, funnily enough, less Russians recently.”
Interests
They must also avoid aggressive marketing techniques, allowing people to freely choose to buy rather than deal with the ‘hard sell’. They also agree to work together with other LPA members and competitors equitably and openly, while keeping the interests of buyers and sellers first and foremost. LPA members not only share information on the properties they, individually, have listed on their books, but also share their experience, insight, and knowledge about the marTurn to Page 7
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STUNNING: This amazing 18th century, 18 bedroom country estate, near Arcos de la Frontera is for sale at €9m through LPA member Villas and Fincas
LPA Member: Adam Neale – Terra Meridiana Adam Neale started Terra Meridiana with his wife Theodora in Estepona 12 years ago “Finally you can say with certainty that there is real confidence again in the Costa del Sol property market. There are so many positive reasons to buy a home in this part of Europe right now as those of us who are lucky enough to live and work here know only too well.”
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theOlive OlivePress PressMay May13th 13th- May - May27th 27th2015 2015 the
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26 26the Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015
Property
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www.theolivepress.es the Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015
Working in Marbella Real Estate since 1981 Tel: +34 952 816 250
Mansion - La Cerquilla, Nueva Andalucia Ref. 176-00942P
5.350.000 € Bedrooms: 5 Guest Toilets: 1 Terrace: 162
Bathrooms: 5 Plot: 2.560 Built: 976
Magnificent and totally refurbished Villa/Mansion in La Cerquilla, Nueva Andalucia. Truly a master piece of contemporary design with all the extras you can imagine. Fantastic views over the valley, sea and mountains and Puerto Banus and the beach are just a short drive away. The property further benefits from underfloor heating throughout, air-conditioning, Integrated sound system, cinema, spa, gym with sauna, large Jacuzzi, hydro-massage baths and showers, ultra modern Japanese toilets, gazebo with BBQ, heated salt water pool, a top range sophisticated security system, garage for two cars plus plenty of parking on the driveway, and separate guest apartment.
Ground Floor Apartment - Albatross Hill Club, Ref. 176-00920P Nueva Andalucia
Apartment - Andalucia Garden Club Nueva Andalucia Ref. R176-01040
Bedrooms: 3 Terrace: 145 Guest Toilets: 1 Community Fees: Garbage Tax: Local Rates (IBI):
Bedrooms: 2 Terrace: 20 Construct Year: Community Fees: Garbage Tax: Local Rates (IBI):
595.000 €
Bathrooms: 3 Built: 200 Construct Year: 2005 600 € /Month 180 €/Year 900 €/Year
Andalucia Development Centro Comercial Plaza 63, 29660 Nueva Andalucia, Marbella info@andadev.com
www.andadev.com
347.500 €
Bathrooms: 2 Built: 90 1975 235 € /Month 186 €/Year 970 €/Year
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No time wasters allowed
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WELL APPOINTED: This stunning €5.95m villa in Sotogrande counts on nine bedrooms, a library and a pantry and is being sold through LPA member Holmes Sotogrande
ket and about clients’ needs. This includes keeping abreast of legal and administrative changes that could affect buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants. For buyers, LPA members will not waste your time and will only show you the kind of properties you want to see, not those they want to sell. They will also provide genuine personal attention by building relationships, rather than ‘churning and burning’.
LPA MEMBER: Consuelo Silva – Consuelo Silva Real Estate
Impartial
In addition they have access to quality properties that comply with all the legal regulations; set fair prices based on real-world market conditions, instead of looking to make a fast buck; and offer impartial and sound advice on developers and builders, if you’re thinking of purchasing off-plan. For sellers, LPA agencies will only visit your property with genuine prospective purchasers, rather than bringing anyone through your door; help you put together all the documentation you, and the buyer, need for a successful sale and provide all the advice and guidance you need to achieve the best possible sale price for your property.
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LPA MEMBER: Christopher Clover Panorama Christopher Clover has decades of experience in the Marbella property market having joined Panorama in 1973 “It is clear that the market touched bottom in 2011 and has been improving unquestionably yearly since then – last year an impressive 28.31 % over 2013 sales volume. Those who have been waiting for years for the ‘right moment’ to buy, creating a pent-up demand,
have finally realised that the crisis is over and prices are on the move upwards. This realisation creates a confidence with buyers that we have not seen during the crisis years. We are seeing more French, due to the political situation in France and their ‘discovery’ of Marbella as a quality environment with great winter weather… They are the last nationality in Europe to enter the market here in strength.”
Peruvian Consuelo Silva’s arrived in Marbella in 1986 before moving to Sotogrande in 1992 where she has worked ever since “The market is good and looking much, much better. Already last year was quite a good year and this promises to be the same. Prices are not going up, but there have been a few occasions where expensive properties have sold at very high prices. Sotogrande is a special place and people are really starting to invest, with plans for new restaurants and hotels, we are excited about the summer. The rental market is steady in summer and we are looking forward to welcoming back loyal customers.”
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Property
the Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015 ADVERTORIAL
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www.theolivepress.es Olive Press the Olive Press Maythe 13th - May 27thMay 201513th -
CEO of RE/MAX Top explains how foreign buyers are adding up to more than 50% of their sales… even in Malaga city
Expat buying boom ADVERTORIAL
View from the top of the market AFTER 10 years of experience and dedication as a franchise licensee of Engel & Volkers, Ivonne Panhuis sold her licence to set up her own company Private Office Marbella Prime Homes focussing exclusively on high-end real estate. Panhuis says: “Private Office Marbella strives to become the leading company for top market homes situated in the best and high quality prime locations of Marbella. “I see it as my task to find exactly the right property for our customers, unique and in line with their wishes and needs, and to mediate, organise and accompany them throughout the entire process.” She prides herself on confidentiality, personal support to owner and buyer, integrity, the best contacts, reliability and more than 12 years of experience in this high end market. For more information visit the website: www.privateofficemarbella.com she would love to meet you!
ON THE UP: Malaga City is seeing a healthy growth of foreign buyers
F
OREIGN buyers are back, big-time, particularly from the UK where the strong adding a welcome boost to the Span- pound makes the investment even more appealing.” ish property market. Last year, a total of 4,397 proper- A large percentage of purchases in 2014 were for top level, luxury properties, located ties were sold to non-residents in Spain, in high-end tourist areas such as the a 7.4% increase on 2013 and 22% Costa del Sol. more than 2012. “There’s definitely more deIn the case of agent RE/MAX We mand for the best properties Top, which has offices in and those in the most desirMarbella and Malaga, forpredict a high able areas are selling fast,” eign buyers make up the volume of summer adds Bilbao. vast majority of their clients. “However there’s also a lot “Around 80% of purchastourists looking at of interest in the lower end ers in our Marbella office of the market for the more and 50% of purchasers in property affordable properties in arour Malaga office are foreign,” eas, such as the east of Malaga, says RE/MAX Top CEO Miguel where we’ve seen a lot of demand Bilbao. from over-50s British buyers.” “With tourism on the increase again and another record summer expected, we predict a high volume of summer tourists For more info email Remax2@relooking at property while they are here, maxtop.es or visit www.remaxtop.es
www.privateofficemarbella.com
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the Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015
Looking to buy beautifuL properties Like this?
there’s something here for everyone! How about this stunning apartment located in the luxurious and secure Jardin del Mediterraneo development in the heart of Marbella, near the Gran Melia Don Pepe and beach? With two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a spacious living room and a covered balcony with garden views, this is a comfortable apartment for holidays or great all year round. The east facing, third floor apartment is tastefully decorated with a fully equipped kitchen, air conditioning and under floor heating.
price: 650,000€
Includes parking, storage, shared tropical garden, swimming pool and direct access to the Paseo Maritimo. ContaCt us today! email - remax2@remaxtop.es • Call - 952 906 201 Find us in Marbella on the Golden Mile, opposite Lidl Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso de Hohenlohe, Edificio Milla de Oro, Local 2 B, 29602, Marbella And in Malaga Paseo de Reding, nº 3, 29016 Like us on
Are you selling your property? Do you want a top team of professionals behind you? sell your property with re/MAX top And get the best service, support And eXposure
RE/MaX top will • Employ a professional photographer • Market your property throughout Europe • Ensure maximum online exposure • Give you the right valuation to sell • Support you every step of the way
ContaCt us toDay anD Let us heLp you seLL your property! Visit our Marbella or Malaga office give us a call - 952 906 201 email - remax2@remaxtop.es
www.remaxtop.es Remax_OP_full_256x342_print.indd 1
Remaxtopspain • www.remaxtop.es
Are you passionate about real estate?
We neeD you! Looking for Talented Sales People to Join Our Team
we hAve More leAds thAn we cAn hAndle And give you the best possible opportunity to sell Basic salary and attractive commissions available Don’t let your employer limit your earning potential, join re/MaX top – we provide the leads and the opportunities for success.
please forward your CV to: jobs@remaxtop.es www.remaxtop.es 08/05/15 11:59
Property Now Property
30 630the Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015
www.theolivepress.es the Olive Press MayPress 13th -May May 27th- May 201527th 2015 www.theolivepress.es www.theolivepress.es the Olive 13th
Property
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Strength in numbers AN Olive Press investigation exposing lawyers giving agents ‘backhanders’ in return for work has gained the support of two key lobbying groups. Established expat campaign group AUAN has thrown its weight behind the K.O. the kickbacks campaign, alongside a leading legal firm, that has been attempting to outlaw the practice since 2013. Our ongoing probe aims to stop the corrupt practice of agents only giving conveyancing jobs to lawyers if they agree to a kickback of up to 20%. “Any initiative that helps to protect the interests of purchasers and improves the marketplace is a good thing,” said AUAN president Maura Hillen, whose group has been fighting demolitions of so-called illegal properties for nearly a decade. Meanwhile major Spanish law firm Ramon C Pelayo Abogados has lent its support, after fighting the unethical practice in the courts since 2013. “It is great to find someone else that de-
Olive Press K.O. the kickbacks campaign marches on fends the same principles as us,” said boss Ramon Pelayo. “We are fighting against this kind of practice that has spread among some ‘colleagues’. He added: “At the moment, one of our lawyers is trying to take on a high profile law firm and has submitted a denuncia to the Malaga Bar Association.” According to Article 19 of Spain’s official code of ethics ‘a lawyer may never pay, demand or accept commissions or other monies from another lawyer, or any other person for having sent a client or recommending future customers’. A total of 14 law firms and 10 estate agents are so far backing the ongoing campaign (see panel, right). So far appeals for the Malaga Law Society and UK Law Society to back the campaign have been unsuccessful. To add your name to the Olive Press’
The discovery channel IF you’re on the lookout for an authentic Spanish cortijo, villa or traditional town house, Undiscovered Spain is right up your street. In partnership with Grupo Inmobiliario Une, this Andalucian agent specialises in stunning rural properties throughout the region at affordable local prices. Priced from €12,000 for a vil-
lage house and from €50,000 for a country retreat, there is something for every buyer. The company also sells properties that are ideal for starting up a rural tourism business, as well as ‘cortijos’ for reform. Investors are flocking to take advantage of Undiscovered Spain’s buy-to-let programme, with houses starting
at €20,000 offering over 10% returns. With teams of independent local builders already lined up, Undiscovered Spain can transform any property into the house of your dreams. For more information call 958392033 or email enquiries@undiscoveredspain.com
list of ethical lawyers and estate agents email newsdesk@theolivepress.es or call 951273575.
Showing their support:
31 11
K.O. the kickbacks Spring has sprung
Law firms My Lawyer in Spain Lawbird MT Legal Anderson PCL Temple Cambria Gutierrez del Alamo & Martos Abogados Poveda & Associates Lawyers Paradigm Family Law C&S Abogados Bench & Co Costa de la Luz Lawyers Solis Abogados Vicente & Otaolaurruchi Abogados Ramon C. Pelayo Abogados
Other groups
IT’S a big birthday for Mijas Properties, celebrating 30 happy years of helping homebuyers and sellers in Mijas. And this year is looking rosier than most for Susanne Teres (above) and her team with the town - and market - in great shape. “As predicted, things are really moving!” says Teres, who lives in the heart of the town. “We have some lovely new instructions where owners who had been thinking about putting their properties up have now taken the plunge to sell as the market has become so buoyant.” She continues: “We have also lots of great price reductions of properties that have been on for some time.” The team now also helps to arrange weddings and special celebrations for clients and counts on great contacts for florists, catering, beauty and venues – not to mention their classic Daimler car.
AUAN
www.mijasproperties.com
Estate agents Terra Meridiana Cluttons Panorama Properties Hudson International Properties Inland Andalucia Aylesford International Inmobiliaria Partaloa Living Life Property Consultants SL Inmobiliaria Andalucia Propertiespain
32 32the Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015
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Property
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STARY-EYED: Zoe Ball and Fatboy Slim, David Sainsbury, Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsey have all been entranced by Gaucin
R
OUNDING the final corner of the ancient Roman road into the hilltop village of Gaucin, you could be forgiven for thinking little has changed since the first stones were laid. And perhaps that is what brings discerning celebrities and captains of industry to this unspoilt spot, clinging to the rocky ridge between Gibraltar and Ronda. The rich and famous, too, are frequently rewarded for braving the winding road to arrive in this fairytale location. And they are an undeniably high-calibre bunch... Just ask DJ Fatboy Slim and wife Zoe Ball who have holidayed there, or Hollywood superstar Claire Danes, who actually spent her honeymoon in the village with English acting heartthrob Hugh Dancy. Then there are superchefs Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay, who have hung out and filmed in the town’s many charming cafes and restaurants. Most recently Ramsay headed over to film for an episode of his show Kitchen Nightmares taking on the fledgling – and struggling – restaurant Granada Divino. Following a gruelling experience it is now dubbed by various critics as Gaucin’s best restaurant. But it is the recent buyers of properties in the town that has most raised eyebrows of late. While whispers suggest that the CEO of auction house Sotheby’s has recently bought a home in the town, what is certain is that one of the UK’s most successful captains of industry David Sainsbury has recently been seduced by the picture-perfect, slow-pace of the town. Billed as having ‘one of the best swimming pools in Spain’, the eight-bedroom former guest house El Nobo oozes charm and secluded-exclusivity. Money cannot always buy this tranquility and the supermarket tycoon – worth a cool €1 billion – would know. This property, alongside countless others, offers a chance to escape from the outside world to a paparazzi-free paradise and pure relaxation. Homeland star Claire Danes and British actor Hugh Dancy handpicked the property as the perfect place to hide out after they wed in a low-key ceremony in 2009. There is something in the description of the Genal Valley (which Gaucin overlooks) as the ‘Cotswolds of Spain’ that resonates with visitors.
Gaucin is becoming the heart of the ‘Cotswolds of Spain’... the Olive Press explains why so many global big-wigs are flocking to Andalucia’s quaintest village
Hidden hot spot
FAMILY-FRIENDLY: Gaucin and (inset) Danes and Dancy
How deep are your pockets? A SLICE of the exclusive Gaucin scene can be yours for as little as €50,000. Properties go from a cosy one bedroom flat complete with wood-burning stove and oozing olde worlde character for €49,750. At the other end of the spectrum, a five bedroom property with panoramic views over the valley can fetch as much as €1,650,000. VARIED: From budget to bling Or maybe it is the overwhelming sense of quality, inherent class – a million miles from the bright lights of Banus or the spray-tan beach-bunnies of Marbella. Overlooked by a ruined Roman castle and watered by the cleanest river in Europe, Gaucin perches aloof and untouched as the balcony of the Serrania of Ronda haunt. Inhabited by the Romans and
fortified by the Moors, the town is steeped in history – and it hits you when meandering through the ceramic lizardlined streets. It is also home to perhaps the most important collection of artists on the Costa del Sol who fling their studio doors open to the public for two weekends of May. Summer months will see the town’s population of 2,000
grow – but Gaucin never loses its character of peace and seclusion. So, celebrity or not, keep a beady eye on the horizon for Gaucin, as stars have a knack of identifying the hottest – or coolest – places to set up camp. Just make sure you’re wearing your seatbelt when you are distracted by the breathtaking views!
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www.theolivepress.es the Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015
HOMESELLERS REPORT
Mr Boom of Benahavis
H
E sits in his central Benahavis office scrolling up and down a detailed computer document with plus and minus figures etched into a right hand col-
umn. It’s his Google Analytics home page and, perhaps no surprise, almost every entry has a plus sign...and a big plus at that. It is all part of the masterplan for Scott Marshall’s highly successful real estate business Propertiespain. With an incredible 20-something websites - all
With nearly 30 websites all relating to the local area, it is no surprise that Scott Marshall is slowly cornering the market in the scenic growth town of Benahavis
on Benahavis - he can now pinpoint the exact area, and even urbanisation his potential clients are looking to buy in. Finally launching two months ago, the sites, which relate to different developments and schemes, are all interlinked and report back to Marbella and Estepona, but I think Benahavis his mother website www.propertiespain.com. is the real hidden gem of the coast,” he says. “It’s taken a long time to build so it is very ex“The town hall is the wealthiest per inhabitant citing that it is all now working,” explains the in the whole of Spain, which means there are amicable agent, 40, who has lived in Benaha- all sorts of subsidies here that just don’t exist vis for most of his life. anywhere else.” “It is an incredible tool that really helps me So when he decided to set up a property busiunderstand what my clients ness in 2009, there was no better place for it to be based. are looking for,” he adds. “It was such an easy decision for me to set Marshall, who is married to a local Spanish girl, grew up up here, because I’ve spent nearly all my life and has lived in Benahavis here,” he says. The son of well-known local sculptor his entire life, except David Marshall, Scott spent nine one year living on an years managing three real oil rig off Scotland Most estate businesses in Miafter his degree jas Costa and Torrox, in mechanical importantly, the for a UK-based firm. engineering. British buyers are When the company “It was only folded in 2009, Scott after a spendup by 25 to 30% decided that now was ing a year in this year alone the time to go it alone. Aberdeen that “Everyone thought I was I realised what a crazy setting up right in great quality of life the middle of the financial we have here,” he excrisis. But in the first year alone I plained. So I came straight back out here and started made back everything I had investworking for a company, sell- ed, and since then we’ve more or less ing entertainment systems doubled our business year on year.” along the coast, before going Nestled in the mountainside only seven kilometres from the coast, Benahainto real estate in Mijas.” Now the proud owner of one vis is home to nine golf courses and so of the Costa del Sol’s most many restaurants that it is often called thriving agencies, Scott’s love the dining room of the Costa del Sol. for his home town is very Propertiespain takes advantage of the region’s diverse geography to offer a clear. “People always talk about huge variety of properties, from well-
priced or luxury apartments to mountainside villas and mansions, and everything in between. Benahavis’ location has protected it from the notorious overdevelopment of much of the Costa del Sol. “You’re not in some souvenir town, it still feels like you’re in Spain. It’s still very traditional and authentically Spanish,” he explains. In fact, Scott’s father David was one of the very first expats to arrive in the area, after moving out here from Scotland more than 50 years ago. “When my father first arrived there was almost nothing here. But it has really flourished thanks to the work of my father. “Best of all, he is capitalising on the boom in the property market. “The property market has really picked up over the last couple of years. “In particularly the British buyers are up by 25 to 30% this year alone and we are having our best months ever.” “That we’re a local company really makes a difference – we know everyone here, the sellers, the postman, the local butcher.” Visit www.propertiespain.com or call 952855489
INCREDIBLE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY 7 HECTARES OF STUNNING BEACH FRONT LAND NEAR TO THE TRAFALGAR LIGHTHOUSE ON THE BEAUTIFUL COSTA DE LA LUZ JUST 1 HOUR FROM MARBELLA BETWEEN CANOS DE MECA AND EL PALMAR IDEAL FOR FARMING PROJECT, CAMP SITE OR CHRINGUITO/BEACH BAR OFFERS OF OVER €1.000.000 (£710,000)
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: MANAGER@HURRICANEHOTELS.COM
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Property Property Now
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The Olive Press asks inland property specialist Graham Govier how the market is looking away from the coast
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March 2015 www.theolivepress.es the Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015
Happy days up here!
Q: How is the year looking at Inland Andalucia, Graham? We are very busy, due to a combination of the sterling exchange rate to the euro combined with rock bottom prices. It also helps that we are the longest established and most recognisable inland agency and that our reputation for attention to both vendors and purchasers goes before us. In fact things have gone so well we sold 19 properties in April alone and May is shaping up in a similar way.
Q: So are we definitively out of the crisis? For sure we are climbing out of the crisis now. I had an uncanny feeling in January this year that property sales were going to accelerate, so it was a wise decision to bring on board two extra sales people. Without them, we would not have been able to take care of our clients in April and achieve the sales level.
Inland Andalucia Head Office in Spain +34 952 741 525 Calle de la Villa 14, 29532 Mollina, for Málaga & Sevilla Córdoba, Granada and Jaén Regions +34 953 587 040 Calle Abad Moya 4 bajo, 23680 Alcalá la Real, Jaén Email: info@inlandandalucia.com DREAM ESCAPES: Inland Andalucia has some of Spain’s most stunning rural properties on its books
counts from the current market prices. They soon need to realise that those days are well behind us now. In fact, in March we experienced the loss of three sales where vendors decided in the ‘cooling off’ period that the money they were to receive was not sufficient to proceed to completion.
Q: Any gripes?
Q: Are the banks helping out?
Some potential purchasers seem to imagine that it is still possible to negotiate large dis-
The banks are definitely looking for more mortgage business now. Just in the last
week we have been approached by various local banks offering their new lending rates, insiting: “we have money to lend now”. What a change of attitude! With low property prices, low borrowing interest rates, coupled with high demand from purchasers, it’s no accident that the remaining bargains will soon be snapped up and the inevitable property price increases will be here to stay.
Q: Give us an overview of the market?
From our completed sales of over €2 million this year, we see that the average sales price per property, from our Malaga regional office is €96,600 and €30,363 from our Jaen regional office. Properties under offer in April will account for another €1.2 million of business written so far this year. Yes, it’s happy days for both vendors and purchasers right now so make sure to come and visit us in our two offices if you have a home to sell or are keen to buy.
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FAIRYTALE farm with a history as rich as its rural surroundings is up for grabs in Almeria. Set in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada natural park, it was once home to a Duke. And not just any Duke... The previous owner was a descendant of the Mendoza family which wielded its power throughout the country from the 14th to 17th century. Now home to expats Shafik Zananiri and Doris Weber, the couple are looking for new owners to buy into their idyllic lifestyle as they downsize. Stumbling on the mystery farm in 2006 and falling instantly in love with it, Shafik and Doris immediately began searching for the owner of their ‘dream retreat’. Locals said it would be an ‘impossible’ task but after two years chasing shadows, they traced the title deeds to a Duke. “The house is steeped in history,” Shafik says. “When we were looking on the map we noticed that all the farms had names to do with death and destruction and then, in the middle of them, was La Rosa. “We were fascinated by it straight away.” He added: “First we heard rumours that it was owned by a nun, then we were told the house belonged to ‘Don Kilowatio’ and finally we were led to this Duke and after two years trying to track him down, we were eventually able to buy our perfect finca in 2008. “It really is a complete world on its own.” Local legend says ‘nobody has ever gone hungry at La Rosa’, because the land around it is so rich and diverse.
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Title deeds
If you’re looking for a noble country seat, this heritage finca with a blueblooded history could fulfill your wildest dreams for just €320,000
PROPERTY FOCUS
PICTURESQUE: Views from La Rosa With 25 hectares of fertile land and two farmhouses of 250m2 (renovated) and 200m2 (pre-renovated), this rural idyll is set in breathtaking scenery, surrounded by pines, chestnut, holm oak and walnut trees. And with 12 hectares of south-
facing irrigated farmland, the home offers a self-sufficient lifestyle. The land even has the water rights to the main source of the Andarax river, which forms the south border of the farm, and Shafik and Doris have harvested 5,000 kilos of chestnuts every year.
It is also a perfect retreat for hunters, hikers, fishers, skiers and allround nature enthusiasts. As Shafik explains: “The place has something for everyone and there are plenty of hidden corners waiting to be discovered. “It is great for people who love horse riding as well, the place is open and wild, waiting to be explored. You can ride your horse wherever you want, gallop as fast as you want to gallop. He added: “We bought our first house in Spain in 1978 and know the area very well. “Before finding La Rosa we looked at more than 180 farms. We wanted somewhere with the perfect land for growing a diverse range of crops with a good level of privacy. “There are no neighbours in sight and yet it is not the end of the world, being close to Laujar village.” The attractive main solid-stone building features floors made from recycled slates which once covered the roof. The sublime kitchen boasts a oneand-a-half metre wide original stone oven. There is also a big sitting room, en suite master bedroom and a separate guest wing with sitting room, bedroom and bathroom and its own entrance from the outside and into the kitchen. The second building, out of sight and completely separate from the main living quarters, is used to stable horses but could equally be transformed into separate living quarters. Shafik and Doris have enjoyed their hidden paradise for seven years and would love to pass on their dream home to a caring and appreciative new owner. For further information, call Tel: 541 44101 or email dorle. weber@gmx.de
the Olive Press May www.theolivepress.es 13th - May 27th 2015
Boom time
WITH over 175 years of real estate experience and 90 branches worldwide it is no wonder that Winkworth is getting excited about Spain’s property boom. With recent unemployment figures down and property prices levelling Spanish property appears to be on the up. What all of this means is that now is the time for property investors to take advantage of the low property prices, before the projected increases start to kick in. Director Bernard Vent said: “2015 and 2016 is going to be the golden opportunity for Spanish property investors and speculators. “The market is prime.”
Ready, set, protect! TAKING care of safety in one of the Costa del Sol’s most exclusive enclaves of El Madronal, Fuengirola security company STARPROTEC is an impressive get-up. Small but well-established (since 2000), the service is triple pronged: offering guards, installing surveillance and monitoring systems connected to emergency services. The emphasis is on providing a personal, tailor-made, high quality service. General Manager Antonio Romero says: “If you have a robbery there’s a large chance the bigger companies won’t even come out and see you whereas we always do as we value each of our clients hugely.”
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LOS MONTEROS from €200,000
the Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015
(£147,757) *
REF: WW286
ESTEPONA
from €207,000 (£152,929) *
39
REF: WW247
A residential resort of 2 and 3 bedroom apartments combining quality with a relaxed and healthy lifestyle and magnificent views to the sea and Marbella. Features include 24 hr security, video entry to apartments, landscaped gardens, 2 outside pools, one interior heated pool, Jacuzzis, saunas, a gymnasium, Italian design fitted kitchens, hot and cold air conditioning and a private parking space with lift access.
This is a luxury oasis with beautiful Andalucian style architecture, a grand pool and beautifully landscaped gardens. Style, quality, security and hi-tech comfort come as standard in this development situated in a privileged, elevated location near the beach and surrounded by many of the area’s finest golf courses. A fantastic opportunity to live in the heart of the Costa del Sol enjoying the best possible quality at an exceptional price.
ESTEPONA
MIJAS COSTA
€225,000 (£166,227)*
REF: WW292
from €245,000 (£181,003)*
REF: WW217
Situated within a top quality gated community on the east side of Estepona, this two bedroom, two bathroom luxury apartment is fitted with excellent finishes throughout. The bathrooms and all internal flooring is in marble, there is hot/cold air conditioning, tiles in the fully fitted kitchen are Saloni and the bedrooms have quality fitted wardrobes. Communal facilities include two pools and two padel courts. Far reaching views can be enjoyed from the private balcony.
New luxury homes in La Cala Golf Resort with sea and golf views. The complex is located in a quiet area between the Natural Park of the Sierra de Mijas and the Mediterranean Sea. The 2 or 3 bedroom apartments have 2 bathrooms and combine contemporary living with luxury and comfort. The development is a private gated community with pool and communal gardens, storage and private parking included in the price located just a few minutes drive from Mijas old town.
BENAHAVIS
GUADALMINA ALTA
€370,000 (£273,351)*
REF: WW269
A fantastic, modern development beautifully set in the hills of Benahavis and enjoying wonderful views. This particular apartment is a penthouse with stunning views. Within the development is a Ballesteros designed 18 hole golf course, putting green, gym, sauna, squash courts, tennis and padel courts. In addition there is a restaurant and bar where you can enjoy the magnificent sea views. A fantastic development with superb views, only 10 minutes drive from Puerto Banus.
€470,000 (£347,229)*
REF: WW278
A rare opportunity to purchase an immaculate, spacious property located within a beautifully maintained and popular community. This 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom townhouse is distributed over two floors with a large sitting room/dining room having doors to the covered terrace and private pool. There is off road parking and the communal areas include landscaped gardens, a beautiful pool and children’s play area. Offers are invited in the region of €470,000.
tel: +34 952 880 941 info@winkworth.es www.winkworth.es
* Disclaimer exchange rate correct at time of going to press.
Property
4020the Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015
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Olive 13th - May www.theolivepress.es the Olive the Press MayPress 13th May - May 27th 201527th 2015
For most people €34 million is the dream lottery winnings, but for a select few, this amount is merely a family holiday home in the sun
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A bargain at €18million This amazing front line villa in Marbella could be yours for €17m – or €36,000 per week to rent through www. privateofficemarbella.com With its own Moorish watchtower converted into a bedroom, as well as six more bedrooms, 24/7 security and staff quarters, it really is a dream home
This beautiful seven-bedroom villa, in Sotogrande could you be yours for €4,75m via Overseas Dreams
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HETHER bling is your thing or if it’s the ancient Moorish arches and sun-draped courtyards that get your pulse soaring, Andalucia’s high-end homes are varied and vast. It’s rumoured that money can’t buy happiness, but some investors in Spain have had a crack at it, splashing out as much as €34 million on some properties. And there’s usually a fascinating story behind them – from one of Panorama’s estates originally built by a Middle Eastern royal family, to Winkworth’s Estepona property boasting a Venice gold leaf frieze. The prices can be high but buyers get staggering value and ultimate seclusion for their money. And can you put a price on watching the sunset over the Mediterranean with an iced sangria in your hand from the privacy of your dream estate? The Olive Press has located some of the most luxurious and expensive properties – and most have room for helipads and cinemas. With the wow-factor reverberating through every marble corridor, these expensive properties are the stuff of dreams.
Need somewhere to land your helicopter? Then this seven-bedroom villa has space for a helipad, not to mention a carp lake and two hectares of amazing gardens. You’ll need a spare €15m mind, and if interested give agent Winkworth a call
The time is NOW! Spanish property expert Peter Bowerman on the strengthening Costa Del Sol market and how best to invest in it
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16 years 1999-2015
w w w. e s s e n t i a l m a g a z i n e . c o m
ODAY’S Costa del Sol property market has finally come of age and a lot more predictably than the boom and bust days of yesteryear when agents had to work incredibly hard for the fewer sales around. The market is definitely moving again with up to 30% increase in sales towards the end of 2014 and prices in March finally rising a little bit. On top of that, thankfully, a lot of the big extimeshare agencies with their ‘sling-enoughmud-at-the-wall-and-see-what-sticks’ attitude have now gone into liquidation. While they tarnished everyone’s reputations, we - and many other leading agents - in contrast operate a very professional and transparent service. If you’re thinking about selling, now is a good time. After 24 years in property, I can confidently say that after choosing the right agent, the next most important decision is choosing the correct sales price. If it is priced competitively, it should sell reasonably quickly. Fact. Unfortunately though, too many inexperienced agents take on properties at any price, for fear that the vendor may be disappointed with the truth and call another agent. The result is usually no sale. An experienced agent will give honest advice, even if it’s not what the vendor wants to hear. I have equally been advising buyers and investors on which property is best suited to their personal needs or what is best for rental or long term capital growth, all very different acquisitions.
I have based my career around property, which is still one of the safest - and most lucrative - investments available. This may seem a bold statement, after the global recession and slow property recovery, however, look at everything else that crashed and would you, for example, want to gamble your money in the stock markets, or the few remaining banks and their low interest rates? History shows that with long term property investment, prices always go up, even with all the fluctuations in between. That is, unless you get carried away as many did in the last boom and buy far more property than could be sustained. Successful property investment is simply a matter of slowly buying up good properties at good prices and renting them out, eventually building a strong portfolio. You then either keep the property as a pension or sell off for large gains in the future when the market doubles or quadruples, as historically it usually does. Just like the game of Monopoly, you can’t go out buying up everything and leaving yourself short of cash when you hit the occasional speed bump. You have to keep reserves so you are never forced to sell at the wrong time. You want to buy now while prices are low and sell later when the market is strong again. As an established agent, who has stuck with property market through thick and thin, I can honestly say I’m excited about the future and personally heavily investing in property again. Contact Peter on 951 551 444 or email: info@OverseasDreams.com
Overseas Dreams
Property
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the Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015
REAL ESTATE / INMOBILIARIA
Stunning Villa & Price Reduction € 595,000 TOP849 Very impressive 4 double bedroom villa in very popular Costa del Sol Location, Benalmadena Costa. Impressive frontage with two entrances, Double garage, beautiful villa & gardens, sea views & marble spiral stair case. Genuine Bargain.
COSTA DEL SOL
Best Value for Money on the Coast € 98,000 - 165,000
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Beautiful front line golf development, luxury 2 bed apartments & Penthouses now heavily reduced by for quick sales, Luxury gated development, classy clubhouse & facilities. One of the best value deals on the Costa Del Sol.
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€ 2.649,000 TOP777 Brand new elegant & contemporary south west facing villa. 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, cinema room, gymnasium & sauna room. Situated in the prestigious Los Monteros area of Marbella, only approximately 5 minutes drive to Marbella town centre.
Brand New Benalmadena Bank Release! € 125,000 - € 210,000
1741
Stunning Pad Near Banus € 225,000
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New modern 2 bed apartments situated in a popular location of Benalmadena, between the village and Coast. Surrounded by golf, club house with Gym and sea views. Great buy to let potential.
TOP809
Stunning front line golf penthouse luxuriously reformed into a trendy open plan home. This unique 1 bed property is bigger than many 3 bed apartments & offers a very stylish & luxurious home in the hills above Puerto Banus.
Overseas Dreams is an established & professional real estate agency, covering all the Costa del Sol. With registered offices both in Marbella & La Cala. We offer all types of property from bank clearance deals to the most prestigious Marbella mansions. Bargain Beach Town Villa € 349,000
TOP852
Beautiful 3 bed, 2 bath, Villa in El Chaparral next to very popular La Cala de Mijas beach town. Garage, storage, no community fees, planning for pool. Lovely private garden & terrace areas. Walking distance to beach & La Cala town.
Our professional team will guide you through the whole process, from viewings to completion, introducing reliable english speaking lawyers and financial advsiors, best furniture companies etc Contact us now to discuss your overseas dreams.
Luxury Puerto Banus Penthouse € 411,000 - 644,500
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Brand new luxury 2 bed penthouses in Puerto Banus / Nueva Andalucia. Bank repossession deals massively reduced by over 50% & selling out fast. High quality apartments in one of the worlds top locations. Contact us now to view.
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Tel: (0034) 951 551 444 Tel: (0034) 646 566 555
We need more properties for our buyers. If you want to sell, call now for a free valuation and full terms. We heavily market your property all over Europe, not just Spain. Get the best marketing with one of Europe’s most proactive real estate agents.
Bargain Villa – Forced Sale € 299,500
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One of the best 3 bed villa deals on the Costa del Sol, Further reduced from 430k to now only 299,500 euros for urgent sale. Grab a modern luxury villa for a bargain price. Close to golf, clubhouse, restaurants and mini-market.
www.OverseasDreams.com info@OverseasDreams.com
Property
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Property
www.theolivepress.es the Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015 EXPANDING: Kent and Olle at the new Estepona office
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ITH its stylish decor, ample space and clever use of natural light, it would certainly win an award for one of the hippest real estate offices on the coast. And, of course - being Swedish - the new Fastighetsbyran office in Estepona is almost entirely furnished from Ikea. “We wanted to create a bit of a wow factor, using a mix of the usual Swedish style and a few local Spanish touches,” explains boss Olle Westerling, 63. A calm, good humoured chap, he and his business partner Kent Schanke, 55, have been working on the Costa del Sol together for 15 years. Before setting up their first office in Centro Plaza, in Nueva Andalucia, the pair ran the private banking arm of one of Sweden’s biggest banks Swedbank. And now they are expanding their property business, hav-
Moving fast While Sweden’s leading real estate agency Fastighetsbyran is slowly becoming a household name on the coast it is rapidly growing with a new office in Estepona ing just opened the stunning new office in Estepona, as the market really starts to pick up. In total, Fastighetsbyran now has 12 offices in Spain and an incredible 250 in Sweden. “We have a lot of Scandinavian clients, but the British market, both with sellers and buyers, is growing fast,” explains Kent. “Obviously speaking perfect English and our good affinity to the UK helps.” He continues: “It has been
a great year for the group so far and we are on course to sell around 1,000 properties this year. April was our best month ever.” As regards the differences between banking and property, Olle makes it quite clear. “You walk and drive a lot more, talk a lot more and, above all, listen a lot more. That is the most important thing.” Since opening their new office on Avenida Espana, in the heart of Estepona, they have been getting a nice trickle of
visitors. “A lot of people have been showing interest, which is no surprise,” says Olle. “We realised we were already selling a lot of property in Estepona from our Marbella office and figured we should get a decent central office here too. “Come along and meet us and see what we can do for you.” Visit the new Fastighetsbyran office in Avenida Espana, in Estepona or call 952 807 652 for more information
Property
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the Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015 the Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015
Spring has finally arrived to Scandinavia. It still snows of course, but less frequently. Might be good to know if you’re looking for someone to buy your house. We have the buyers! We are Sweden’s leading real estate agency in Spain. And we’re growing fast, from Barcelona to Gran Canaria. We know the market and have a register full of frozen Scandinavians who dream of a life in the sun. Let us prove ourselves! If we don’t manage to sell your home, you don’t pay anything. But since we sell more than one home every day, that’s probably not going to happen...
FASTIGHETSBYRÅN MARBELLA 951 191 000 / FASTIGHETSBYRÅN ESTEPONA 952 807 257 MARBELLA@FASTIGHETSBYRAN.SE / FASTIGHETSBYRAN.SE/OVERSEAS
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Property Now
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www.theolivepress.es the Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015
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Top Dollar
the Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015
5 pages of business news
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the Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015
VAST: The Felix Solis Avantis empire
Spain-based winery heads for the big time
Grape expectations A SPANISH winery is hitting the bottle hard with a €40 million expansion. After the investment, Felix Solis Avantis will be in the world’s top three wineries after Gallo Winery in California and Australia’s Accolade Wines. Famous for its Vina Albali, the company’s annual production will grow from 200m to 300m litres (that’s 400 million
Amazing April LOADED: Tabor (left) and Parasol (right)
Diamonds on the Rock NESTLED on the Rock lie two of Britain’s wealthiest names. Gibraltar is home to Ruth Parasol, 158th on the Sunday Times Rich List 2015 and base of gambling business, BetVictor, whose owner Michael Tabor sits at 186th. Both Parasol and Tabor are in the gambling industry although Tabor has a strong horse racing history. And both have the Midas touch: Parasol is worth £715m (€973m) and Tabor has £600m (€816m) to his name Parasol created the largest online gaming group PartyGaming and her Parasol Foundation Trust donated £3m to charity last year.
Rag trade TOURISTS visiting Spain are more likely to splash their cash in clothing stores than anywhere else. A massive 59% of all purchases made by tourists visiting Spain are made in retail stores, according to the Business Association of Textile Trade and Accessories. Meanwhile 15% of purchases are made on watches and jewellery, 13% in department stores, 4% on electronics and 3% on sports goods.
POSITIVE statistics have revealed that Spanish unemployment fell twice as fast as expected in April. The plunge of 118,923 far surpasses the predicted drop of 65,000 and confirms that the hiring season has begun. The government confirmed it is the best figure ever recorded in April, and brings the number of people leaving the dole over the last year up to 351,285. There are still more than four million unemployed people in Spain (20% of the population) but the figures suggest a marked recovery with a GDP rise of almost 1% in the first quarter of 2015.
Positive negative SPAIN’S bankers are celebrating the European Central Bank’s announcement that the country has secured a negative interest rate on its medium-term debt for the first time since the crisis. The Treasury sold €885m in five-year bonds at an average rate of return of -0.286%, a sign of Spain’s strengthening market confidence just three years after the country came close to a bailout. In a sale of short-term debt on April 7, Spain had secured negative interest rates on its six-month bills.
bottles) by the end of 2016. The investment will boost technology and capacity to start a new range of sparkling wines. Mr Solis Ramos, the firm’s international director said: “The first new brands of sparkling wine will be called Provetto and Penasol made from the Viura and Airen grapes.
“We really hope the new sparkling wines will make up half the increase in production and be very popular. “These days consumers are calling for low-alcohol, fruitier wines with bubbles – distinct from traditional wines.” The Valdepenas-based company has a presence in 110 countries and a bottling and production facility in Shanghai.
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Top Dollar
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the Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015
Selling up Bankia planning €4.8 billion property portfolio superdeal MADRID-based lender Bankia SA is selling off €4.8 billion worth of Spanish residential and commercial property as international investment rallies. Spain’s fourth largest bank wants to sell the entire portfolio of €3.3 billion of residential properties, €1.1 billion of commercial units and €400 million of land in one mega deal. But advisor on the deal, Credit Suisse, says it may be forced to divide it up to facilitate a sale. Patricio Palomar of agent CBRE Group Inc. said: “The expectation of recovery in the property sector is so high compared with neighboring countries, that there are many investors searching for all kinds of real estate products.” Investment in Spanish property shot up from €4.9 billion in 2013 to a massive €17.8 billion last year according to consultancy firm Irea. With house prices in Spain
FOR SALE: Bankia’s property portfolio
registering their first increase since 2007 last year the signs are positive.
And as Spain’s risk perception falls, investors are queuing up to snap up bargains.
Service surge
SPAIN’S service sector is growing at its fastest rate in eight years. The Markit Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) of national service companies grew by four points in April, up to 60.3. The highest in Spain since November 2006, this represents 18 straight months of growth. “April was a very encouraging month for Spanish service providers as growth of a number of key variables including activity and employment quickened,” Andrew Harker, economist at Markit, said. “However, the highlight from the latest PMI survey was the strongest rise in new business since June 2000, boding well for further growth in coming months.” The service sector mainly encompasses transport and distribution of retail and food industry goods.
www.MARINAFESTIVALS.com RESERVE YOUR TICKET 609 03 08 75
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30 MAY th
FUENGIROLA BULL RING
JONATHAN ULYSSES
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Top Dollar
May 13th - May 27th 2015
AGONY ANT
ADVERTORIAL
Pound push
YOUR LEGAL PROBLEMS ADDRESSED BY ANTONIO FLORES
Cautious celebration A
Spain’s housing market is rallying, but there are still many legal loose ends to be tied, writes Antonio Flores
S Spain looks to be exit- through the courts, had Aifos’ ing the brutal economic bosses applied essential laws downturn, Banco de to safeguarded consumers. Espana has confidently Or, for example, La Reserva declared an end to the property de Marbella, owned by a local crisis, triggered by the property family and a company that supbubble bursting six years ago. posedly observed the 1968 Act However, hundreds of court- devised to protect off-plan buyroom battles still loom... Boom- er deposits. When buyers comtime property developers that plained about delayed complewent bust – taking with them tions, however, La Reserva de tens of millions in deposits Marbella refused to return ad– are being held to account, vance payments, arguing that along with their properties were bankers, who effectively finBetween two should have ished. legally guaranOn the other extremes are a teed the deposside of the constellation of spectrum there its. A prime exam- legal and judicial is Larsol, whose ple is Aifos, the insurer, Zurich, cases property develduly returned oper that went deposits when from being a the suspension major business with offices in of works was confirmed. London, Munich and Dublin to Between the two extremes the biggest insolvency case in there are a constellation of leAndalucía, with debts of €901 gal and judicial cases dealing million and fraud and corrup- with insufficient bank guarantion on a massive scale. tees and the validity of individAmong the masses of creditors ual versus generic bank guaraffected are the off-plan prop- antees – or failure to channel erty buyers, a group that should payments through a ‘special never have been dragged account’ – all of which mean
the difference between getting paid back by the bank or losing deposits. Such cases are further compounded by the wildly divergent decisions of Appeal Court magistrates, within the same city (Alicante for instance), in identical cases. Several Supreme Court rulings up to January 2015, have removed most of the objections put forward by banks and insurers to shirk their legal duties. Unfortunately for many, ‘claim preclusion’ will permanently deny reconsideration of a final adverse judgment, even if case law changes. Faced with such gargantuan legal uncertainty, the time is ripe for a massive revamp to the critical law protecting one of Spain’s main sources of wealth – foreign property investment.
Email Antonio at aflores@lawbird.es
AS David Cameron settles in for another five years in Downing Street, the market will focus back on economic fundamentals. A strong UK economy should provide a base for the pound to push on in the coming months, especially against the US dollar. At HiFX, we are confident that the pound will rally in the second half of 2015. However this current post election boom should run out of steam around the 1.56 area. As such we would suggest any short term buyers look to add more cover around current levels. Alternatively US dollar sellers should be a little cautious as the long term trend is higher. In terms of long term projections, the pound should push through the 1.40 area but it is already beginning to wane as the euro begins to grow. With that in mind we would suggest that euro buyers look to add additional cover above the 1.38. For further information please call 951 203 986
Top Dollar
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March 2015 the olive press -www.theolivepress.es March 19th - April 1st 2015
Football fans across the country are left pulling their hair out as the Spanish FA suspends La Liga with just two weeks to play ALL La Liga games are to be suspended as of May 16 due to government interference in television rights. The Spanish FA took the decision after the government passed a law which only rewarded the Spanish FA 4.5% of all revenue. Clubs currently negotiate
Champion strikers! FOOTBALL CRAZY: La Liga crisis
BUSINESS IN BRIEF Missing millions SPAIN has recovered only 5% of the €51.3 billion of state aid used to support the country’s struggling banking sector since 2009, says the Bank of Spain.
Spend spree
rights individually, a policy which favours Barcelona and Real Madrid.
SPAIN TOP OF THE SPOTS EUROPE has spoken. And Spain has come out, yet again, as the top holiday destination for Europeans planning to splash their cash here in 2015. We may not agree on everything, but the British, French, Italians, Dutch and Swedish are all planning to head to Spain this summer. And with 10% of Spaniards having never ventured abroad for holidays – unsurprisingly – the beaches will be buzzing. YouGov asked almost 8,000 people across Europe about their summer plans and the French came out most enthusiastically with 28% heading to the Costa.
The federation said that the legislation ‘has not resolved any of the problems gravely affecting soccer’ and as a result, the federation has called an ‘indefinite strike’.
Ignorance
The strike threatens to disrupt the title race between Barcelona and Real Madrid and the Copa del Rey final. Spain’s Secretary of State for Sport, Miguel Cardenal, called the strike ‘an insult to democracy.’ He added: “It is incomprehensible that the federation wants to stop football. It’s based on ignorance.”
BRUSSELS is worried about a potential spike in Spanish public spending this election year due to increased hiring of public servants.
Debt drop SPANISH household debt fell by 4% in March to the lowest level since August 2006, bringing the total to €7.4 billion.
Good job UNEMPLOYMENT in Malaga continues to drop with 3,446 more people in work by the end of April.
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The Olive Press – 170 x 256mm
13th May
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Property
50 the Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015
Bad news for ‘good faith’ MORTGAGE THINK TANK
by Tancrede de Pola
THE relationship between the broker and the client is one of the most important parts of buying any property. Breaking it down into bitesize chunks, here are five steps a broker will walk with their clients: 1) The first and most important thing that any broker will do is establish whether or not the client has the required funds for completion. The broker will assess the client’s financial situation and decide if the available funds are sufficient. The maximum loan available will be 70% of a property’s value, while the client will need to produce 30% of the purchase price plus closing costs. 2) The next thing a broker will do is an affordability calculation. Comparing the client’s income and outgoings the broker will
The mortgage pathway The Finance Bureau’s mortgage expert Tancrede de Pola takes a look at the five most important things a broker can offer you work out the extra cost of a mortgage. Banks in Spain will roll up all current commitments into one and balance them against net monthly income. Different banks will calculate this in different ways so it is up to the broker to decide which bank works best for the client according to their specific circumstances. 3) Next, the broker finds the best rates available. At this point the client can be as involved in negotiations with banks as they wish and together with guidance from the broker the client will chose which deal is right for them. 4) The fourth step in the process is to open the bank account on behalf of the client and arrange
the valuation of the property. Banks will work out the valuation of any given property based on its size. Other factors, including location, aspect and the quality of build will also be influential in the valuation. 5) Represent at notary. Whether the client chooses to attend completion at the notary, or otherwise, your broker will be there to draw up the title deed for the mortgage, ensure that all the conditions are consistent with those that have been agreed and oversee the signing. Finally after all is said and done it’s time to move into your property and invite your broker round for a drink to celebrate a good job well done!
To contact Tancrede for all your mortgaging needs call 666 709 743 or email tdp@thefinanacebureau.com
PP planning to scrap legal changes protecting dream properties from demolition
THE Spanish senate is preparing to reject amendments to property laws designed to protect homeowners. The proposed changes were set to protect owners who had unknowingly purchased an illegal house ‘in good faith’. However, the PP government voted against the amendments proposed by the other parties and is set to throw them out at the official vote this month. A spokesman for the AUAN association said: “Unless the senate has a change of heart, a great opportunity will be lost to give more legal certainty to the Spanish property market.” Under the current law, anyone can buy a property that appears to be perfect according to the Land Registry, but the house can still be deemed illegal later and then demolished. The law does not currently protect third parties who have purchased ‘in good faith’, meaning hundreds of homeowners – many expats – face the prospect of their homes being demolished.
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GOLF In the swing of it
the Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015 the Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015
Ticket to Ryder
Above par
TOP GREENS: In Spain
Spain top golfing destination in Europe with Gibraltar ranked second SPAIN has smashed the competition to take the title as Europe’s top golfing destination. Spain bagged four of Europe’s top 10 golf destinations in an Avios Airmiles Value Tracker poll, the outright winner being Balearic capital Palma and Gibraltar coming second. Alicante came third, and the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol also made the top 10. In Portugal, the Algarve and Lisbon came in fourth and sixth respectively. A survey across of 3,000 estate agencies revealed that many properties near golf courses actually increased in value during the financial crisis. Such properties near golf courses also attract bigger spenders. Interestingly, many property owners living near golfing resorts don’t indulge in the game, but choose to live there due to the luxury facilities and green spaces offered. Murcia and Valencia, although missing from the list, are also popular Spanish golfing destinations.
Green business GOLF executives and enthusiasts are set to unite and form solid business relationships at the IAGTO Andalucia Trophy. Marbella’s Villa Padierna Golf Club is hosting the event following the International Association of Golf Tour Operators’ pact with Turismo Andaluz last November. With 60 golf tour operators and 60 golf
GOLF SUMMIT: Villa Padierna
tourism suppliers from Andalucia, 50 members of the IAGTO will enjoy Andalucia’s unparalleled facilities first hand at the luxury resort. The organisation takes in 2,379 golf tour operators, resorts and hotels and estimates that its operators control 85% of golf holiday packages sold worldwide.
Capital gains
ANDALUCIAN tourism ministers have been travelling around Spain flaunting the best greens southern Spain has to offer. Attending both the Bilbao and Madrid golf fairs, the Andalucian representatives were out in their droves to capture the imaginations of the country’s top golfing businesses and swinging holidaymakers. And with tourism already up 13% in the first
SPAIN’S top golfers are boosting the country’s bid to host the world’s premier golfing event. The Spanish bid for the 2022 Ryder Cup has been officially submitted and will be pitted against Austria, Germany and Italy. And golfing heroes Sergio Garcia and Jose Maria Olazabal are talking up the country’s chances. “It would be truly amazing to have a Ryder Cup in Spain,” said five-time Ryder Cup winner Garcia. “It’s very important for our new generation. It helped increase participation considerably in 1997 and it would be a great boost for Spanish golf.” If Spain hosts the tournament it will take place at the PGA Catalunya Resort.
quarter of the year, expect the greens and fairways to be even busier here this summer. The Madrid market is the most important to Andalucia, with over 260,000 travellers staying in hotels in the region within the first three months of this year. That’s a 9% increase on last year’s figures, while overnight stays are up 16% to more than 650,000.
EUROPE’S GLORY BOYS: McIlroy and Garcia
Golf Breakfast & Buggy Hire!
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The finest motors Spain’s outlaw vehicles racking up thousands in fines CROWNED the most illegal car in Spain, a Volkswagen Golf in Madrid has stacked up 266 fines worth a whopping €30,000 in just five years. With traffic fines hiked up 80% throughout the crisis, the driver could protest that it’s easier than ever to fall foul of traffic laws. The driver could form an outlaw gang with a Citroen Xantia which has picked up 210 fines and a MercedesBenz Clase E with 186 since 2010. With repeat offenders so common – 1.2 million drivers penalised more than five times in the last five years according to a Fundacion Linea Directa study – are traffic sanctions really working? Hectic city life is clearly bad for drivers, as eight out of
the 10 most ‘fined’ cars in Spain are registered at Madrid town hall. And the top 10 share an in-
credible 1,716 penalties between them. Speed is the issue – 50% of fines in Spain are for speedSPEED DEMON: Lorenzo
Bikers’ groove
A SPANISH one-two at the MotoGP left home fans raptured in Jerez. Jorge Lorenzo led from the start to claim victory, while Marquez battled on to finish second despite breaking three of his fingers two days before. It was the Yamaha rider’s first podium of the season and the victory came after the team confirmed the two-time world champion would be kept on next year. Meanwhile, Italian Valentino Rossi took third to retain his overall season lead and become the first man to claim 200 podium finishes.
REBEL: VW Golf
ing, with illegal parking accounting for almost 40%.
Car code chaos? HOLIDAYMAKERS hitting the road may need a special code to hire a car overseas. From June 8, the paper part of UK driving licences – which records traffic offences – is going digital. The code - obtainable through the DVLA - is not an official requirement and depends on individual companies. Managing Director at Helle Hollis, Hans Hugo, said: “The news in the UK press infers that this change will cause chaos at the car hire companies in Spain and we would therefore like to assure clients, that at Helle Hollis we only require a valid driver’s licence.”
C lassifieds
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Columnists
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RUSTIC ROMP: Belinda gets into the party spirit
A right rural rave-up! I DON’T do pilgrimages, as a rule; they smack of incense, austerity and blisters. But a personal invitation from the Mayor brooks no refusal, even when it interferes with my Saturday morning lie-in. And although Los Barrios Romeria starts off with a church mass on bended knee, it turns into a mass bender with a knees-up thrown in! Now in its 52nd year, it’s not as famous as the Camino de Santiago or El Rocio. But it’s a Fiesta of Touristic Interest, and foreigners are welcome to join in this pastoral homage to the bookshop - olive press Post Boxes:Layout 1 12/02/2015 14:36 Page 1 town patron saint, Isidro Labrador (that’s the labourer, not the dog).
The Sabinillas Bookshop
The Bookshop Sabinillas
Tel: 952 891 545 P O Boxes Available Ask in the shop for details
If you thought Los Barrios was a one-horse town, you haven’t seen their Romeria, writes Belinda Beckett, Mistress of Sizzle My spirits rose as I was present- formation dancers. ed with a shiny tin mug and a Guardia Civil officers, also stick topped with a wheat stalk mounted on horseback, were to help me on briefed to my ‘merry’ way get tough on Think high(a nod to San cavalier beIsidro, whose stepping horses, haviour but remit includes no one was sexy señoritas agriculture and arrested ... and polefertility). though more dancing abuelas than a few As we scrambled aboard our wouldn’t have tractor-drawn minded being chariot, 318 horses and riders handcuffed by the pony-tailed champing at the bit in the side blonde! streets slipped smoothly into It’s ‘Shank’s pony’ for most, as their slots in line like equine 12,000 pilgrims won’t go into
Bye bye beardy IT’s finally come off. After two and a bit years of sporting a beard, I decided to go clean shaven for the summer. If you didn’t know, having a beard is a lot of work. Admittedly, the early part – letting my permanent five o’clock shadow grow out – was simplicity itself but unless you want to go the full mujahidin, with the resultant hassle at customs every time you fly, then you are going to have to do a spot of grooming and styling. I’ve tried all sorts of looks, from the Robert Downey Jr goatee to the full Hells Angels’ chops, and even briefly flirted with a Three Musketeers-style creation. But all of these require constant cutting, trimming and upkeep. I even started buying expensive beard oil, so
High spirits
NEW LOOK: Giles that it didn’t look as if I had a small mammal residing on the bottom half of my face. But, with the first warm rays of summer I decided that my Grizzly Adams beard had to go and shaved it off. And it’s the easiest couple of kilos that I’ve ever lost!
Supermarket sweep WHY RENT a mail box with us? Parcels and Mail in safe secure room with CCTV Emails sent as soon as mail or parcels arrives 1 box can be shared between 4 names Mail can be scanned and sent by email if out of the country Reliable Friendly Service, of course!! Email: steve@sabinillasbookshop.com
AS a freelance journalist and broadcaster it has been decades since I have had what could be described as ‘a proper job’ or done an ‘honest day’s work’ (ok, many people would count ‘honest day’s work’ and ‘tabloid hack’ as a screaming oxymoron), but, nevertheless, it was International Workers Day at the beginning of the month. May 1 marked yet another public holiday – and you can’t beat the Spanish for two things – celebrating public holidays and constructing roundabouts in unlikely places, often overnight... The thing that really marks out a public holiday in Spain is the supermarkets. Not the fact that they are closed on the aforementioned day, but for the last few hours of shopping the night before. If you happened to pass by without knowing there was a fiesta, you might be mistaken for
97 wagons, no matter how you do the math. But with carretas crammed with boom boxes, cool boxes and a ‘rebujito cocktail’ of Tio Pepe + Sprite on tap, no one in their right mind was ‘going on the wagon’. Although you’ll need the constitution of the oxen pulling jolly old San Isidro’s float to survive this 15km, two-day ‘danceathon’. Think high-stepping horses, sexy señoritas and pole-dancing abuelas, shimmying around their wheat sticks! Our pilgrimage progressed tipsily through a Constable landscape of green fields and spring flowers to La Montera del Torero camping grounds (named after the rock that looks like a bullfighter’s hat). With the old road to Jerez closed to conventional traffic, it could have been the Middle Ages, especially as the absence of wayside loos meant frequent furtive forays into Europe’s largest cork forest. But if you’ve read Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, you’ll know that pilgrims have no qualms about mooning in public.
thinking that a national emergency had been declared and that households were being advised to get essential supplies in for the impending disaster. The only time I have seen more pushing, shouting and wailing children than at the checkout of my local supermarket was on the roof of the US embassy during the fall of Saigon, the helicopter evacuation in full swing. What puzzles me most, however, is that on the day after a public holiday, the supermarkets are yet again full of the same people, again manically stocking up on food. The thought struck me that the real reason the streets are so empty on public holidays is that the entire population is either busy indoors eating, or sleeping off a massive food coma!
Not so, señoritas in sausageskin-tight feria dresses who were thanking heaven for ‘hoopa-loos’, as I christened the hooped fabric tents that spared the blushes of ladies caught short in the bushes. The Mayor won the thoughtful vote with his handy freshen-up kit in Partido Andalucista colours, now forever associated with wet wipes! Being Number 18 in the wagon train, we overshot the lunch stop at Venta el Frenazo by 50 carretas, enjoying our merry merienda at trestle tables under a viaduct! After enough grub to make The Feeding of the 5,000 look like the teddy bears’ picnic, the ‘whikee’ came out, ensuring high spirits for the rest of the journey. I didn’t make the evening barbecue, the after-party or mass on Sunday but I no longer wonder why so many Los Barrios babies are conceived under canvas during the last weekend in April. San Isidro would be dead chuffed! To book your own rustic romp at next year’s Romeria contact Los Barrios Tourist Office, Tel: 956 582 504/ www.turismo. ayto-losbarrios.es
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58 58 the Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015
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SPRING DINING SPECIAL
Great outdoors
S
UMMERTIME’S coming and the livin’ is easy as dining tables emigrate outdoors to take advantage of the balmy May weather. The candles are lit, the sangria is on ice and, as Phil Collins once sang, there’s ‘no jacket required’ until the setting sun slips down below the horizon. It’s that special time of year when the air is scented with
THE GOOD LIFE: Summer in Spain
RESTAURANTE at
Hotel Molino del Puente
I
New
Open for lunch on Saturday & Sunday and dinner Tuesday to Sunday
The bar is open on Monday nights - FREE tapa with every drink!
Tel: 952 874 164 or visit www.hotelmolinodelpuente.com 5 mins from Ronda on the A374 Local issue 46:The Local Issue 5 5/13/14 10:54 PM Page 104 Ronda/Sevilla Road
There’s no better place on earth to soak up the early summer vibes than shooting the breeze around a terrace table in Andalucia’s great outdoors, writes Iona Napier the delicious aroma of barbecues and the coast’s orchestra of chirpy crickets start rehearsals for a nocturnal symphony that lasts all summer long.
With a tapa in one hand and a chilled drink in the other, you may well ask yourself if there is any place in the world you’d rather be than Andalucia right
Mama Mia IN a pretty cobbled terrace with charming views across classic mountain scenery, La Casita in Zahara de la Sierra is a genuine find. Even better, its Italian owner Max and wife Carolina are dab hands at running restaurants and already have another same-name joint just up the road in Montejaque. Their team of talented Italian chefs, led by Enrico, source the best ingredients from around the world and you will not be disappointed with the food. Fresh pasta, superb salads and some of the finest steaks money can buy, this is one fantastic dining secret worth tracking down. Constantly looking to up their game, the couple and their Spanish business partner Umberto, are set to create one of the gems of the summer.
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GREAT FIND: Chef Enrico at La Casita
now. As tables in town squares get harder to come by you can tell that it’s official: the al fresco dining season is underway. If you want to grab your pew with a view, make sure to reserve those front row seats over the sparkling Mediterranean, that rooftop terrace table over the buzzing cityscape or leafy rural idyll in the hills. Dining outside is a simple pleasure, titillating the tastebuds and the table talk too. That’s because in Spain, eating in the aire libre promises some of the best people-watching in all of Europe. With extended Spanish families all gathered around the communal table - grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and even their immaculately turned-out little ones, up until all hours - you really do see life on a plate! Whether you head inland to Cordoba’s shady courtyards, Ronda’s scenic terraces, Marbella’s trendy bars or prefer to
Tea for two and oh what a view! Kinsale Bar Bistro in Duquesa Port is a famous venue and essential meeting place whether day or night. Fine food served daily, Sunday Roasts with all the trimmings and Karaoke are all regular Fayre. They have now added another string to their proverbial bow. Inspired by the view and taking his muse from one of England’s most quintessential pleasures. Head Chef Paul White has created his take on
He presents homemade scones, clotted cream, sweet jam and the freshest of strawberries. All served on the spacious terrace with a stunning view of the beautiful port. If that wasn’t enough to tickle your taste buds, homemade cakes, sandwiches and Ice cold Frappelattes are also available. Visit Kinsales and celebrate that spring has finally sprung!
Tame your hunger!
an English Cream Tea. Trained at the famous Le Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons as a pastry chef.
Frappelatte
Afternoon tea
Served all day! Iced coffee with white chocolate, caramel or chocolate. Hot lattes laced with your favourite flavours! Try one with Baileys or Tia Maria…
8 BIG Screens showing sports First Level Great Views Large Terrace Open every day 10am til late Puerto de la Duquesa tel: 952 897 282 www.kinsaleduquesa.com Kinsale La Duquesa
What could be better than sitting down to tea and cakes with views of the beautiful port! Served from 3pm to 6pm Homemade scones served with jam and clotted cream. accompanied by a proper pot of tea.
the Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015
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BLISSFUL: Terrace at Molino del Santo near Ronda wriggle your toes in the sand at a relaxed beach café on the Costa de la Luz, the options are endless. Malaga has been dubbed ‘the new Barcelona’ (you read it first in the Olive Press) and is packed with trendy haunts and Moorish roof terraces. For its size, even little Gibraltar has its fair share of oceanfront
and urban dining options, as well as mountains of fresh seafood, fished from both Gibraltar and Spanish territorial waters! And, as Gibraltar food writer Justin Bautista tells the Olive Press in an interview, everyone’s talking about the Rock’s new fusion cuisine splicing international and local specialities.
Even if you’re dining ‘in’ (meaning at home), shift the dining table onto your patio or balcony and light those candles in celebration of the new season. Just don’t blame us when your green-with-envy Facebook and Instagram friends decide to book a table chez vous and descend for the whole of the summer!
Good taste at Dirk’s
EXQUISITE: Dishes at Dirk’s
SITTING in a leafy garden, surrounded by green hills and distant hazy mountains, you could be forgiven for thinking you were in the heart of the Serrania de Ronda. But in fact, Manilva’s hottest new restaurant Taste by Dirk is just five minutes from the Costa del Sol. A true dining secret, this amazing spot nestles in a sleepy valley en route to the famous Casares R o m a n baths, where Julius Caesar once bathed. Run by Dutch chef Dirk Van Reenan, who has worked around Spain, as well as France and Holland, it is one of the most exciting restaurant openings this year so far. And his varied and inventive dishes are a world away from the usual fare to be had in Manilva. The pate and vietnamese rolls are particularly good, while his sea bass is one of the best cooked and presented on the coast.
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SPRING DINING SPECIAL
F
OODIES in Mijas should be licking their lips with glee. For they finally have a true gourmet talent in their midst. The Little Geranium in La Cala is not only a stunning spot for outdoor dining, but with chef Steven Saunders, they have a talented former Michelin star chef. Once starring in TV’s Ready Steady Cook and having written 10 cookbooks, Saunders used to run the highly-rated Pink Geranium, in Cambridge, serving the likes of Lady Diana, Prince Charles and Camilla in his day. The former Soil Association member was in the vanguard of the organic movement and ran three restaurants in the UK, before moving into Formula One catering. But now he is back at the sharp
In full bloom Jon Clarke checks out the Little Geranium, run by Steven Saunders, one of the most talented British chefs to arrive on the coast for years end, alongside his stunning wife Michele, who is constantly buzzing around in her role as maitre’d. Choosing Spain due to their love of the country (they have travelled widely here and count chefs Ramon Freixa and Anthony Warrell Thompson as friends) they scouted around for months until they found the right spot. “We did our research and we realised that La Cala was crying out for a top restaurant,” he explains. “And so far things are picking up nicely.” It is no real surprise, his food
Touch of zest LOOKING for the perfect dining terrace in Sotogrande, look no further than the Lemon and its big sister the Hairy Lemon. Beside the boats in the famous marina, both eateries have gone from strength to strength over the last year. Aside from a relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff, the chefs serve up a variety of international dishes ranging from pork Yucatan empanadas to teriyaki duck breast with wasabi coleslaw. And for traditionalists don’t dare miss the legendary Sunday roast.
TRUE TALENT: Steven and wife Michele in Mijas being both fresh and healthy… and good value too. While dinner is a more formal affair, at lunch you get a choice of 13 tapas and you pay depending on how many you order with four, for example, costing just 10 euros. I tried his tempura prawns in a Japanese dip, with coriander and a green salad, as well as an amazing goats cheese salad with walnuts. I was not disappointed. The portions were generous and the service, while a bit jerky, was not unpleasant or rude.
It has only been open for a few weeks and the pair are still working on their wine list and suppliers. “Getting good goat has proven tricky and I have been waiting for days now for a beef order from Galicia,” he explains. “But on the whole we are spoilt for choice here in Andalucia for ingredients.” Either way, the pink, gingham tablecloths create a very new feel for Mijas … and what is blatantly clear is Steven’s passion for food. A genuine showman, he had me walking away with a smile.
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SPRING DINING SPECIAL - MAMA LOTTIES RECIPES
Recipes that Rock To celebrate the al fresco dining season, the Olive Press is serving up a series of tasters from an award-winning new cookbook that lifts the lid on Gibraltar’s secret gastronomy. Iona Napier meets the author Justin Bautista
W
HEN Justin Bautista (above) gets homesick for sunny Gibraltar, he cooks up a taste of home in his kitchen. This is the time of year he misses most, when dining shrugs off its winter trappings and moves outdoors. The 25-year-old graphic designer lives far from home in London. But when skies are grey, rustling up one of his grandmother’s recipes never fails to bring the sunshine back into his life. “London was big and scary at first compared to Gibraltar, it was very different but so exciting,” says Justin, who kept the connection with home alive through a Gibraltarian recipe sharing website. Named after his grandmother, ‘Mama Lottie’, the site has several thousand devoted followers. It also inspired his next project, a cookbook dedicated to his grandma’s foodie flair: 76 Mama Lotties Gibraltarian Inspired Recipes. Now it has been nominated for the most prestigious award in cookery writing, the Gourmand
World Cook Book Award 2015. Justin is now eager for Gibraltar’s Mediterranean fusion cuisine to go public. “The fact that recipes have been passed down through many generations and never written down has made a sharing site really interesting,” he says. “And nothing is grown in Gibraltar, so the food scene has always depended on what can be imported: the closure of the frontier between 1969 and 1985 affected food a lot.” Gibraltar’s location as the gateway to the Med, and its melting pot of cultures, means ideas have always been shared and the diet is varied and exciting, Justin explains. “There are lots of British aspects – naturally – but the mix is amazing, from Spanish, North African and Portuguese touches to Maltese influences,” he says. At this time of year, he yearns for what he describes as ‘the quintessential Gibraltarian springtime meal’ which you can make yourself, following his recipe, in the first of our new series.
flavour of garlic bring together the great taste of the clams.
SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS
DELICIOUS: Garlic clams
MAMA’S ALMEJAS AL AJILLO GRANNY’S GARLIC AND WHITE WINE CLAMS Simplicity at its best, this recipe is effortless but the results are most rewarding. A splash of white wine and the strong
OIL 500 G FRESH CLAMS 2 GARLIC CLOVES PARSLEY SPLASH OF WHITE WINE SALT
METHOD Make sure the clams have been sitting in water for several hours before so they release any sand they have inside. Pour a tablespoon of oil into your frying pan. Slice the garlic and fry until it is just golden. Add the clams and parsley and cover your pan. Once clams are semi-opened, add a splash of white wine and stir. Simmer for a couple of minutes longer.
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MAMA’S ALBÓNDIGAS MEATBALLS
63
SERVES 2
INGREDIENTS
Meatballs are great on their own or in a rich tomato sauce and a few slices of bread, but I’ve made an alternative and used tagliatelle pasta.
400 G MINCED BEEF 2 GARLIC CLOVES SPINACH LEAVES 1 SMALL ONION 60 G PASTA SALT GROUND BLACK PEPPER OREGANO BASIL OLIVE OIL 1 TIN CHOPPED TOMATOES SUN-DRIED TOMATOES
METHOD Preheat your oven to 200°C Fill up a kettle and bring to the boil. Chop your garlic, onion and spinach into small pieces and place in a large bowl, mix together with the mince beef and season with salt, basil, pepper and a bit of oil. With clean hands, knead together all the ingredients. Grab small pieces of your mixture and roll into balls, squishing together as you roll. Place these on a baking tray. You should end up with 14 or so meatballs. Place these in the centre of the oven for 10 – 15 minutes. In a large pan pour your chopped tomatoes and add in a few pieces of sun-dried tomatoes, if using. Season with salt and oregano and place over a medium – low heat. In a separate pan, boil 2 – 3 handfuls of pasta and season with a pinch of salt and a tablespoon of oil so the pasta doesn’t stick together. Once the meatballs in the oven are ready, add (with juices optional) to your tomato saucepan. Stir and allow to sit until your pasta is ready, so flavours can mix together nicely. Simmer, to reduce any excess juices from the sauce to avoid it being too runny. Once your pasta is ready drain and serve.
HEARTY: Mama’s meatballs
MAMA’S VOLCANO CAKES
WHAT RE GUESTS SAY ABOUT A 63 the Olive Press May 13th - May 27th 2015
D E L VEA
MOUNTAIN HOTEL Questionnaires reveal all – the good and the bad
When you fill in a questionnaire do you ever wonder if anyone ever actually reads it?
(Request your own copy at info@ molinodelsanto.com)
At Hotel Molino del Santo near Ronda, guests are asked to fill in a form at the end of their stay and 90% of people take the time to do so. Personal replies to guests’ comments show that this hotel does not consign comments to the office shredder.
But of course anything can be improved and whilst many people don’t like to say things, they will write them down. The hotel has free wi-fi but being in a rural location one guest felt it was “patchy and a bit slow”. A satellite service to improve this aspect of the service is now being considered.
When asked about the positive aspects of their stay at Molino del Santo, many people refer to the friendly and welcoming staff. Many of the team of 25 have been at the hotel for twenty years or more and ensure that standards are high in all departments. “Fabulous Friendly staff ” is a regular accolade. Others prefer to reflect on the location – the hotel is in the Natural Park of Grazalema and alongside a running mountain stream. “Wonderful Location”, “Promote yourself more as a Walking location”, “Peaceful Surroundings” feature in comments. DELICIOUS STAFF? The food here is also widely-praised – “The best meals we’ve had in Spain – by far.” And by asking which dishes are most enjoyed, the hotel adapts its menu to the preferences of its guests. One guest wrote that “The Staff at Dinner were Excellent” – since the staff are not on the menu, they probably refer to the service!
These little cakes disappear as quickly as they are made. Small, sweet and fruity they are perfect with a cup of tea or coffee and if you have children then it’s a fun one to make as they can help you shape them and pour the jam.
INGREDIENTS
METHOD
225 G SELF RAISING FLOUR 110 G BUTTER 85 G CASTER SUGAR 30 G DESICCATED COCONUT 55 G GLAZED CHERRIES 1 EGG 3 TBSP WHOLE MILK JAM
Mix the flour with butter, and rub together until it resembles a breadcrumb texture. Now add sugar, coconut and cherries and beat the egg with the milk. Place on an oven tray in small heaps and make a thumb size dip in the centre to place jam. Bake in the oven at 200°C and cook for 20 - 25 minutes. When ready, leave to cool and pour a spoonful of jam in the hole.
63
COULD DO BETTER
Another person wrote that they would like to have horse-riding. This is available – a few km away – but the hotel now knows they need to make this service clearer. The feedback is so important to help plan future changes. NO TIME, NO TVs Someone else would like a clock in the room - the hotel policy is not to have the time visible anywhere so that people can relax and disconnect from that pressure. Similarly others ask for a TV – and again this is against hotel policy. Staff know that the majority of their guests prefer it that way. But the plaudits predominate. “I think you should all, individually and collectively, be very proud of the environment you create. The end product is a very subtle package of serious attention to detail without the “flunky” effect. The whole tone here is unbeatable. “ Maybe it’s time you tried the delights of a mountain stay at Molino del Santo? An hour’s drive from San Pedro, a train journey from San Roque. Mention this article for a special Olive Press reader rate. Perhaps you prefer to enjoy the restaurant only? You will be made very welcome. Make a reservation if you can – lunch and dinner is served seven days a week.
Praise for Friendly Staff The pool heating is appreciated by some, the gardens by others, the ethics and the in-house massage service too. A Free Guide to the Area is also very popular.
Lots more information is available at www.molinodelsanto.com. Contact any time on 952 16 71 51 or e-mail info@molinodelsanto.com. After your stay you can fill in your own questionnaire. The staff look forward to reading your comments too.
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A dog’s life, by Eddie the hotel hound
Eddie is having a much deserved holiday this issue.
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Covering Andalucia in 2015 with over 200,000 papers (130,000 digital) and around 500,000 visits to the website each month… The Olive Press just keeps growing!
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Telephone: 951 273 575 SNAZZY: Nadal’s ace hat
Prehistoric pets THE excavation of a cave in the Pyrenees suggests Neanderthals shared their homes with badgers, cave bears, hyenas and leopards.
FINAL WORDS
Hay fever pitch HIGH temperatures saw pollen levels double in just two days, with 8,598 grains of pollen recorded per cubic metre of air.
Lucky fall A ONE-year-old baby survived falling from a seventh floor apartment block window in Madrid after he miraculously fell into a hedge.
Hot wheels THE Spanish Formula One grand prix in Catalunya was won by German Nico Rosberg while Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton finished second.
May 13th - May 27th 2015
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Doctor of the court TENNIS giant Rafael Nadal has swapped tennis gear for a gown and fancy hat to receive an honorary doctoral degree in Madrid. The 28-year-old received the honour from the European University
Live cargo AN eightyear-old Moroccan boy was found stuffed into a suitcase at the Spanish border in Ceuta. The boy was discovered in the suitcase of a 19-yearold woman who was searched after acting ‘suspiciously’.
of Madrid before the Madrid Masters tennis event in which he lost out to Brit Andy Murray in the final. Nadal was later presented with the ‘Working Medal of Honour’ by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in La Moncloa Palace.
Ruck ‘n’ roll
Rugby giants Saracens don fancy dress outfits for end of season break in Puerto Banus
EXCLUSIVE By Iona Napier
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DEFRA AUTHORISED ANIMAL TRANSPORTATION We are Defra Authorised and you can rely on us to take very good care of your pet. We will make sure that they are comfortable and have regular stops to be made a fuss of and carry out neccessary business. Our professional and friendly service will keep them happy until they are reunited with you..
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WHAT’S the perfect way to give your rugby team added incentive for a final push at the end of the season? …a crazy fancy dress weekend in Marbs, of course! Wearing superhero outfits, bright colourful ‘onesies’ and floppy hats, Saracens rugby team really went to town putting the cast of TOWIE to shame. On a four-night bender, they were spotted in the heady back streets of Puerto Banus drinking, singing and strutting their stuff. The famous Vunipola brothers in particular threw some show-stopping moves among the hen and stag nights at a packed Linekers bar. Wearing floppy fisherman’s hats and sunglasses, they jumped up and down to a series of celebrated rap tunes and really looked the part. A spokesman said:: “They are such great guys. They know how to party but they were also really well behaved.” Sadly the trip didn’t produce the dream result though... they lost their second last game of the season to Exeter at home 20-24.
Drive for life THREE Irish do-gooders have driven 1,932 miles nonstop from Ireland to Tarifa, raising €10,000 for the Irish Cancer Society. Brian McCracken, Paraic Naughton and Kevin Doyle left Ireland’s most northern point of Donegal on May 5 and arrived in Tarifa on May 7 after a gruelling 40 hour drive.
Bale-ing out over the lingo? REAL Madrid’s Welsh striker Gareth Bale is becoming increasingly isolated at the club because he can’t speak Spanish. Despite moving to the world’s wealthiest team two years ago, he is still not able to hold interviews in Spanish. The former Tottenham player, 25, has also been vilified for poor performances as speculation over a return to the Premiership increases. However, agent Jonathan Barnett insists Bale’s future lies in Madrid and has sensationally claimed his teammates just need to p a s s him the b a l l more.