Olive Press Spain - Issue 391

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Vol. 15 Issue 391

The rules for rural home hunting, see our guide on page XII

€12.7m

APRIL 2022

Life in the shade

THE enclave of Zagaleta been described as ‘southern has often It’s one of Spain’s most most exclusive place to live’. Europe’s on behind the high techexpensive places to live. But few know what goes And when you count on the second member of the fences of La Zagaleta, where the celebrifamily,” adds ties, captains of industry and, a giant palace. Olive Press Putin is said to own the agent.

Property takes a peek global dictators who stalk its now, the “It’s real royal golf and the privileged gated community spaces, that’s no surprise. that claims that secu- “Our of the locals are to match,” attitudes perimeter shielding, detection rity is ‘its number he conThe multi-million price tags tinued. sys- around 240 homes certainly Indeed, security one priority’. tems have so far been snobby, “It’s ultra exclusive and so follow suit, as does its incredible is of so much impor- most and security routines will thwart built. way more than the Chelsea golf tance that after a late-night attempts to attack properties, or course, which has just a few Cheshire set. incident last “Most people allowed to play… hundred year, an Israeli company was commis- which explains why the incident rate is lion homes go for around 7 to 8 mil- “Owners put 10,000 euros behind the there’s its intriguing recentand then sioned to build a new ‘high tech electric’ 100 times lower than in other residen- who euros,” explains one British agent, club bar so they has sold a number of properties can always get a drink links to fence. tial complexes,” he claimed.

Russian dictator Vladamir or cigar when they want there over the Putin, who Expected to The estate was originally owns a property there. become the called ‘La even doubled last year. “And some have literally crawling with and the place is in price over the last few Aston sive in Spain, it will runmost expen- Baraka’ and owned by disgraced bilThe giant 2000 sqm palace, and DB4s and McClarens.” Martins, around the years.” the Rock of the King (or Rocaknown as 900-hectare estate that sits in Benaha- lionaire Saudi arms dealer, Adnan All Thesedays, the company surrounded del Rey) vis, between Marbella Khashoggi, behind Zacounts on its own private vineyard, and the foothills some of who was said to have held they have either by deep woodland, galeta is run by Ignacio Perez he- of the Serrania de Ronda. sea or mountain views the world’s most debauched Diaz, aflicopter pad and bowling alley. ter his father (or both), died two parties while years there at the hunting lodge in ago.

But it’s the three floors underground “The residents are being charged 5,000 the equestrian center and is also a private According to its last available 1970s. euros each in two installments golf accounts that has got eyebrows raised to help a second one on the way. course, with in 2019, its immediate holding compaEurope’s security and defence among pay for it,” reveals a source. “They are Today it is the clubhouse of the resort, The ny Zagaleta International amazing course, said to be which was acquired by a group not exactly happy UK Inc is As revealed by the Olive elite. one of based in Panama, of in- the best in Press last It comes after about it.” while two other enmonth, it counts on armed Head of security Jose vestors in 1989 led by Andalucian bank- members, Spain, only counts on 250 tities, Soto Properties er, which is because only homeguards Miguel Navarro SA and Campo and has a deep bunker monitoring boasted last year that fromEnrique Perez Flores, who came owners can Alto SA, are based in Switzerland. join. the his team have Huelva.

Straits of Gibraltar 24/7.

“The price for membership And this in a time of three a ‘maximum response The giant estate was alone then minutes to any alert’. approximately 420 plots, divided into 120,000 euros and then it’s 10,000 is See pages II and III to find out a of which year for the lead member and 7,000 for more on the properties available in Zagaleta

ANDALUCÍA

The Mijas Costa

www.theolivepress.es

Your expat

voice in Spain

www.theolivepress.es April 6th - April 19th 2022

Rainbow’s end

But no gold for British couple as their dream home is bulldozed in another sad chapter in Spain’s planning history FOR two decades it had been the dream retirement home of British couple David and Janet Hartshorn.

The four-bedroom villa in the hills above the Costa del Sol had all the hallmarks of the perfect escape from rainy, cold north-west England.

The retired publicans from Cheshire, BEFORE: The couple’s dream home Arcos Iris

EXCLUSIVE

by George Mathias

had long dreamed of their place in the sun.

So when the opportunity of buying the dreamy Torrox plot came up, they jumped at the opportunity.

However, Villa Arco Iris (meaning ‘rainbow’) has proved to be anything but its namesake and rather than a pot of gold it has left them hundreds of thousands of euros out of pocket.

The couple had fallen for the ageold trick of trusting local tradesmen in southern Spain.

They had been assured by building firm Nertor that See page 48 they would be able to develop a small shack

Tel: 952 147 834 TM

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c o n d i t i o n s .

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3 1 / 1 2 / 1 9 .

21/6/19 13:30

DEVASTATED: Janet and David, as home is demolished on a plot of land into the sizable retreat they valued at €500,000 last year.

But just one year after buying it, they discovered it was illegal. And that is where their nightmare began.

Some two decades later at exactly 9.01am on April 5, 2022, a town hall bulldozer started on a 40-minute rampage to bring it down to rubble.

Their countless pleas to Malaga Court to reconsider, even including a request to give up the property to Ukrainian refugees, were all in vain.

The authorities were adamant that it should not have been built and never had the correct permission.

Despite enlisting lawyers and local pressure group SOHA nothing could be done.

To add insult to injury, the cost of the

demolition work will be charged to the couple - to the tune of €24,000.

Now the plot, formerly an idyllic setting for the Hartshorn’s and their family friends to spend long summers, has been reduced to a derelict building site.

“It is very distressing and a big part of our life’s work has been turned to rubble,” David told the Olive Press, last night.

Life

“We have put all our life savings into this work, and now it is all going to be taken away.”

He continued: “It beggars belief how this can happen. Consultation with certain Spanish contractors is a downfall from the beginning. They

bend the truth.”

On Monday morning, David, accompanied by daughter Adelle, 46, who had flown over from England for moral support, finally accepted the fate of their beloved home.

The only legal part of the house is an uninhabitable 20-square-metre annexe.

This was spared by the demolition team but it will come as little consolation to the Hartshorn’s, who have been forced to move in with friends nearby and who will leave the country for good on May 6.

The case echoes that of Len and Helen Prior in Almeria who watched as Opinion Page 6 Continues on Page 4

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NEWS

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NEWS IN BRIEF Child porn arrest made A MUM’s shock finding of pornographic images on her daughter’s phone has led to a 26-year-old Almeria man being arrested accused of bullying 23 children aged from 10 to 15 into taking sexually explicit pictures of themselves.

Family feud A MAN aged 72 has died in hospital after being allegedly axed in his Granada home by his 46-year-old son during an argument.

Bros nabbed A 54- year-old man and his 57-year-old brother have been arrested in Malaga for running a ‘dial a drugs’ business where customers could place orders by phone for cocaine and marijuana later delivery.

Knifeman shot POLICE shot a man who was brandishing a knife in Rincon de la Victoria,after he broke a restraining order and threatened a woman. The 56-year-old was taken to hospital.

April 6th - April 19th 2022

Still on the loose Most Wanted giant Kevin Parle ‘is living in Andalucia and may have killed father-and-son in Estepona’ BRITAIN’S Most Wanted Kevin Parle is believed to be living in Andalucia and working for a drug smuggling gang.

According to a brand new BBC podcast, he is smuggling drugs ‘hidden among pallets of crisps and snacks from a warehouse base’.

This is the belief of retired policeman Peter Bleksey, whose series Manhunt, is released this week.

In the sensational second series of his attempt to track down the alleged British murderer - who the Olive Press

By George Mathias

spotted in Madrid three years ago - he also reveals that the gang is behind another double killing.

Former Met detective Bleksey believes that Parle’s associates may have murdered father and son, Danny and Liam Poole, who have been missing since April 2019.

The pair from Sussex had travelled to Estepona with a suitcase containing £20,000 in cash, which they were due to

Saffron scam POLICE have arrested 11 people in Malaga, Barcelona, Alicante, Granada and Almeria for a €3million scam that passed off gardenia extract as saffron, making 800% profits along the way.

In total three companies are being investigated for importing the cheap extract from China, where it is used as a dye.

The criminals realised that scientific tests used to detect fake saffron relied on identifying a single type of molecule that was the only one identifiable in gardenia that is not present in saffron.

So they developed a process to remove that one molecule before selling the relatively cheap extract as pricy saffron.

Gardena can be harvested intensively using machines, whereas saffron - which is made from the stamens of a type of crocus - have to be painstakingly hand-picked. This means the costs of harvesting are about 10 times higher for saffron.

HE’S COMING: Former detective vows to catch Parle use in a drugs purchase.

They have not been heard from since and the cash they travelled with was never found but their passports and luggage were discovered at Estepona’s Valle Romano golf resort.

But Bleksey is now sure Parle’s network is behind their suspected murder.

He said a source close to the ‘industrial scale’ drug-smuggling gang told him that the network ‘was responsible for their disappearance’.

“I’ve also identified a number of individuals in Parle’s network, some of whom have addresses in Sussex, not far from where Danny and Liam were living. Everything points to these two cases being linked.”

It is believed the pair met two British men - one with connections to Merseyside - in Estepona the night before they vanished.

Spanish police confirmed they arrested the two men on suspi-

cion of the disappearance, but the pair were never charged.

One subsequently returned to the UK and is currently serving an eight-year sentence for aggravated burglary.

The other has been linked to another high-profile, unsolved disappearance in Spain where he still lives today.

On the run

Bleksey is now appealing, alongside Merseyside Police, to finally help to catch Parle, who has been on the run from justice for 17 years.

The six foot, six inch giant whose nickname is Hemp - is accused of killing two youngsters, Liam Kelly, 16, in 2004, and Lucy Hargreaves, 22, in 2005, both in Merseyside.

Said Bleksey: “I’ve now got a clear picture of how Parle remains on the run - what he does, who he does it for, and roughly where.”

In the slammer A CROOK with links to the notorious Irish Kinahan crime gang has been jailed for 21 years.

Thomas Kavanagh, part of the infamous Byrne organised crime group, is said to have organised a major cannabis and cocaine smuggling network on the Costa del Sol. Kavanagh was, according to Spanish police, in the same league as Irish mobster Daniel Kinahan.

Commercial

According to The National Crime Agency Kavanagh and his gang imported drugs with a street value of more than €35 million into the UK. Judge Martyn Levett, sentencing at Ipswich Crown Court, described the gang's actions as being of a ‘commercial scale’ saying: “I have no doubt that the successful importations would have continued were it not for the authorities intercepting a shipment at Dover in 2017.”

Kavanagh, 54, originally from Dublin but who lived in Tamworth, Staffordshire, previously admitted to money laundering and importing class A and B drugs.

Prosecutors described him as the head of the operation.

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NEWS

www.theolivepress.es SPANISH megastar Rosalia has revealed secret screenshots from fellow singing sensation Harry Styles - but it appears the pair’s interaction got lost in translation.

During an interview on The Tonight Show the Catalan-born songstress explained that she changes her number a lot to help her focus when she’s working in the studio.

When host Jimmy Fallon suggested that friends would then be texting someone else, she responded: “That happened to me – I didn’t know that someone else gets your old number. I thought you use that number and then it disappears or something.”

The 28-year-old revealed that confusion over her digits recently left her red-faced when boyband star Styles tried to reach her.

Instead of speaking to the Spanish warbler, clueless Styles accidentally messaged

April 6th - April 19th 2022

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Lost in translation a mystery individual who inherited Rosalia’s old phone number.

The Spanish pop star pulled her phone out to show the host screenshots of the bizarre exchange Styles had sent her, saying: “Your texts are so confusing.”

In the screenshot, you can see that the British star had sent Rosalia a message about her song ‘Dolerme’, calling it ‘so beautiful’. The person with Rosalia’s old number then replied: “I know my darling.”

After exchanging ‘love you’ messages, the stranger then revealed that they didn’t know who they were texting.

When Styles told them he was ‘confused’, they replied: “This number belongs to someone before. But now it’s my number. So don’t bother me anymore. Good night.”

SLAP (UN)HAPPY… Pedro Almodovar reveals his thoughts about THAT Oscars slap and ‘cult leader’ Will Smith

Top score BARCELONA’S Camp Nou stadium was packed out as a world record 91,553 fans watched the home team beat Real Madrid 5-2 in a Women’s Champions League semi-final.

The previous record for a women’s game was 90,185 at the 1999 World Cup final between the United States and China at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

Win

Up until now the record for a club fixture was 60,739 supporters who saw Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano back in March 2019.

Club bosses were keen to see a bumper crowd for Wednesday’s match which saw Barca win 8-3 on aggregate.

They allowed Barcelona’s 147,000 members four free tickets each, with non-members able to buy entrance for between €9 and €15.

SPANISH director Pedro Almodovar has described how seeing Will Smith slapping Chris Rock over a misguided joke about his wife’s alopecia provoked ‘a feeling of absolute rejection’ in him.

Almodovar wrote about the incident in a diary on his experience at attending the awards ceremony, for which his film Parallel Mothers was nominated for two Oscars.

He reveals that he had a ringside seat and was ‘barely four metres from where it happened’.

“In the general overhead shots, I am the little white head you see in the photo,” he revealed.

“What I saw and heard pro-

BAD DEED: Almodovar unhappy with Smith duced a feeling of absolute rejection in me. Not only during the episode, but af-

…but Oscar happy THE Oscar headlines may have been taken by Will Smith’s infamous slap on Chris Rock, but a Spanish filmmaker has made a little bit of history.

Spain took home its first ‘Best Animated Short Film’ Oscar, with animator Alberto Mielgo victorious thanks to a 15-minute movie called The Windsceen Wiper.

The short took seven years to make with Madrid-born Milego having to finance the project himself.

The Oscar success came as a surprise as an entry from the award-winning Aardman studio backed by Netflix was the hot favourite to win.

terward, too, in the acceptance speech — a speech that seemed more like that of a cult leader,” he wrote.

“You don’t defend or protect the family with your fists, and no, the devil doesn’t take advantage of key moments to do his work,” he said in reference to the advice Smith said he received from Denzel Washington.

Devil

“The devil, in fact, doesn’t exist. This was a fundamentalist speech that we should neither hear nor see.”

His diary also featured deliciously indiscrete revelations about Kenneth Brannagh scouting for a part in his next film and gripes about America’s tendency to overuse air conditioning.

KIM CLARK

Right royal treat QUEEN Letizia stood alongside Prince Charles to cut the ribbon at the first museum in the UK devoted entirely to Spanish art.

The Spanish Gallery, located in a converted high street bank in Bishop Auckland (County Durham), wants to be the Prado of the North.

On its walls hang masterpieces from the Spanish Golden Age by painters including El Greco, Murillo and Velazquez.

The new museum is part of the Auckland Project, a regeneration scheme backed by art collector and philanthropist Jonathan Ruffer.

In 2010, he bought Auckland Castle and its contents which included several paintings by Francisco Zurbaran.

Many pieces included in the first show are from Ruffer’s personal collection with additional loans from Museo del Prado, the Hispanic Society of America and other major collections of Spanish art.

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www.theolivepress.es From front

Disaster bulldozers flattened their villa after it was deemed illegal by the town hall in Vera.

For 13 years they lived in the garage on the plot, while they mounted a legal battle that eventually declared the demolition was illegal. They won damages.

Another victim, Gurney Davey, saw his home razed to the ground in the Guadalhorce Valley last year.

Painful

The Olive Press has previously reported on 30,000 homes in Andalucia that were retroactively made legal in urban planning law change.

But such a law has not been extended to the Cheshire couple.

“I was not able to watch the demolition, it was too painful,” David added last night.

April 6th - April 19th 2022

Hypnotised by Jesus!

HE grew his hair long like Jesus and was looked up to ‘like a god’.

A so-called ‘healer’ (or curandero) he had a herbal medicine practice on the costas and a series of intelligent graduate friends.

But sex cult leader Tio Toni, 64, was allegedly an evil child abuser, who brainwashed dozens of people into effectively living in slavery.

Now, after police arrested Tio Toni - real name Antonio GL - along with eight other followers, five of them female, he is set to face 80 years in prison.

In a shocking investigation, the Olive Press can reveal how Antonio allegedly hypnotised his followers to believe he was a spiritual healer over a staggering 30-year period.

Victims and psychologists told us

Alhambra day trip A NEW high-speed rail route has opened between Malaga and Granada taking under one hour and 10 minutes, making a leisurely day trip to the famous Alhambra palace more than possible from Malaga.

NEWS

PSYCHIATRIST: Miguel Perlado

Victims and therapists tell Olive Press of ordeal at the hands of sex abuse cult leader Tio Toni

By Jorge Hinojosa

how the alternative medicine practitioner conned his respectable middle class patients into giving him money and sometimes even their homes.

He even managed to enlist them into ritual sex sessions, some of them filmed on camera.

In some of his most depraved acts, he allegedly took the virginity of teenagers, in front of his followers, also on camera.

He managed to first snare his victims through an alternative health practice in the coastal city of Castellon.

At the clinic, which doubled as a health shop, he conned his victims into believing their health - and lives - would improve by joining his cult, called Vistabella.

As well as saying that he had been chosen ‘as an envoy from God’ and he was ‘cleaning up society’, he told them he was able to cure their ailments, including cancer.

But once they had moved to live on his giant inland estate in the rural Maestrazgo region of Valencia, they effectively became his slaves.

Working around the clock on a schedule their leader dictated, they had no idea, at least initially, that behind the scenes he was allegedly abusing their children and often their wives and partners.

When police finally raided his huge finca, Mas de la Chaparra, a bright pink building, near the village of Vistabella

del Maestrat, on March 15, they were astonished by what they found.

Aside from €15,000 in cash, they discovered over 100 valuable watches, but the most unusual was a collection of keepsakes and mementos.

These included drawers full of bizarre hair cuttings and dozens of religious calling cards.

There were numerous storage devices and computers and ‘a bunker full of security and surveillance equipment’ revealed the local mayor.

There were also allegedly videos of sexual orgies in which ritual practices regularly took place.

Meanwhile, they seized training manuals for members, including one, ‘A course of Miracles’ which gave them a series of exercises and orders to follow.

Services

This week, a long-time neighbour of his home in Castellon, told the Olive Press Tio Toni would initially not charge for the ‘health’ services he provided.

The woman, a fortune teller, visited his practice in Castellon on many occasions and ‘nearly got sucked in’.

She said: “I spent months going to his consultation because he said he was a healer. He put his hands on me, claiming it would cure me.

“But it soon became clear he was trying to manipulate me, especially when after a few sessions he asked me to go to a private back room with him.

“That was the moment when I felt something strange was going on.”

Asking to remain anonymous, she continued: “He was over-friendly with me, and told me he was sent from God and that’s why he grew his hair out like Jesus.

“He was certainly very persuasive and I saw a lot of people become totally obsessed with him,” she continued. “He made them feel they were totally loved.”

Over the course of ‘a few years’ she lost an alarming four friends to the sect, as well as a female member of her own family.

“I was so worrie I ended up organising a meeting with them to try and tell them that this guy was manip-

SITE: The sect’s compound in rural Valencia

SECT: Leader Tio Toni ulating us, but they just refused to believe me,” she continued.

She revealed how Toni continually managed to expand and add to his inland estate in order to house his growing number of ‘believers’.

When she tried more recently to get her friends out, she revealed how Toni had sent some of them to her home threatening to expose her as a witch.

“They accused me of having done witchcraft on a child in the sect who had got really ill or died,” she explained. “It was very intimidating.”

A psychologist, who called in police after he began working with a number of victims last year, said the abuse on the group and, in particular, children was ‘truly shocking’.

Miguel Perlado told the Olive Press that the victims had first come to him ‘very confused’ about what was going on inside.

“They could barely even describe the place where they had lived for so long,” he revealed, adding that they were threatened about speaking out ‘or they would get bad energy’.

He said they ended up becoming very isolated from their family and friends and Tio Toni even made them become isolated from each other and ‘encouraged conflict between them’.

Burdened

They were burdened with many chores and the house was continually upgraded and maintained, so they ‘could not think for themselves’.

He added that many of the minors didn’t attend school and also created ‘alternative identities’ because they didn't have the capacity to explain what was going on.

He added that it was possible the place was visited by foreigners and other expats, but the main sect was Spanish.

A total of 12 victims w e r e ‘liberated’ when police raided the farm, including two children, a g e d 13 and eight, who have been taken in by Valencia social services.

This week, six of nine adult members were given bail while three, including Toni remain in custody.

NEWS

www.theolivepress.es

Insurance shocker A SHOCKING 2.6 million uninsured vehicles are on the roads in Spain..

Linea Directa teamed up with Spain’s Traffic Directorate (DGT) to investigate how many drivers didn’t have proper insurance.

They discovered that 1.8 million of them were behind the wheels of cars, while the rest were other vehicles including motorbikes, vans and trucks.

The DGT issues penalties to around 130,000 people caught driving a vehicle without valid insurance each year, with fines between €600 and €3,000.

Around 10% of vehicles registered in Malaga are not insured but the worst culprits are in Melilla where 23% are not covered.

Drivers in Madrid meanwhile were likely to be more law abiding and just 6% of vehicles were not insured.

Fit and well A BABY with its umbilical cord still attached is ‘doing well’ after being abandoned on a street in Andalucia.

The newborn was left wrapped in a blanket at the doorstep of a dental clinic in Huelva.

The baby boy, believed to be just 12-hours-old, was taken to hospital and admitted to a neonatal unit, where he is described as being ‘fit and well’.

April 6th - April 19th 2022

JESUS AND THE MARY RAINS

As Spain gets set for the return of pointy hats, the Virgin Mary and incense, the only safe prediction for Semana Santa is: ‘Don’t forget your umbrella!’

AFTER half a year’s rain dropped in under a month, expats and tourists alike are hoping for a spot of Spanish sunshine this Easter.

But as any seasoned Semana Santa veteran will tell you, the weather will be in the lap of the gods.

And so it comes to pass, as the thousands of brotherhoods dust off their robes, hats and floats for their first outing in three years thanks

By Fiona Govan

to the pandemic.

While Holy Week looks set to be a busy one for tourism around Andalucia - Sevilla, Cordoba and Ronda are expecting over 90% occupancy - there will certainly be some rain on the parades.

The chance of wet weather for Easter ranges from 10% for the start up to 90% for the

ONE of the longest rainy spells in Andalucia history will continue into Easter week.

But at least the heavy rains of March have helped to fill up the reservoirs.

While a drought warning has still not been rescinded, March was one of the wettest on record.

According to official figures from AEMET some parts of the region have had nearly SEVEN times their usual rainfall for March.

While Malaga had four times the usual amount with 218 litres falling per cubic metre by March 28, Almeria had a staggering 111 litres (or 687% over the average).

The region as a whole averaged 336% over the

War footing A RAFT of measures has been unveiled to minimise the impact of the Ukraine war on the Spanish economy.

The government announced a €16 billion aid package designed to cushion the country from the effects of rising fuel prices, soaring inflation and an overall spike in the cost of living.

The government will release around €6 billion in direct aid and tax rebates and €10 billion in state-guaranteed loans to cushion the impact of the crisis on families and businesses.

Giants

SOGGY: A traditional Easter procession middle of the week, although it looks set to improve for Good Friday onwards.

But, as ever, everything can change as this is the most temperamental time of year

Rain record

normal amount of rain, with Sevilla receiving 93 litres and Granada 73 litres.

That said the region has seen just 60% of what it normally gets in the hydrological year which runs from October.

While reservoirs are filling up (they are at 35% around the region), they vary from 49% of capacity in Malaga to just 12% in Almeria.

There is enough water for the tourist season in Malaga and the Costa del Sol, but the region is still critically short of water, insist scientists.

for weather forecasters.

So far, it at least looks like it will be a sunny start to Easter week with this weekend looking warm and bright with highs of 21ºC for most of the region.

But there is a predicted 20% chance of rain on Holy Monday, increasing to 90% on Tuesday and 50% for Wednesday.

For the rest of the week predictions remain sketchy with temperatures predicted to range from 21ºC to a minimum of 11ºC in Andalucia.

The best advice a weatherman can give for Easter week in Spain is don’t forget your umbrella.

5

The measures include a 20% cent reduction in fuel prices at the pump, with the government subsidising 15 cents of this and oil giants the rest.

With electricity costs soaring even before the Russian invasion, the government has also decided to extend a reduction on IVA on power bills until June 30.

The authorities also plan to make 600,000 more households eligible for an electricity discount scheme. To qualify for discounts of up to 70% on your bill you must be a single adult living alone and earning less than €12,159, or a family of two kids earning less than €20,265.

Big families also qualify, as well as those retired on lower incomes.

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NEWS FEATURE

www.theolivepress.es Voted top expat paper in Spain

A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in Spain with an estimated readership, including the websites, of more than two million people a month.

OPINION NOT AGAIN! THE horror and heartbreak of seeing one’s home smashed into smithereens isn’t a fate reserved solely for those living under threat of Russian bombs in the Ukraine.

And while Andalucia is far from a war zone and noone is in fear for their lives, it must feel pretty close to it for the couple who this week watched their dream home reduced to rubble.

It’s a travesty that such a terrible outcome continues to happen to those who fall foul of Spain’s planning laws, either because they were duped by unscrupulous developers, trusted the wrong legal advice or unwittingly failed to follow the proper procedure. Or in some cases, like the infamous Priors, did everything right yet ended up having to live in their garage.

For decades Andalucia’s political factions have passed the buck on ending such abuses and streamline the planning process, not just to prevent rampant corruption of town halls but to protect those who bought in good faith and invested their hard-earned life savings to spend their retirement in the sun.

Despite amnesties, ombudsmans and appeal processes, we are still writing headlines about bulldozers rolling in. It’s time Spain took responsibility once and for all to protect homeowners instead of penalise them.

FINGERS CROSSED IT’S hard not to feel hopeful with Easter just around the corner that we are finally putting the hardships of the pandemic behind us.

After two years of cancelled Semana Santa, tourists are set to return in numbers close to pre-Covid times.

Whether flocking to the beaches for some much needed sunshine or crowding the streets to watch the religious spectacle of the processions, let’s keep our fingers crossed that the recent storms clear and it doesn’t rain on the parade! Happy Easter!

PUBLISHER / EDITOR

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A viable alternative Forget mystery skulls and the Maddie McCann suspect, Orgiva’s globally-known alternative community is bustling with cultural links to Robert Graves, Genesis, the Olive Press, and even the Romans, writes Jo Chipchase

S

PAIN’S most famous alternative community has been in the news this year after a human skull was found in its midst, while it also emerged the prime suspect in the Madeleine McCann mystery spent considerable time in Orgiva.

Christian Brueckner, 45, was a regular visitor to the Dragon Festival and frequently stayed in the Alpujarra area following the toddler’s abduction from Portugal in 2007, as we revealed.

However, these are just a handful of the rich and varied things that happen in and around this thriving Granada market town.

With an artistic and colourful community that attracts people from around the world, Orgiva is one of Spain’s only rural places that is a hive of activity for most of the year.

The hub of the country’s alternative scene, rather like Glastonbury or Totnes in the UK, hundreds of free-spirited individuals live in Orgiva, where coincidentally the Olive Press launched in 2006.

But forget the town itself, nearby is a trio of alternative settlements - Ben-

O

UCH! Another electric bill arrived today as more evidence of the skyrocketing price of energy.

Electricity costs have quadrupled - yes quadrupled! - from February last year to February this year, according to official figures.

You might assume then that any additional source supplying power to the grid would be much welcomed.

Not so, if you consider the current hot debate in town halls around many parts of Spain.

Take inland Valencia. Requena, Utiel and Siete Aguas are all opposing the installation of 10 new wind turbines in the nearby Sierra de Tejo.

These turbines are massive significantly larger than those in nearby Buñol and other parts of the province - and would be installed atop towers of up to 110 metres and with blades measuring 150 metres (normally 40 to 90 metres).

To proceed, two forest tracks will have to be built and maintained to accommodate the oversized turbines around Siete Aguas.

Healthy stands of pine and oak will need to be cut, resulting in potential erosion, while a high voltage line will run to a substation on the opposite side of the A-3 highway.

Such are the concerns for bird mortality, the town halls are preparing a motion to expand the special ZEPA bird protection zone, an EU directive that already covers much of the Sierra del Tejo area.

On many levels, I hope they are

eficio, Cigarrones and El Morreon that date back to the 1980s, when the UK had a thriving new age traveller scene – one that easily relocated to sunnier climes at the drop of a hat.

Completely multinational Beneficio is the only true ‘community’, explains Ela Graves, the grand-daughter of celebrated writer Robert Graves, who has lived around Orgiva for four decades.

And, as the Olive Press discovered, not everything is rosy in these ‘social experiments’.

Beautiful Beneficio Some 400 people live in this stunning valley between Orgiva and Canar, with various long-term residents living high up on the land, near an old Roman road.

Very international today, the community was originally established by Brits, mostly from Wales, including Sorrell Badger, who came from the Tally Valley, in the 1980s.

“We were discussing finding somewhere warmer and drier to live under canvas,” she explains. “So a small group left Tally and came to Spain to look for a suitable place to live, and here they discovered Beneficio.”

They initially bought and settled on a finca and soon many like-minded people joined them investing time and money, including John and Yvonne, who started a communal tipi called ‘Big Lodge’.

One British old-timer – who visited on holiday in 1992 and simply never left – invested with some other community members, who bought two adjoining farms.

Today, most of the land is privately owned, although some is natural park and people aren’t permitted to camp within 15 metres of the river.

While described by some as a ‘peaceful retreat’ and ‘a spiritual

Wind of change Two sides of the ecologist movement clash as Spain debates renewable energy, writes Jack Gaioni

successful, but there is another side to this debate: On windy days in Spain, wind generation supplies up to 71% of the nation’s demand - surpassing all other electricity sources.

It is cheaper per kilowatt hour, emits much less greenhouse gas and uses less water consumption than any other energy source.

Furthermore, it makes electricity

directly, circumventing the need to burn fossil fuels (coal) or process uranium for nuclear power.

Spain has a favourable topography and climate for wind power and is, in fact, the fifth largest wind power creator in the world.

As it did with tunnelling (due to its mountains), the country has developed proven technical know-how to improve and ex-

pand in wind generation.

Climate impact vs. high c energy debates will not en arguments both for and a wind power are symptom complex, multi-faceted that have no easy solution The energy companies an halls, like those in rural cia, both make convincing ments for their side.

cost of nd. The against matic of issues ns. nd town Valeng argu-

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MEET THE OP TEAM

7

A busy life

A focus on Olive Press journalist Alex Trelinski

H awakening’, others revealed a growing division between some of the old-timers and the more recent (and transient) car park dwellers, over ‘partying’ and keeping the place tranquil.

There are also tales of ‘fake gurus’ targeting younger girls, and most residents agree that ‘Bene’, as it is often known, has more than its fair share of problematic people.

“A lot of people with mental health problems are attracted to Beneficio,” explains Tony,

who has also lived in El Morreon.

But half the time, explained another, the local police and Guardia Civil literally send them up there. “They sometimes literally drop them off at our entrance track,” she adds.

Despite this, there are many positive features to Bene, in particularly its woodland setting.

Romanian mother-ofthree, Chunga, who has lived there for 12 years, showed us its communal lounging and cooking facilities, a natural pool for a cool dip, a women’s space, clothes sharing spaces, and an adventure play area for children.

Despite claims by some local authorities that the locals aren’t correctly registered in Spain, the majority are actually on the official ‘padron’ at nearby Canar town hall.

Counterculture of Cigarrones

There are no easy answers; the exponential rise in electricity costs are draconian and the arguments against turbines are often strong.

The best we can do is apply careful scrutiny and scientific rigour to the debates in each specific area… and all the while, turn off the lights, and watch our energy consumption.

Along the riverbed, near Tablones, are hundreds of alternative people who privately own their land.

Famed for the annual Dragon festival, which was eventually banned, Cigarrones had an alternative scene in the 1970s, when dozens of English students left the UK to buy and renovate a series of abandoned buildings.

Forward-thinking individuals, including Ela Graves, who bought in the 1980s, they believed in the concept of permaculture and utilised the already-existing irrigation system.

Graves, the grandchild of celebrated writer Robert (I Claudius and Goodbye to all That) she was joined by her recently-deceased counterculture hero brother, Davey Graves.

Across the river, Driving Over Lemons writer, Chris Stewart, carved out his own little corner of sustainable paradise.

A creative scene developed, involving the arts and music and, in 1987, a series of new age party crews from the UK started parking up and joining until in 1996 the Dragon Festival was born.

During its heyday in the early 2000s, this anarchic festival attracted over 10,000 revellers, which didn’t please everyone, including the then-mayor, Adolfo Martin Padial, who sent in the police.

A more receptive socialist mayoress helped a little but the antagonism between the organisers and the town hall eventually became too much and, in 2009, it came to a halt, with large fines issued to the organisers.

They had been on the authority’s radar since activist Vittorio Miotto organised a series of protests against a quarry scheme in 2004, which led to arrests, but, in the end, derailed the plans.

As Miotto recalls today: “I first turned up in Ciggy to help someone sort out a clutch problem on a bus. It was love at first sight - I’d landed in

paradise with food growing everywhere.”

And he’s still there today. “Ciggy is forever changing, it’s an un-intentional community - everyone just does their thing with respect for others. The ‘elders’ who have been there since the early 90s are all still there, so it must be working.”

Cigarrones has a collaborative vibe where people can display their arts and crafts, and share home-grown vegetables and snacks.

Autonomy in El Morreon El Morreon runs along the Rio Suico towards the Rio Guadalfeo.

Set up by Israelis in the 1980s, they launched a campaign for anyone to turn up and join their free-spirited, open-minded community, where they were told you would ‘never starve’.

Nikki B, who came from the UK in 1994, explains: “It’s a village of many nationalities, including Spanish. Although it’s not a community in the sense of everyone working together as a whole, the village comes together in times of need, change, work, necessity, and the occasional celebration.

“We are a group of similar-minded individuals connected by common aims and inspirations such as self-government, self-responsibility and sustainable living through exchange.

“We also believe in hard work in the gardens, as well as alternative energy sources and low impact dwellings, plus respecting our neighbours and our differences.”

The place has certainly changed a lot over the years, she continues.

“When I arrived it was dry and barren, while now it’s green and abundant. Every year I make olive oil, dry almonds and fruits and preserve vegetables.”

Nikki certainly didn’t starve. “In this environment, I have lived from donations and exchanging skills and food with others.

“Consumerism does not rule my life and I have time to explore my art and music.

“I was able to follow some of my dreams. I was once told ‘when you live here, you become more yourself than you ever thought.

Nobody will take responsibility for you here’.

What a beautiful introduction to autonomy and authenticity.”

AVING interviewed a legion of political leaders, from Tony Blair to David Cameron and Paddy Ashdown to Tony Benn, getting a comment from a councillor in Javea or Orihuela must sometimes seem trivial.

But there’s never been a dull moment for Alex Trelinski, since he rocked up on the Costa Blanca 13 years ago.

Now the rock of the Olive Press reporting team in the East of Spain, it was certainly a change of lifestyle for a man, who worked since 1981 as a presenter, producer, and manager at the BBC. Cutting his death at Radio Humberside, his first major interview was with actress Rula Lenska, which he conducted in Polish for 20 seconds to shock both himself and his listeners.

He went on to present hundreds of sports shows for over 25 years following the likes of Derby County and Nottingham Forest.

He also worked as a presenter for BBC Sport in London rubbing shoulders with presenters like Chris Evans and Chris Moyles, before becoming boss of Radio Derby.

Political programmes were also his passion and election night programmes were frequently anchored in the Midlands and the North.

Grilling the likes of ‘Red’ Ed Milliband and Neil Kinnock came easy, while not so easy was handling a drunk councillor suggesting studio guest Margaret Beckett wasn’t wearing underwear, live on air.

His most memorable broadcast moment came when he was dragged from the pub on a Sunday night in 1989 to present all-night coverage of the Kegworth air disaster, which killed 47 people as the plane landed on the M1 motorway.

His reporting team went on to recieve an international award for its coverage.

Come the late noughties, he approached his personal half-century and fancied a life change and a move abroad.

Spain and the Costa Blanca came out of the hat, and Alex has worked on local radio and other media over the years before ending up in a key role with the Olive Press.

Despite occasionally missing the BBC, it’s a move that he has not regretted.

The top five most read stories on www.theolivepress.es in the past two weeks are: PICS: It looks like armageddon Costa del 1-SolIN turns orange yet again as another calima hits Spain brown Spain’s white villages call for 2- Stained help to clear up after Sahara sandstorms have gone forward but here’s why 3- TheSpainclocks is still stuck in the wrong time zone never buy pre cut fruit and 4- Why youvegshould at supermarkets in Spain Putin: despite Spain declaring there 5- Chateau are no oligarchs based here, the Olive Press can reveal at least one

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SPAIN has taken in thousands of Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russian invasion and many people have been moved to help, from driving to the border to deliver supplies and collecting refugees, to offering their homes.

Expats in Spain or those with second or holiday homes here are also keen to do their bit and several people have been in touch with the Olive Press to ask how they can put in touch with a family to offer them shelter.

We looked into it and here’s what we found out.

HOMES FOR UKRAINE SCHEME Spain’s Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration announced on March 17 a new pilot programme for the reception of Ukrainian refugees. The main objective of

UKRAINE CRISIS NEWS SPECIAL

April 6th - April 19th 2022

HAVE A HEART

How to offer a home to refugees fleeing war in Ukraine

By Fiona Govan

the programme is to establish a network of host families to welcome Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion of their country.

The pilot programme will last six months, extendable to one year, and through it the government hopes to facilitate the integration of new arrivals.

However, it will initially only run in four provinces across the country: Madrid, Barcelona, Murcia and Malaga.

In order to host new arrivals from Ukraine in their homes,

families in Spain must first make an application of interest, and an initial screening will then be carried out.

Once an application is accepted they will be formally registered, and financial support will be offered to support both the refugee individuals and the host families for the duration of the hosting process.

The scheme is through the Ministry and La Caixa Foundation.

ELSEWHERE IN SPAIN If you are not within those four provinces involved in the pilot

Yacht seized YET another superyacht belonging to a Russian oligarch has been seized by Spanish authorities under sanctions imposed as a result of the Ukraine invasion.

The 78-metre-yacht named Tango was boarded by US federal agents and teams from Spain’s Guardia Civil at the Marina Real in Palma.

The yacht, which is valued at €120 million by Superyachtfan, is believed to be owned by Viktor Vekselberg, a billionaire and close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Ukrainian-born Vekselberg heads the Moscow-based Renova Group, a conglomerate encompassing metals, mining, tech and other assets.

In March, the Lady Anastasia, belonging to Alexander Mijeev, head of one of the largest Russian weapons companies, was seized in

NOT FOR SAIL: FBI impound yacht Mallorca’s Port Adriano.

And in Barcelona port authorities moved in on Valerie, a superyacht owned by Sergei Chemezov, who runs the Russian state-owned defence firm Rostec.

History, adventure and romance.

That’s just the setting.

scheme organised by the Spanish government there are still other ways to offer accommodation to Ukrainian refugees but it isn’t so straightforward.

Ideally you should go through official channels so that hosts can be assessed and matched with families in need. Ask at your local town hall to see if they have a scheme and can help you get on it.

Many of Spain’s well known charities are running their own schemes within different regions of Spain and invite those with homes to offer to get in touch.

– CEAR: Andalucia (Malaga, Sevilla, Cadiz), Basque Country and Canary Islands.

– ACCEM: Andalucía (Cordoba), Castilla La Mancha, Castilla y Leon, Murcia, Asturias, Extremadura, Aragon and Galicia.

– Cruz Roja: Andalucía (Almería, Granada and Huelva), Balearic Islands, Cantabria, Catalunya, La Rioja, Madrid, Navarra and Valencia region.

Alternatively you can get in touch with EU4UA which is an EU wide initiative matching those offering accommodation with fleeing Ukrainians who need it.

VIA AirBnB Those who want to offer accommodation to refugees can do so through Airbnb which

has vowed to match hosts to Ukrainian refugees and provide free accommodation on a short term basis.

FOSTERING UKRAINIAN CHILDREN Infancia de Nad is a Spanish charity based in Alicante that has for decades worked to bring troubled Ukrainian children over to Spain for holidays. It was asking for families to take in unaccompanied Ukrainian children refugees, however due to the overwhelming number of people offering homes it has currently paused applications.

Expoaction does a similar thing based in Gijon in Asturias in the north of Spain.

CONTACT THE UKRAINIAN EMBASSY DIRECT You can offer your assistance direct to Ukraine’s Embassy in Madrid by calling +34910418416.

Helping hand THE people of Malaga have sent more than 20,000 kilos of aid to Ukraine and opened thir doors to refugees seeking sanctuary.

Mayor of Malaga, Francisco de la Torre, has thanked the ‘more than 500 families in the province of Malaga for their willingness to take in Ukrainian refugees’.

He also highlighted the solidarity of the province in donating food and medical supplies which were recently delivered to Poland.

Fare play A CONVOY of Marbella taxi drivers have returned from a trip to the Polish border to donate supplies to Ukraine and take refugees to safety.

They set off last week with each taxi filled with food and medical supplies donated by Estepona and Mijas residents.

The convoy picked up 34 refugees, with four to travel to France and the rest to settle in Madrid.

Among those picked up were a dog and a cat, pets of two of the Ukrainians.

The operation was organised by Aguja Solidaria, a charity set up to help people during the pandemic, Taxi Marbella, and the Rotary Club of San Pedro Alcantara.

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GREEN

STRAWBERRY FIELDS FOR NEVER

Calls for Spain to stop plans for farms in protected wetlands LEADING supermarkets across Europe including Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Tesco and Asda are calling on Andalucia to halt plans to allow more strawberry farms near protected wetlands.

A public letter signed by major food companies and sent to regional president Juanma Moreno urged him not to approve a plan that would allow the creation of new farms in an area already threatened by water theft that has drained vulnerable aquifers.

Moreno is studying legislation that could approve more agriculture within the Donaña National Park, one of Spain’s most valuable wetlands and a UNESCO protected wildlife site.

Lynxes

The marshes are visited by millions of migrating birds each year and the area is also home to a sizeable population of endangered Iberian lynxes.

Some 1,900 acres of the park is occupied by greenhouses cultivating strawberries.

“The existing special plan is an important tool to ensure more sustainable cultivation at the origin of the supply chain,” they say. “We are concerned that the proposed changes undermine this goal and endanger the Doñana national park,” says the letter.

“Appropriate measures should be taken to ensure the sustainability of water and soil management in Doñana in the long term,” it continues.

“Should this

By Katharina Beiersdoerfer

not succeed, we believe that the reputation and the long-term development of the region as a supply area are at risk.”

April 6th - April 19th 2022

Take a bow THE UK’s first liquified natural gas-powered ferry has made its inaugural voyage as it sailed from Portsmouth to Bilbao.

Brittany Ferries’ Salamanca departed with more than 600 passengers and freight vehicles on a trip that will now become a regular route.

Brittany Ferries CEO Christophe Mathieu said: “LNG-powered ships like Salamanca are a clear statement of our commitment to the future and to fleet renewal.

“They are cleaner vessels, significantly cutting air quality emissions like soot and sulphur.”

The Salamanca will now make two trips to Bilbao each week as well as a weekly return-voyage to Cherbourg in France.

Both Bilbao and Santander ports will host refuelling terminals to power the ships in partnership with Spanish fuel giant Repsol.

Environmental disasters that need action now

HEED THE NEWS! APART from the devastating and deeply upsetting events unfolding in Ukraine, two very noteworthy pieces of news were in the news last week that should not be allowed to pass by without comment.

I will cover them both separately. They equally reinforce my constant message that more needs to be done to protect the environment for future generations.

PLASTIC IS TOXIC A new study has revealed that of those people tested, 77% had plastic in their blood.

Microplastics (tiny plastic particles) are pollutants found almost everywhere on Earth.

Scientists have detected microplastics on Mount Everest, in the Mariana Trench, in baby poo. AND NOW IN HUMAN BLOOD. Polthylene Terephthalate (PET), commonly used in disposable water bottles, was the most widely encountered plastic, closely followed by Polystyrene (PS) which is used for food packaging.

Green

WHERE IS IT GOING IN OUR BODIES?

Some will be excreted, but some will be retained in our organs.

Not a pleasant thought.

Microplastics, like all plastics, are non-biodegradable.

They can take hundreds of years to degrade in the environment. Our bodies do not last that long.

It is yet another wake up call for us all.

Plastic pollution is a widespread problem. It contributes to climate change, threatens ocean health, damages the health of marine species, food safety and quality and affects coastal tourism.

And now it is being proven to affect human health and it is all at a phenomenal cost to the world’s economies. Experts predict that the societal cost of plastic pollution produced will exceed €7 TRILLION by 2040.

Last year, the estimated costs of plastic pollution topped €4 trillion.

In addition 99% of plastic is made from fossil fuels gas, oil and fracked gas.

It is truly toxic and harms all aspects of life from the moment production begins.

HEATWAVE IN THE ANTARCTIC How does the coldest place on earth have a heatwave?

It is yet another wake up call.

At the end of March an unprecedented temperature was recorded in the Antarctic. A temperature of 40C ABOVE AVERAGE was recorded at the French/Italian research station Concordia, located over 3000 metres above sea level on the Antarctic plateau.

Meanwhile at the other extreme of the planet in the Arctic, in the absence of sunlight, a temperature 30C

higher than the March average was recorded.

With both the Antarctic and Arctic breaking records this calls into question even the most pessimistic climate change models.

So what does all this mean? Scientists are predicting catastrophic polar ice melt that will cause sea levels to rise and disrupt ocean currents.

This reinforces my regular message - climate change is NOT a future problem, it needs tackling now.

Every fraction of a degree increase in global warming matters.

Francisco Navarro, a glacier expert at the Technical University of Madrid, warns that these polar heatwaves contribute to many recently documented disasters.

And what more, if we warm the planet by two degrees more (which we are on track to do) these events will be 14 times more frequent.

The damage caused by global warming in these regions is irreversible. A temperature spike on February 8 this year caused the collapse of an ice shelf measuring 3,800 square kilometres.

Sea levels in Antarctica are predicted to rise by up to 1.7 metres by 2100.

All this sadly has consequences for us all.

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LETTERS

12

April 6th - April 19th 2022

CASH WOES PROBLEMS NASTY NOLOTIL

Olive Press readers air their worries about money

Dear Olive Press,

ON YOUR BIKE

reness Thank you very much for your awaic drug campaign regarding the analges Nolotil. can be a Many people don’t know it, but it ple peo and drug us very dangero grande A friend of mine who lives in Sotoique for went to the hospital in San Enr sed for an emergency and was hospitali d poifive days in intensive care for bloo soning. it was When I asked him if by any chancehe was otil’ ‘Nol n take had he use beca very surprised.

‘How do you know?’ he asked. experiAfter my friend took the drug hewas dethat r feve a and lling swe d ence ors. scribed as ‘dangerously high’ by doct d about More people need to be informeone else the danger of this drug so that no gets hurt.

WITH the Olive Press reporting on fuel prices soaring, is it not time the paper and other newspapers start a campaign to get more people cycling in Andalucia? There is a good amount of cycling infrastructure in a number of towns like Estepona, Marbella and Fuengirola but I barely ever see anyone using them. We should see rising fuel costs as an opportunity to improve the planet by weaning ourselves off them and also deprive Russia of vital income in the process.

Sam Hilton, Marbella

your Editor’s note: Thank you for igaobl an e hav letter Martin. We medition to inform people about have cal practices in Spain and weof the also seen anecdotal reports plicadrug causing serious com tions.

I read your piece online of the heartbreaking story of the British couple whose house was bulldozed this week. It is important that people keep talking about the grave injustice many expats have experienced here when building on land they were told was legal and then losing their life savings. What is the best place for people to take advice without resorting to hiring a lawyer?

Margaret Phillips, Benahavis

In response to the th about Brits abroad bee story ing allowed to vote in UK elections:

Editor’s note: Thank you for your letter. The Olive Press continues to be concerned by incorrect advice given by Spanish developers. The campaign group SOHA provides free advice to those confused about their property development rights. For more information visit soha.es.

The UKVotes for Lif paign that has beene is a campursuing directly with the government for more than 12 ye half of all expatri ars on beless of their politates regardtions. We are veical inclinathat this measure isry pleased now in the home straight.

VOX POP WHAT is Vox’s obsession with money being spent to protect the Catalan language? I have read two articles in the past month detailing their anger at legislation which protects the language in Mallorca. Do they seriously believe that the Catalan’s are plotting to wipe out Spanish? I have been to Mallorca several times and every time I go I hear both languages being spoken almost equally and everyone switching seamlessly between the two. There is no language war and Vox should stop pretending that there is.



Conservatives abro

ad twitter

Katie Boucher, Mijas

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Across 1 Tag for an out-of-town railway station (7) 5 Bumpkins (5) 9 What the retina’s cones detect (6) 10 Deadeye Annie --- (6) 11 Creeps (6) 12 Oxfordshire power station town, with a railway museum (6) 13 Pivotal (3) 14 Starry-eyed (4) 15 It might be frozen in unfriendly welcomes (4) 17 Chihuahua’s bark (3) 19 Fallacious (6) 21 Cash in Kolkata (6) 23 Cheerless (6) 24 Lifers rampage on aeroplanes (6) 25 Hard as granite (5) 26 Beef (7) Down

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2 Future oak (5) 3 Practical skill (4-3) 4 Threatened (2,4) 6 Netanyahu’s party (5) 7 Became extinct (4,3) 8 Far from chic (5) 14 He looks down in the mouth (7) 16 Publishing brand (7) 17 Loud cries (5) 18 Like better (6) 20 Toga sporter (5) 22 Sandwich and Derby, for example (5)

All solutions are on page 45

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The rules for rural home hunting, see our guide on page XII

Life in the shade THE enclave of Zagaleta has often been described as ‘southern Europe’s most exclusive place to live’.

And when you count on the celebrities, captains of industry and, now, the global dictators who stalk its privileged spaces, that’s no surprise.

The multi-million price tags certainly follow suit, as does its incredible golf course, which has just a few hundred people allowed to play… and then there’s its intriguing recent links to Russian dictator Vladamir Putin, who owns a property there.

The giant 2000 sqm palace, known as the Rock of the King (or Roca del Rey) counts on its own private vineyard, helicopter pad and bowling alley.

But it’s the three floors underground that has got eyebrows raised among Europe’s security and defence elite.

As revealed by the Olive Press last month, it counts on armed guards and has a deep bunker monitoring the Straits of Gibraltar 24/7. And this in a

It’s one of Spain’s most expensive places to live. But few know what goes on behind the high tech fences of La Zagaleta, where Putin is said to own a giant palace. Olive Press Property takes a peek gated community that claims that security is ‘its number one priority’.

Indeed, security is of so much importance that after a late-night incident last year, an Israeli company was commissioned to build a new ‘high tech electric’ fence.

Expected to become the most expensive in Spain, it will run around the 900-hectare estate that sits in Benahavis, between Marbella and the foothills of the Serrania de Ronda.

“The residents are being charged 5,000 euros each in two installments to help pay for it,” reveals a source. “They are not exactly happy about it.”

It comes after Head of security Jose Miguel Navarro boasted last year that his team have a ‘maximum response time of three minutes to any alert’.

“Our perimeter shielding, detection systems and security routines will thwart most attempts to attack properties, which explains why the incident rate is 100 times lower than in other residential complexes,” he claimed.

The estate was originally called ‘La Baraka’ and owned by disgraced billionaire Saudi arms dealer, Adnan Khashoggi, who was said to have held some of the world’s most debauched parties at the hunting lodge in the 1970s.

Today it is the clubhouse of the resort, which was acquired by a group of investors in 1989 led by Andalucian banker, Enrique Perez Flores, who came from Huelva.

The giant estate was then divided into approximately 420 plots, of which

around 240 homes have so far been built.

“Most homes go for around 7 to 8 million euros,” explains one British agent, who has sold a number of properties there over the last year. “And some have even doubled in price over the last few years.”

All surrounded by deep woodland, they have either sea or mountain views (or both), while there is also a private equestrian center and golf course, with a second one on the way.

The amazing course, said to be one of the best in Spain, only counts on 250 members, which is because only homeowners can join.

“The price for membership alone is 120,000 euros and then it’s 10,000 a year for the lead member and 7,000 for

the second member of the family,” adds the agent.

“It’s real royal golf and the attitudes of the locals are to match,” he continued. “It’s ultra exclusive and so snobby, way more than the Chelsea or Cheshire set.

“Owners put 10,000 euros behind the club bar so they can always get a drink or cigar when they want and the place is literally crawling with Aston Martins, and DB4s and McClarens.”

Thesedays, the company behind Zagaleta is run by Ignacio Perez Diaz, after his father died two years ago.

According to its last available accounts in 2019, its immediate holding company Zagaleta International UK Inc is based in Panama, while two other entities, Soto Properties SA and Campo Alto SA, are based in Switzerland.

See pages II and III to find out more on the properties available in Zagaleta

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APRIL 2022

PROPERTY

ANOTHER YEAR OF BATTLE?

H

AVING barely recovered in 2021, international demand for property in Spain faces another challenging year in

ANALYSIS: How the Ukraine war might affect property sales in Spain, writes Mark Stucklin

2022.

Under the circumstances, foreign demand recovered reasonably well last me an average purchase price of year from a deep slump in 2020 that €150,000. was largely due to the pandemic.

By the end of 2021 the foreign marThat said, the market is still smaller ket share had fallen to 10.8%, down than it was in 2019, and this year from 12.5% in 2019. But the truth the international market faces a new is that the decline started before the headwind in the fallout from the war pandemic, with sales falling 4% in in Ukraine.

2019 after nine years of uninterrupAs I pointed out in my last column for ted growth. the Olive Press Property Magazine in Then along came 2020 with the coFebruary, the market ronavirus pandemic. staged a remarkaCovid-19 was undersble recovery in 2021 tandably challenging as sales increased It’s remarkable for foreign buyers, an annualised 38% with international trathat there nationwide last year, vel being hit hard. and by almost 20% Many potential buyers were 50,000 compared to 2019. were unable to travel international But most of that to Spain in 2020, and growth was driven by travel restrictions have sales in 2020 strong local demand, lingered to this day. while foreign demand All things considered failed to recover all it’s remarkable that the ground it lost over the pandemic there were close to 50,000 internayear of 2020. tional sales in 2020, and 61,000 in Foreign demand is not an insignifi- 2021. cant segment of the Spanish proper- But although foreign buyers increaty market. In the last decade foreign sed by 29% last year they were still buyers have gone from a low of 6% down 3% compared to 2019. Local market share in 2011 to a high of demand, in contrast, was up 14% 13% in 2016. compared to 2019.

That represents an investment of By nationality, the British were still €8 billion that year if you assu- the biggest group of foreign buyers

in 2021, but not as dominant as they used to be.

Ten years ago the UK represented almost 20% of the foreign market for Spanish property, and was almost double the next biggest market every year for more than a decade.

By 2021 the British market share fell to 11%, just ahead of Germany on 10%, and France on 8%.

The UK is now just another big market vying for the top spot. The Germans even overtook British buyers in the third quarter of last year - the first time that has ever happened.

Declining British demand is a big reason why the international market failed to make a bigger recovery last year. UK demand recovered a modest 8% in 2021 compared to the pandemic year, and remained 23% below 2019, while German demand recovered 58%, and 30% respectively.

Brexit is undoubtedly a big part of the explanation for weak British demand, especially the 90/180 day rule.

So all in all, 2022 looks like another challenging year for the international market.

The ramifications of Brexit are still unfolding, the pandemic is still a fly

in the ointment, and now the awful war in Ukraine is making everyone nervous.

One conveyancing lawyer reports the market has ground to a halt like the Russian advances as investors opt to wait and see, while other property professionals I have spoken to report business as usual.

Ultimately, it’s too early to tell.

Some muse that the conflict in eastern Europe will increase demand for homes in Spain, which is protected by the Pyrenees and about as far away as you can get in Europe from Russia (by that argument, Portugal is even better placed).

But the conflict could also exacerbate the economic problems caused

by the pandemic, with high energy prices pushing up inflation and reducing purchasing power in many European countries.

Will the conflict reduce the number of buyers from Russia and Ukraine, who numbered 2,000 in 2021 combined, and represented 3.4% of the foreign market, or will it increase their numbers as they flee the region? I expect more will want to move to Spain, but less will be able to do so.

Check out more from Mark Stücklin at Spanish Property Insight for the latest news and analysis to help you navigate the Spanish property market as you buy or sell real estate in Spain.

Holmes Property Sales S.L. Tel: +34 956 79 53 40 email: info@holmesotogrande.com

www.holmesotogrande.com

SOTOGRANDE MARINA

REF: EMP-1878

HOYO 17, SAN ROQUE CLUB

REF: HSRHOY17-1879

Fabulous south facing totally renovated townhouse with communal pool Newly built townhouse with a great location in Hoyo 17, surrounded next to El Octogono Beach and Tennis Club and to the Real Club Marítimo. by a golf course and an ancient cork oak grove in San Roque Club.

4 Bed | 3 Bath | Build 321m2 | Terrace 85m2

4 Bed | 3 Bath | Build 372m2 | Terrace 66m2

945.000 euros

589.000 euros

III

APRIL 2022

IN THE MONEY!

FIVE STAR BOON A HOTEL builder is planning a further 590 five-star bedrooms.

Around 235 million euros are to be invested by the Millenium group in properties including two in the business district of Madrid.

The group’s latest hotel, the Radisson Collection Hotel Gran Vía, has just opened in Bilbao with 137 rooms.

The group has another hotel in Bilbao, plus others in Sevilla and Sotogrande.

Not breaking in the Top 10 CATALUNYA has the highest percentage of burglaries in Spain.

Meanwhile, Spain had 142,780 break ins in 2019, the last available figures, making it 11th globally.

Just 15% of these burglaries were solved and the total cost was 213 million euros, according to insurance company Budget Direct.

The highest break-in rates in the world are in Peru, which had 2,806 burglaries per 100,000 inhabitants.

VALENCIA, Toledo and Granada are the most affordable provinces in Spain.

According to property portal Idealista there are 89 towns in Valencia with homes offered for sale below €1,000 per square metre.

The cheapest properties are in the village of Benifairo de la Valldigna, at just €430 per square metre.

Toledo province in Castilla-La

Mancha had 65 towns and Granada 40 meanwhile.

The town which has the cheapest property in Spain is that of Alcaudete de la Jara, in Toledo, where the average price was just €316 per square metre.

It is followed by the nearby Cordoba towns of Fuente Obejuna, with €341 and Belmez with €370.

In total, 815 towns across Spain have homes for sale below €1,000 per square metre.

On the other end of the scale are the four provinces where not a single property can be found with a price tag below €1,000 per square metre.

Not surprisingly, these are the Balearic islands, the provinces of Guipuzcoa and Vizcaya in the Basque Country and finally Las Palmas in the Canary Islands.

Peak of luxury Stunning rock star mansion acquired in the Pyrenees

A STUNNING mountain retreat where a famous Spanish singer sheltered for the last year of his life has sold for €2.2 million.

The 912 sqm home of Pau Dones, who died in 2020, has been acquired by a middle aged couple, believed to be from northern Europe.

The farmhouse, in the village of Betlan, in the Val de Aran region of the Pyrenees, is just 20kms from Spain’s top skiing resort Baqueira Beret.

The six-bed, six-bath property has three wings and includes its own gym and recording studio for Pau’s band Jarabe de Palo.

He bought it in 2000 and united three separate buildings, as well as building a treehouse for his daughter Sara.

The wood and stone built farmhouse was the perfect retreat for Pau, when he died of advanced colon cancer at the age of 53.

Sitting on the edge of the village it had a 6000 sqm garden, with breatht a k i n g views across the nearby peaks and valleys.

Live healthy in Valencia Pic credits: Engel & Volkers

PROPERTY investment in Spain is at record levels and more than double last year.

Transactions in the first quarter are expected to hit €3.7 billion, a 136% increase on 2021.

According to real estate consultancy firm JLL, residential rental property has become the main segment for investment.

This year has also seen a strong return to investment in hotels, following uncertainty in the sector due to the pandemic.

BARGAIN BUYS

SNAPPED UP: Mystery buyer purchases former rocker’s house

It has a separate guest cottage with its own parking space.

It has been described

Bullring up for sale THE Plaza de Toros de Fuengirola is looking for new owners.

Turina Victoria, the company that owns the bullring, has set an asking price of €4.5 million for the historic building, which has a capacity of over 4,000.

The premises were refurbished in 2012 preserving the facade and expanding the premises by 2,500 square metres.

A statue of bullfighter Antonio Jose Galan, known as Feungirola’s favourite son, is one of the defining features of the grounds.

The bullring, built in 1962, is being advertised on Spain’s property portal Idealista and includes the bullring, the car park, and all commercial premises.

“Over the course of 60 years, the most outstanding figures of bullfighting have performed here including Antonio Ordoñez, El Cordobes, Paco Ojeda and Espartaco,” the listing on Idealista said.

Bullfighting in the square normally takes place in the summer season and during the month of October as part of the Fair

as being ‘among the best properties’ in the entire Val de Aran region.

“The family who bought it wanted a unique house in the valley but not too near the skiing slopes,” explained Xavi Cardona, of the agency that sold it, Engel & Volkers.

“For reasons of discretion I cannot give you any more details.”

VALENCIA has been named the healthiest city in the world to live in, followed by Madrid.

The study, conducted by money. co.uk, looked at a range of factors such as air pollution, obesity, and number of sunlight hours as well as healthcare quality and affordability.

Valencia has been top of the list for the second year in a row, owing to its good weather and high life expectancy.

Barcelona was also featured, coming in at 17 on the list.

Despite this, Spain did not feature in the top 20 healthiest countries.

Japan was deemed to be the healthiest country in the world, thanks to its incredibly low rates of obesity and healthy diet, followed by Switzerland.

Surprisingly, Cuba was third on the list.

Despite being a relatively poor country, it has a world renowned healthcare system.

Neither the UK nor any of its cities were featured on the top 20 lists.

The study was released in advance of World Health Day on April 7, a global health awareness day in partnership with the World Health Organization.

My Spanish saviour

of the Virgen del Rosario, patron saint of the city.

Not limited to bullfights, the ring has hosted a wide variety of cultural events over the years including equestrian shows, dressage events, and carriage displays.

A number of parties are thought to have already expressed interest in acquiring the bullring, with at least one interested in changing its use.

However, under law, the building must be retained for predominantly cultural use.

SELLING a villa in Mallorca saved singing star Claire Sweeney during the pandemic.

The former Brookside actress, who is currently starring in 9 to 5: The Musical, sold it for just under €1million in 2019, which helped her ‘sit it out comfortably’.

It more than made up for her paltry earnings of just 6,000 euros during the whole of 2021 with almost no work.

“Our industry was decimated. Thankfully I’d sold this big house in Spain so I was blessed that I could sit it out comfortably,” she told the Sunday Times.

“It broke my heart to sell but it was in its own grounds and my little boy didn’t want that - he wanted to be with other kids.”

She bought the house in 2004 for €690,000 and sold it for €950,000, but ended up ‘more or less’ even after all the taxes.

“I wanted to do everything right and paid both Spanish and English taxes…I got back more or less what I’d put into it,” she continued.

IV

APRIL 2022

PROPERTY

PUTIN ON THE GLITZ! €14.7m

Zagaleta is back in the news as it emerges that one of its luxury homes - one of Spain’s most expensive - is likely owned by President Putin. So what does it cost to buy there?

I

T is already known as the most exclusive place to live in southern Europe.

With its round-the-clock security, low density houses and incredible location between Marbella and Ronda, La Zagaleta has price tags restrictive to all but the world’s wealthiest captains of industry, celebrities and, well, dictators.

After the Olive Press revealed last issue that its most expensive home, el Roca del Rey, is linked to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, we decided to see what else is on offer.

O

T

HIS newly mansion blends modern design with Italian style furnishing.

The property rests on a large flat plot with lush landscaped gardens, an impressive infinity pool, and breath-taking panoramic views of the Mediterranean.

€10m

NE of La Zagaleta’s most iconic residences is now on sale. The recently completed, state-of-the-art mansion boasts pristine panoramic sea views in blissful privacy. Nestled atop the highest point of La Zagaleta, Casa Sohaeal is a feat of architectural design, showcasing luxury scale and unmatched sophistication.

Given that the triple-basement, double-guardpost ‘VP palace’, as it’s sometimes called, is estimated to have cost €40 million to buy, it’s amazing that you can buy something here for as little as €3 million.

But don’t forget when your on-off neighbours include the likes of Hugh Grant and Cristiano Ronaldo, you’ll be paying a fair amount more per year for the services.

Here are a few of the current properties on the market that can be viewed from estate agent Reas.es:

RO CI O DE NAG ÜEL ES , MA RBE L L A GOLD EN MILE 2.825.000€

Drumelia Real Estate

D2367

5

5

672

1. 28 1

REFERENCE

BEDROOMS

BATHROOMS

BUILD M2

PLOT M2

+34 952 766 950

www.drumelia.com

V

APRIL 2022

€9.4m

€10.8m

THIS spectacular property is a work of art in itself representing the very best in contemporary architecture. This large-scale villa is the ultimate dream home for luxurious living by the ocean boasting not one but two swimming pools.

€6m

€9.4m

BUILT with the highest quality of finishes and exquisite attention to detail, this accommodation comprises, a hall, living room with long fireplace and access to the terrace and the pool in addition to a dining room, a lounge, open-plan fully equipped gourmet kitchen japanese style with breakfast bar, with direct access to the terraces and the garden area.

This classically elegant villa sits on a substantial plot of 9,800 square metres, with panoramic sea views and is flanked by the epic view of La Concha mountain, above Marbella.

The villa, of classic architectural style, has a double height entrance hall with beamed ceilings and classic French windows. The elegant bedrooms and classically tiled bathrooms all enjoy private terraces and the fantastic views complete with a snooker room, cinema room and gymnasium.

€6m

€4.75m

THIS newly built eco-friendly masterpiece is designed to blend into the natural surroundings with elegance and class. With its ultra-modern design, the property boasts is situated in a lap of nature, in the residential La Zagaleta Country and nearby golf club.

€14.7m

THIS imposing villa is situated on an extensive plot with a superb southern orientation offering breath-taking views to Northern Africa and Gibraltar. It is complete with a blue infinity pool that brings the surrounding greenery and glistening Mediterranean right up close.

€12.7m

This 6-bedroom villa with delightful gardens has unrivalled views of the mountains and is complete with a billiard room, wine cellar, spa and substantial basement space with a cinema and gym and a garage with space to park six cars.

This unique villa oriented to the south west enjoys magnificent views to the golf courses, mountains and the Mediterranean consisting of two parts joined together through a gallery and featuring an elegant patio entrance with an exquisite marble fountain in Alhambra style.

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APRIL 2022

PROPERTY

Hunker down Civil war bunker offered for sale in downtown Madrid, writes Elena Goçmen Rueda

W

SAFE AS HOUSES: Bunker offers lots of space and great security

HAT once served as a bunker during the Spanish Civil War is now for sale as a modern property in one of Madrid’s most desirable areas.

With a colourful modern design, three metre high vaulted ceiling and exposed brickwork, it is the very definition of urban chic.

The property, costing €580,000, is located in ritzy Barrio de Salamanca, minutes from the famous Retiro park.

It is also a fantastic size measuring 249 sq metres divided into several open areas connected by arches.

The main entrance connects four halls and has a kitchen and four bathrooms.

According to Idealista, its location underground makes it attractive as a space for events, a show-room or as an art gallery.

Those interested in maximum security may also be tempted by a property that recently came on the market in Mallorca.

Overlooking cliffs in Cap Blanc is an unusual property that incorporates a vast underground bunker.

A former military base within the town limits of LLucmajor, the eight-hectares estate includes a building which once served as a barracks and has room for 12 bedrooms and a canteen.

Boasting fabulous views it is listed with a price tag €3.8million and marketed by Ivory Homes.

GUADALMINA ALTA

€2,290,000

REF: WW1465

The full refurbishment of this 4 bedroom family villa in Guadalmina has recently been completed resulting in an elegant, contemporary and stylish home. Located in a front line golf position, this property is ideally situated for local schools, golf, proximity to the beach and all amenities.

Exceptional attention to detail can be seen throughout, the present owner has used a neutral palette, resulting in a bright and stylish home set within a plot of almost 1,000m2.

EL PARAISO, ESTEPONA

€157,000

REF: WW1523

GUADALMINA ALTA

€450,000

REF: WW1509

A delightful duplex penthouse located in Guadalmina Alta with 3 double en suite bedrooms.

The lower floor comprises a beautifully bright and spacious living/dining room, a large fully fitted kitchen, laundry room, guest WC and an en suite guest bedroom. The large terrace provides superb golf and coastal views. Upstairs there is an impressive master suite, a further en suite bedroom and two spacious terraces. Two parking spaces and two storerooms included.

SOTOGRANDE PORT

€495,000

REF: WW1593

Representing superb value for money, this fantastic, fully refurbished 1 bedroom apartment is located in Royal Marbella Suites, El Paraiso Alto. With views from the terrace of the communal gardens and pools, and situated only a short drive to bars, restaurants and Puerto Banus this apartment would be a wonderful investment or personal pied-a-terre. This gated community offers two swimming pools and the apartment is sold with a parking space and storeroom.

This outstanding duplex 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom corner apartment is located on Isla Carey in Sotogrande Port. Beautifully presented, it has lots to offer! Reached by a private bridge, Isla Carey is located in the centre of Sotogrande Marina. Surrounded by water, the views are ever-changing and always interesting.

EL PARAISO, ESTEPONA

MANILVA

€1,295,000

REF: WW1617

An outstanding opportunity to own a magnificent property in El Paraiso Alto that features a very private and mature garden, panoramic views of the golf and sea, and has been completely remodelled with materials of the highest quality. Distributed over three floors, the villa boasts 5 en suite bedrooms and a guest WC. There is a beautiful private pool within the easy to maintain gardens of 1,440m2.

tel: +34 952 880 941 info@winkworth.es www.winkworth.es

€199,900

REF: WW1621

This luxury private residential development in Manilva offers a variety of 2 and 3 bedroom properties. The location is perfect for quiet holidays and is close to all necessary amenities.

You can enjoy impressive sea views and the wonderful mountain backdrop. With top-quality communal areas, this complex offers all the services you can imagine including an onsite restaurant and café, two swimming pools, movie theater, fitness room and more!

What are you waiting for?

VIII

APRIL 2022

PROPERTY

Not just a pretty face Architects think these are the most beautiful villages in Spain

W

E’VE all read about the purported beauty of Spain’s pueblos blancos.

Andalucia in particular is awash with these glistening, white villages, often extolled in publications like Tripadvisor and Lonely Planet.

Perched on top of hills and nestled in mountain valleys, they are one of the hallmarks of property and travel writing, along with Moorish ruins, winding cobbled streets and Game of Thrones castles.

But there is so much more to Spanish architecture than picture-post-

card villages.

From rooftop hieroglyphs to 500-year-old air conditioning, we round up Spain’s most beautiful villages, from the perspectives of top architects.

And yes, there is a whitewashed pueblo or two on the list...

Guadix, Granada

TRULY MARBELLA IN STYLE

The ‘cave houses’ of this town - which number about 2,000 - are its most remarkable feature.

These underground living spaces have been chosen

by Andalucians since the 15th century, although these days, many are fitted out with full kitchens and even WiFi. Architect Roberto Benito described them as: “A natural insulator that causes the temperature inside to range between 18ºC and 20ºC all year.

“The silence and tranquility on the insides, which are also whitewashed to replace the lack of natural light in the deepest rooms, mean these types of homes are still being built today.”

Luxury villas and hospitality in Marbella

To enquire about villa rental, or if you are interested in listing your villa with them for rental for bespoke events, call in to speak to one of the friendly team in the Benahavís office, or call: +34 951 983 679.

Email: operations@marbellainstyle.com.

Go to www.marbellainstyle.com for inspiration, and to view the latest luxury villa rental listings for your perfect special event!

Often dubbed the ‘most beautiful village in Spain’, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the red sandstone facades of Albarracin are purely aesthetic.

In fact, the stunning building material was sourced from nearby quarries for its waterproof and insulating qualities.

“The organic material also changes colour over time due to the impact of light,” according to Ignacio Vleming, author of urban architecture book, Fisura.

He also described the Medieval and Moorish icon as the ‘summary of much of the popular constructive forms of Spain’.

Alcantarilla, Murcia

W

ITH balmy, languid summer days now tantalisingly close, and the pandemic and its restrictions slowly slipping beneath the horizon, it is finally time to celebrate life, loved ones, precious moments, and occasions here on the mesmerising Costa del Sol. Marbella in Style was founded in 2008 by Rebecca Kratz and Julio Fraile. Their background and experience in marketing and event management for top, luxury brands, combined with their passion and knowledge of Marbella and the surrounding area is insurmountable. As they say: “Marbella is our playground, and we know it inside out.”

Specialising in providing luxury villa rentals with hotel services, custom-tailored to your exact requirements and specifications, the teams’ avid attention to detail and solid commitment to ‘gold- standard’ customer service, makes Marbella in Style, the ideal company from which to rent your private villa.

They can help you host the most memorable birthday parties, family occasions and ‘get-togethers’, bespoke weddings, or perhaps, that extra-special corporate event to get you and your company noticed. They have an impressive, handpicked portfolio of private villas and venues to choose from.

Bookings include hospitality services and a 24/7 concierge service for that extra special touch.

The company also provides an exclusive, personalised property management service, taking care of the management and maintenance of your property with professionalism and dedication. They also look after any rental enquiries, bookings, and payments of your property, ensuring peace of mind, while you are not in residence.

Albarracin, Teruel

GARGANTA LA OLLA, EXTREMADURA This historical village boasts traditional architecture of stone, adobe and wood and is packed with winding paths.

Architect Javier Pena Ibanez recently described how the timber-supported walls of houses in Garganta la Olla

were originally designed to sleep animals on the floor with humans above, so they could harness their heat.

The architect and head of architecture festival Concentrico said the town is the ‘locality of the Extremadura region that best reflects the traditional constructive characteristics of the area’.

The stunning masonry however is not entirely practical, as some buildings in the town are fragile and lean on one another for support.

“These set of homes come complete with towers, ditch systems and water mills, and reflect a traditional lifestyle from the garden of Murcia,” Architect Sanchez Llorens recently said of Medieval town of Alcantarilla. Original Moorish settlers channeled the Segura River, using the

water for gardening and thus growing the mulberry in the 16th century so they were able to feed silkworms, adding Murcia to the silk road.

“That new source of wealth is reflected in its wooden structures,” added Sanchez Llorens, “which would have been expensive at the time.”

PROPERTY Not just a pretty face continued...

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APRIL 2022

Vejer de la Frontera, Cadiz

Arcos de la Frontera, Cadiz

“Vejer is another white town where the mixture of lime, water and sand applied annually to the walls of its houses is a perfect measure against heat,” explained urban architect Almudena de Benito.

“The walls of this colour reflect solar radiation meaning lower thermal absorption and, consequently, cooler interiors.”

Bougainvillea bushes creeping up walls and around doorways also help fend off the searing temperatures to hit this walled hilltop village.

Outside the battlements sit swathes of orchards and orange groves, while inside, is a myriad of quaint cobbled streets, packed closely together.

What you may not know about this town is that its whitewashed houses are ‘organised around courtyards to regulate temperature’.

“It has a clear Arab influence

but at the same time is a reflection of the rich mixing of cultures that made us who we are,” said architect and teacher at Superior Technical School of Architecture of Madrid, Mara

Sanchez Llorens.

She also claims that the organisation of gardens and buildings in Arcos de la Frontera even inspired Mexican architect Luis Barragan.

CAMPO DE CRIPTANA, CASTILLA-LA MANCHA

PERSONAL SERVICE AT ITS BEST MarBanus Estates: Your quality Real-Estate Agent on the Costa del Sol

H

It wouldn’t be travel writing without invoking a bit of Don Quixote.

The windmills of Campo de Criptana are those which allegedly inspired Miguel de Cervantes to pen his seminal work back in 1605.

Quixote famously loses his mind and fights the cereal mills, the 16th century architecture of which, is still preserved today.

“The route of the windmills can help us to visit landscapes in which, as in the desert, on the coast or other homogeneous environments, certain architectures allow us to have geolocation references and at the same time participate in a collective imagination,” said Sanchez Llorens.

EL GASCO, EXTREMADURA

AVE you been searching The stonepile homes of Las Hurdes are almost the antithesis to the heat-stoin vain for THE perfect pping measures of Andalucia’s pueblos blancos.

Ourslate office is in property to call your own These stacked structures are purpose-built to conserve heat, rather than on the Costa del Sol? reflect PUERTO it, as in southern Spain.

BANUS Look no further and call into For Sanchez Llorens, the village of El Gasgo, which was the site of a meteoMarBanus Estates, for a profesrite impact a million years ago, is the most emblematic of this cool architecsional, knowledgeable, real-estural style. tate service.

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Owner, Francisco, and his team’s aim is to guide you with ease and with Streets don’t get minimal stress in acquiring the home of your dreams, or in facilitating the more cobbled sale of your property for the best possible price. than these.

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ENERGY CERTIFICATE and special reductionte village in our of justfees 50 Their personalised service, coupled with their far-reaching network of partpeople is among ner agents, make MarBanus Estates, the ideal option for those looking to Spain’s most beaubuy or sell property in the area. tiful because of the With an emphasis on looking after their clients every step of the way during ‘conservation and their selling or purchasing journey, this independent real-estate agency This tiny village in the north of the maintenance of stands out from the crowd. and receive with our compliments, FREE PROPERTY REGISTRATION, Balearic island may have the most its popular archiThey provide clients with access to the best legal professionals in the indusunusual roof tiles in Spain. tecture’.

“One of try, professional photography, and cutting-edge 3D virtual tours, ensuring with savings ranging from 500€ to 1000€ for you Set in the Serra de Tramuntana, stothe most unique your home is marketed to its true potential, as well as other services such ne-clad houses in winding streets features is that its as currency exchange, property security and a home improvements service. are adorned with intricately crafted

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streets retain the old cobblestone.

This urban feature spreads around the whole village, which has stone houses from the 17th century.”

Fornalutx, Mallorca

ceramic tiles, some of which date back to the 16th century.

Professor of Art History at Madrid’s UNED, Antonio Perla, said the the objects are ‘painted with scenes, images, symbols, prayers and dates’.

The mostly red tiles reflect the history of Fornalutx, including its loves, fears and even the weather.

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XII

APRIL 2022

PROPERTY

GUIDE TO BUYING IN THE CAMPO

INVEST IN A DREAM, NOT A NIGHTMARE...

The Olive Press asks a series of industry professionals how to avoid falling into traps when buying rural properties

M

ANY people dream of buying in Spain’s beautiful ‘campo’ (countryside) but, if you don’t proceed with caution, your vision of a tranquil life could easily turn into a rural episode of ‘Homes from Hell’.

Some common nightmares encountered by unsuspecting buyers include paperwork irregularities, a lack of water, border disputes, access problems and hostile neighbours.

And that is just the half of it.

Here we take a look at some of the key issues that need to be considered: Boundaries matter First and foremost, don’t buy anything that doesn’t have a ‘Nota Simple’ (an official land registry report) which means it isn’t legally registered.

Spain has two different property registration systems - the Registro de la Propiedad (Property Registry), which is focused on ownership and title, and the Catastro or Cadastre, which shows the geographic location of the property, with a physical description and the boundaries defined. The latter is used to calculate property taxes.

It’s always best if the two property records match up, although this is quite often not the case, especially with older properties.

However, you don’t want a lot of divergence. In 2015, a law was passed to coordinate the two databases.

“The first thing to do is to check the boundaries of the property - that the description coordinates with the square meters shown on the Castastral,” says architect Julian Dominguez of MDV Construction,

By Jo Chipchase in Orgiva, who does a lot of work for estate agencies and buyers in rural Granada.

He recommends buyers request the current certification from the Cadastre with a full description of the property so they can check and compare that there are no discrepancies.

Judith Sunley, one buyer who got ning permission doesn’t apply – it caught out in the rural Axarquia does. Above all, beware of natural area of Malaga, insists: “Make parks – meaning areas with ensure the vendor or their agent vironmental protections in place. shows you the actual boundary - And remember that planning perwalking it with you - to avoid dis- mission can be expensive in Spain.

“In protected areas and national putes with neighbours later.”

She has a cautionary tale having parks, it’s virtually impossible to bought a charming rural home in get anything legalised that has not 2013 with her solicitor telling her it already been done, but possible wasn’t a problem that the Catastral for existing buildings – although record was different to the Land Re- difficult,” says Matthew Wood, of Lanjaron Property. “Natural Parks gistry.

“But it then led to four years of in- are different, but also difficult.” creasingly acrimonious arguments He adds: “Buyers should check the with our neighbours, who were legalities of the build. It can be a ‘legal building’ but ‘grabbing’ our land may only be a nave and planting on it. (storage room or “Eventually, we took Beware of warehouse) and not them to court. But it buying in an actual vivienda was only a day befo(home).” re our court case that natural parks If you’ve bought they finally agreed and classified land with a ‘nave’ on the boundary in on it, local regulathe presence of our rural land tions mean you mirespective topograght not be able to phers and lawyers.”

She concluded it was a long and expand the building or reclassify costly process that could have it. And you may not even be able to live in it. been easily avoided.

Julian Dominguez agrees: “Before buying, make sure you verify Can you build? what protections there are in the If you’re buying land with the idea area and whether you can obtain of restoring a ruin, ensure it’s not permission from the town hall to just a pipe dream that will simply build.” never happen, leaving you thou- And remember even if the house is legal, if you buy in a natural park sands out of pocket.

Don’t assume that because it’s even restoring a swimming pool a remote loca- can be problematic. tion, plan- One expat Tom Down, who bought near a village in the Sierra Nevada natural park area, explains: “I received a ‘multa’ fine of €1,400 for a small concrete repair

around a damaged swimming pool that was hazardous to children.”

The local town hall architect explained that pools aren’t allowed in the natural park, even though the pool was marked clearly on his ‘escritura’ as a ‘deportiva’ – a swimming pool - and other neighbouring properties have them.

Water – too little or too much Water is vital to life and is also important to your rural purchase!

If you don’t have sufficient water, you might need to have it delivered by tanker, which can be very expensive.

In some locations, the ‘acequias’ (irrigation water courses) may run dry in hotter months – so do your research first.

Just because it says there are water rights in the ‘escritura’, does not mean they exist.

“When I bought my mountain ‘cortijo’, I didn’t get a lawyer to check the water rights,” explains Tom Down. “It turned out that I was only entitled to five minutes of water once a week.”

In contrast, some places can have too much water.

Remember buying at the bottom of a hill means, when it rains, you will get the lot and heavy rain could mean flooding.

There’s also the issue of wastewater and cess pits. These are quite complicated and will depend on whether the property is already legal, or is being legalised, as well as its proximity to an already existing ‘acequia’.

“The exact requirements vary between town halls,” explains Matthew Wood. “So, look them up before proceeding.”

Research the neighbours and neighbourhood Location, location, location is important. Is your property in the shadow of a mountain for most of the day, meaning it will be dark and inhospitable? Will you need a 4x4 because the access track is liable to degrade and wash away?

Your rural idyll could easily be spoilt by pests – human or otherwise. Do your homework outside the property before committing to buy and always talk to the neighbours.

Mark Stucklin, of Spanish Property Insight, insists you check if other people believe they have rights concerning the property you’re buying.

“Keep an eye out for ‘suspicious’ signs, such as conspicuous pathways running across your land, lots of spent cartridges or other evidence of hunting on the property, signs of people extracting water from ‘your’ stream etc.

“If you see anything of concern, draw it to your lawyers’ attention.”

Other issues to be aware of are access being allowed along farm tracks, which are under the control of the local farmer – possibly with gates. Make sure they are happy.

And remember if you want mains electricity connected, you may need to pass over your neighContinues on Page XIV

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XIV

APRIL 2022

PROPERTY

GUIDE TO BUYING IN THE CAMPO From Page XII

Avoid Facebook bour’s land which requires their permission, so keep them onside. The same also applies to water pipes.

You’ll obviously also need to check mobile and internet signals and easy transport links as well as the location of the nearest medical centre.

Employ a good lawyer Don’t try to buy a property on your own, and never sign documents presented to you directly by the vendor’s side.

“Always seek professional help and don’t take advice from Facebook groups,” insists Matthew Wood. “Use a legal advisor who is fully compliant with rural properties and will visit the property in person. Otherwise, it is impossible to check it properly.”

Francisco Ortega of AF Consulting in Motril, who has 20 years’ conveyancing experience, says: “Clarify all the conditions of the sale with the estate agent. However, don’t believe that you don’t need a lawyer to purchase a property, and they’ll do all the paperwork and legal documentation for you. I have many clients who are fighting legal proceedings in the courts for this reason!

“We’re talking about a very large investment and the consequences of making a mistake can be financially and emotionally catastrophic.”

He adds: “My advice is to find a lawyer in the area – or at least the region where you’re going to buy. Being ‘on the ground’ locally and knowing the surroundings will ensure your lawyer has greater knowledge of your purchase.”

BE PREPARED

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T doesn’t matter what stage of the buying process you’re at: whether you haven’t even visited your first Spanish property or you’re ready to sign those contracts, it’s important to be prepared for the process and do as much research as possible. There are many pitfalls of buying a property in Spain, but the good news is that these mistakes can be easily avoided.

With the right information, plenty of preparation, and a positive mental attitude, you’ll be living in your dream Spanish property in no time!

To help you with your journey, here are the five most common pitfalls of buying a property in Spain:

1. Not Allowing Enough Time Spanish bureaucracy is notoriously complicated and time-consuming. Expect to queue outside your local Town Hall, fill in three forms even if you think one would suffice, and generally complete more paperwork than you have ever completed before! As a result, the process of buying a property in Spain can be a time-consuming one, and you

Right Casa explains five of the most common pitfalls of buying a property in Spain

should allow plenty of time to complete your purchase.

2. Not Doing Enough Property Research As the buyer of the property, the onus is on you to conduct satisfactory property research: if you don’t do this then you could end up with a property that needs extensive renovation or other unexpected costs. You should ask the following questions: Will the property need renovation work?

Has any work already undertaken been completed legally, and are there certificates for this work?

Can you access the urban planning records for the property?

3. Not Being Financially Prepared One of the most common pitfalls of buying a property in Spain is not being ready for the extra costs involved in the

process. As well as the property purchase price, you also need to allow enough funds to cover the associated taxes, legal fees, and any related estate agent fees.

4. Not Having the Legal Registrations You Need In order to purchase a property in Spain you will need to have a NIE number and a Spanish bank account. If you don’t have these registrations in place before you start the purchase process then it is likely to delay things.

5. Not Reading the Contract You shouldn’t proceed unless you completely understand what you’re committing to.

You should thoroughly read and understand all of the paperwork and documents that you are issued throughout the buying process. When your documents are issued

in Spanish, you should translate them and hire a lawyer to check them.

If you’re looking for trusted and experienced estate agents in Southern Spain then why not get in touch?

Our locally based property experts are a font of local knowledge, and are perfectly placed to help you find the home of your dreams. info@rightcasa.com +34 951 490 503 Calle Mérida de Jarales, Local 14 29649 Calahonda Málaga, Spain Av. Reyes Católicos, 58 29130 Alhaurín de la Torre Málaga, Spain

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XVI

APRIL 2022

PROPERTY

BIG PROJECT

Entire abandoned village with Romanesque church for sale in central rural Spain

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HOSE looking for a project may be interested in an entire abandoned village for sale in Burgos in central northern Spain.

It includes a Romanesque church and the

G

potential to rebuild some 50 stone houses and could be yours for €350,000 or the price of a 2 bed flat in Madrid or London’s Blackheath.

The village of Barcena de Bureba lies around 100km south of the city of Burgos

ON THE UP!

and just 25km east of Aranda del Duero.

But like many rural villages across Spain’s vast interior, its inhabitants drifted away to the cities and it has been largely abandoned since the 1980s.

The urban nucleus is made up of 50 houses of various sizes, with many of them described as being structurally in relatively good condition although in need of serious renovation.

Most of the buildings are built with limestone walls, and are connected to electricity and water supplies, according to Spanish portal Idealista where the property is listed.

The gem of the village is a small Romanesque-style church.

The sale of the entire village is likely to generate excitement among those looking to relocate from the city to ‘empty Spain’.

Recently entire villages in Spain – many in Teruel, Soria and Galicia - have been bought up by groups of friends as a retirement project or as ‘co-working’ projects.

The issue of depopulation in rural areas has become a political one with efforts now being made to entice people back to the countryside to

IBRALTAR has undergone a major transformation evolving from a small British Colonial Garrison Town into a self-thriving economy built upon a wide range of commercial business activities ranging from tourism, shipping, and port industries to highly regulated financial services BFA takes a look at property and the gaming industry. development in Gibraltar All of this has generated demand for property construction both for commercial and resi- undertaken by Harbour Developments Limitdential needs. ed, a consortium made up entirely of locally Continuous economic growth has encour- based developers. aged significant public-sector investment into The reclamation, situated in a prime location new schools, sporting complexes, roads, air- to the West of Coaling Island, aims to create port, public transport, services, and clean en- up to 60,000 sqm of new land area. ergy infrastructure, all within a vibrant econ- Another spectacular development has been omy and a strong growth in Gross Domestic the recent concession granted to the TNB Product per capita.

Global Foundation to develop a multi-millionThis direct investment has fuelled and moti- pound marina development, which will provated private sector investment into property vide an exciting mix of residential and comdevelopment which is being delivered to in- mercial amenities in a waterfront environcreasingly higher standards through compet- ment incorporating landscaped recreational itive tendering. breathe new life into dying gardens, hotel, and superyacht marina.

The last 18-24 months has seen an acute villages. increase in property sales as a result of an Efforts include a pledge by increase in purchaser demand and with limSpain’s government to bring ited resale supply of properties, with high high-speed internet to farend property fetching as much as £8,000 flung rural areas to encour£10,000 per m2 circa £1,500 more per m2 age remote workers or digital than two years ago. nomads to relocate.

This surge in demand, primarily driven by speculative investors, has in turn encouraged the developers to re-launch the luxury development schemes which had been put on hold.

New Developments in the Gibraltar offers a safe and desirable place to live and work embracing luxury lifestyle with pipeline for construction comfort within a secure andVILLAS structured UNDER CONSTRUCTION – RESERVE YOURS NOW! LASTliving REMAINING fiscal environment.

Register with BFA for your VIP listings Recently announced Within the enclavebyofthe theGibraltar natural Govbackdrop of thebefore historic North Gorge of Gibraltar, this development of 48 detached launch of off plan sales ernment, andand probably the most ambitious Hilton Project - The 160 Bed terraced houses is underway as The scheduled following the successful off plan sale of Phase I. project to be supported by the Government, Hilton Hotel for anda2Gibraltar Luxury Residential The North private Gorgeinvestment development hastobeen shortlisted Sustainability Award. Few remaining properties is a significant initiative developments. reclaim land from the harbour. developforThe sale in phase II with pricesPlaza ranging betweenand £1.4 to £1.8 million.

Queens - Commercial ment project known as ‘Victoria Keys’, will be Residential Development North Gorge - Luxury Eco Friendly Villas within the surrounds of a Natural 17B Casemates Square Sanctuary

NORTH GORGE DEVELOPMENT

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FOR SALE: This entire village with 50 homes and a church in Burgos could all be yours

NORTH GORGE DEVELOPMENT LAST REMAINING VILLAS UNDER CONSTRUCTION – RESERVE YOURS NOW! Within the enclave of the natural backdrop of the historic North Gorge of Gibraltar, this development of 48 detached and terraced houses is underway as scheduled following the successful off plan sale of Phase I. The North Gorge development has been shortlisted for a Gibraltar Sustainability Award. Few remaining properties for sale in phase II with prices ranging between £1.4 to £1.8 million.

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Semi-detached 4 storey villa with integral garage, garden, balconies, car port and solarium terrace with jacuzzi. Passenger lift serving all levels including roof.

Terraced villas also with integral garage, balconies, car port and solarium roof terrace. Passenger lift serving all levels including roof.

PROPERTY DETAILS

PROPERTY DETAILS

Interior size: 232m² | Total area: 338m² Balconies: 13m² | Roof Terrace: 46m² | Garden: 47m²

Interior size: 180m² | Total area: 268m² Balconies: 17m² | Roof Terrace: 53m² | Garden: 18m²

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£1,440,000 (OFF PLAN PRICE)

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Bedrooms: 3 | Bathrooms: 3

Bedrooms: 4 | Bathrooms: 4

Terraced Villas also with integral garage, rear garden, balconies, car port and solarium roof terrace. Passenger lift serving all levels including roof.

Terraced Villa also with integral garage, balconies, car port and solarium roof terrace.

PROPERTY DETAILS

Interior size: 160m² | Total area: 233m² Balconies: 9m² | Roof Terrace: 43m² | Garden: 21m²

17b The Balcony – Casemates & First Floor Hadfield House Library Street, Gibraltar

PROPERTY DETAILS

Interior size: 204m² | Total area: 301m² Balconies: 17m² | Garden: 18m²

Tel: 00(350) 200 71131 Email: info@bfagib.com www.bfagib.com

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PROPERTY

XVIII

OVER 250,000 PROPERTIES FROM 2,000+ AGENTS

APRIL 2022

TAKING GOOD CARE HomeCareontheWeb is growing from strength to strength

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XPERTLY weathering the pandemic under the new management team of Christine Trainor, Jenna Bland and Courtney Trainor, the coast’s leading property management company is ready to lift the company to new heights.

Christine says: “Our new team is raring to go. The pandemic is over and homeowners are keen to ensure their properties are up to rental-ready standard.”

Founders Tony and Gill started the company with a mission of caring for properties as if they were their own, growing it in size to become one of the leading property companies on the Costa del Sol.

Integral

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Christine joined their team in 2008 initially as financial controller before becoming general manager.

Jenna has been an integral part of the management team since 2011 as operations manager, whilst Courtney has been a seasonal employee of the company for many years, recently taking up her new role as sales and marketing manager.

Jenna says: “Our offices in La Cala de Mijas cover the Costa del Sol from Malaga to Sotogrande. We have a friendly and professional team providing pres-

tige property services to holiday homeowners and tenants.”

Courtney says: “Our rental team will find you longterm or holiday rentals to help maximise your property’s income potential, whilst handling the entire rentals process on your behalf.”

The company’s holiday rentals website features a simple-to-use FRIENDLY TEAM: Christine, Jenna and Courtney ‘browse, book and pay’ system so holidaymakers can 9 Out-of-hours emergency service easily find their perfect holiday home 9 Calendar facilities for planning holiday visits while the long-term rental team helps 9 Financial statements and credit tenants find their dream home. card payment system Overall HomeCareontheWeb 9 Rentals management 9 Holiday rental accommodation provides…

9 Long-term rental accommodation 9 Property care services including regular inspections and on-line reports 9 Automatic cleaning and laundry 9 In-house maintenance team

HomeCareontheWeb also provides a free advice service, so if you need any help or guidance, call them on (+34) 952 83 95 95, or visit their website at www.homecareontheweb.com

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Our secure Online Owners’ Management Area gives you access to comprehensive information and allows you to order services including housekeeping and maintenance.

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When you are away from your property, especially if it’s for long periods of time, you can rest assured that we are here taking the best care of your home away from home and your rental bookings.

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FINCA EL PILAR R3778912 – 2,250,000€ Beautiful Land of 17,051 m2, on the edge of the village next to the town centre of Benahavis town, with many possibilities due to its ideal situation, with only one main entrance and same exit giving privacy and tranquillity.

Within the plot, there are two villas. The sculptor owner has decorated the interior with an eclectic mix of ethnic and modern pieces, original sculptures and paintings, a tiled kitchen and a large airy living room. It has to be seen to be appreciated, totally secluded but within a short walk of the many bars, cafes and restaurants that Benahavís affords.

BED: 9 | BATH: 4 | BUILT SIZE: 552M2 | TERRACE SIZE: 200 M2 | GARDEN/PLOT: 17,051 M2 GARAGE: YES | GARDEN: YES | SWIMMING POOL: YES

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XX

APRIL 2022

PROPERTY

NO MORE STONEWALLING! A once grandiose palace is now on the red list of Europe’s most endangered homes while its corrupt town hall plays games

IT was once the grand Spanish seaside palace of the aristocratic Orleans-Borbon family.

Spread over 6,000 square metres, the former royals kicked back in its Arabic-influenced walls and cascading gardens during their regular summer sojourns down south.

But the giant property, in the heart of the Cadiz town of Sanlucar de Barrameda, is now in danger of collapse.

El Palacio de Orleans-Borbon has just been included in the list of the ‘Seven most endangered monuments and architectural gems’ on the continent by the Europa Nostra association.

Built between 1853 and 1870 for Antoine d'Orleans, Duke of Montpensier, the youngest son of King Louis-Philippe I, and his wife, the In-

IN DANGER: Glorious facades survive but the building is on the verge of collapse

fanta of Spain, Louise Fernande de Bourbon, it needs urgent protection.

According to the association at least €5million needs to be spent to protect the building from falling into total decay.

The neo-mudejar masterpiece is in danger of collapse and funds ‘need to be urgently raised to save it’.

The town hall - Spain’s most opaque with a mere 2.5% transparency rating - has long-ignored its responsibility to its patrimony.

Despite acquiring it in 1979, little has been done to repair it.

This month, however, the PSOE town hall claimed it had been waiting on various promises of funds from successive central governments and the Junta.

XXI

PERFECT ESCAPE

D

It also insisted some €345,000 was set to be spent over the next few months to shore up the most neglected parts and prevent collapse.

Europe’s six other most endangered monuments are the Zogu bridge, in

Albania, Recollets Convent, in Belgium, La Butte Rouge, near París, the ancient centre of Stolberg, in Germany, the Neptuno baths, in Romania, and the fort of Crevecoeur, in Holland.

URING the second half of the 19th century, the relationship between the Duke of Montpensier and his mother-in-law, the Queen of Spain, was anything but good and forced the young couple to live far from the cour t.

The Duke and Infanta established their winter residence in the Palacio de San Telmo in Sevilla and their summer residence in Sanlucar de Barrameda, in Cadiz.

The royal couple, on something of an extravagant whim, purchased three connected buildings in Sanlucar, the old seminar y school, a merchant’s house and a wing of the Convento de las Mercedes.

The three buildings were integrated to create an extravagant palace, with a wonderful garden, in the hear t of the seaside town, famous for its sherry.

A series of Spain’s best architects, including Balbino Marron, Juan Talavera de la Vega and Fernandez Ayarragaray, were involved in designing Spain’s first neo-Mudejar style building.

In 1971, the palace was sold to an investor in Sevilla, who intended to demolish the building and build houses on the site.

However, thankfully the locals stood up and demanded action and Sanlucar town hall acquired the building in order to avoid its destruction and to put it to public use.

Sadly this has not happened.

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APRIL 2022

ROC SOLID!

Roc Estates - a reliable choice for property on the Costa del Sol

T

RAWLING through property after property online and traipsing to viewing after viewing in the hope of finding your dream property here on the Costa del Sol is never an easy task.

It becomes all the more frustrating when you do stumble upon a potential winner, but it’s not quite what you would Unique Investment opportunity class as a ‘dream property’ in its current state. of 11.000sqm to This is what makes Roc Estates a Nueva great Andalucia, choice ofPlot real estate agent to build up to 8 villas, breathtaking views deal with. Not only do they help you5.500.000 to buy€and sell your property or investment - but they also specialise in providing consulting, project management, renovations, construction and rental management services.

This ‘one-stop-shop’ enables clients to enjoy a minimum stress and hassle-free experience in finding their dream home or investment property, and expert help in transforming it into the home or rental property of dreams, if necessary.

The team aims to serve their clients with an individually-tailored service Let us help and assist and provide you with the most professional industry advice, you, whether tohome. eitherConsidering find or build your dream home! you are looking to buy or sell your renovating or updating your property, or perhaps you are searching for a trustworthy Feel free to contact if you with are looking to buy or sell, build o and reliable company to manage your property andusdeal rentals, We key-holding, would love to help andyou assist younot within our expertise and p security, maintenance, cleaning and while are residence? The team at Roc Estates can help! +34 650 952 084 bargain info@rocestates.com They also specialise in investment opportunities, and distressedwww.rocestates.c sales, and bank repossessions in top areas like Marbella and Estepona.

With a wide-ranging network of industry contacts built up over many years, Roc Estates are the experts at matching the right property to the right client.

The friendly, multilingual team has over 20 years property sales experience in the Costa del Sol and Scandinavia. Call them on: +34 650952084 or email them at: info@rocestates.com. Go to www. rocestates.com for listings and more information.

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT But after eight minutes it takes to decide to buy, please check the details, writes Vanessa Davila of the Spanish Estate Agent

D

ESPITE it being one of the most important decisions of our lives, it seems that buying property is really a question of love at first sight.

A study conducted by the UK’s One Poll found it takes buyers a staggering 480 seconds - just eight minutes - to decide if a property is the one for them.

Of those interviewed, already 15% revealed they knew they wanted to buy just from seeing the ad.

Meanwhile six out of 10 people will rule a property out before even stepping into it.

When you also keep in mind that remote buying has skyrocketed in the last year, you will get the idea of how important it is to have a thorough and accurate listing that considers the surrounding area.

All this rang true when we recently fell in love with a refurbished studio in Fuengirola’s Pueblo Lopez development.

We had recently moved back to Spain from Edinburgh and were living in Elviria but looking for a small ‘pied a terre’ in Fuengirola, where I spent my childhood summers and where the family still gathers every August.

The instant attraction to this authentically Spanish looking property saw us making an offer on the spot but the delays that followed on the side of the vendor soon put a dampener on our enthusiasm. Everybody talks about qualifying buyers so that they are ready to move in quickly, but often agents fail to inform vendors about what documents they need to present to complete a sale.

It soon transpired that our seller in

Fuengirola had been misinformed about the plusvalía tax and was going around in circles.

Not only did this flatten out our excitement but it made us question ourselves at length…Did we really want this ONE? As a vendor, it is worth getting the house in order first. From sorting out buyers ‘pet hates’ (flaking paint and smells being high on the list) to having all the necessary documentation at hand.

So when the right candidate walks through the door and falls in love with your property, you know that it will be a lasting romance instead of a one-night stand.

The love goes on Thinking of selling or know someone who is?

Get in touch with the best team on the Costa del Sol to find you a buyer and make selling a breeze.

Oh, we did go through with the buying in the end and we’ve ended up with a very lovely charming studio.

We were just getting ready to rent it last month when some friends told us of their Ukrainian friends arriving after slowly making their way through Europe.

So, like many other people on Costa del Sol, we have lent it to them to live for a few weeks while they find their feet. And the love goes on.

SELL WITH THE BEST!

Email enquiries@thespanishestateagent.com or call 951 516 905

XXII

APRIL 2022

PROPERTY

A safe haven

OVER 3,000 kilometres separate the ‘tranquillity’ of the costas from the horrors of Ukraine. However, the effects of the war have become the ‘trigger’ for a sharp rise in inflation and shortages that have been building up since the financial crisis in 2007/8.

This has been building with 14 years of quantitative easing, pensive, at a time which basically means the when consumers ‘watering down’ of currencies. are spending Add in a sudden shortage of more of their infuel, wheat and other commocome on general dities, alongside disruptions of ges in the local market. living costs, there are some trade caused by Covid, and Overall, the answer has been, positives. consumers are suddenly fin‘Not yet’. But there’s greater In particular, property is seen ding they’re not getting so uncertainty about the future, as a safe haven in times of much for their Euros, Pounds particularly from their clients. inflation… and Spain has a or Kroner, and definitely not With some, there is an urgency nice range of it as far away as their Roubles. to buy just to get the security one can get from the troubles Inflation is traditionally slowed of a ‘fixed’ asset in northern Euby wage and price controls, before anything rope, including with the latter now being immajor happens. the Ukraine war. plemented in Spain for fuel, With others, theThen there are There’s greater as well as restrictions on rent re is greater cauthe obvious Thinking of Selling? uncertainty increases. tion and a wish factors like the It is also controlled by reduto hold onto what weather and about the cing the amount of money they’ve got. One cost of living, urgently need available, We by increasing intefuture lawyer even said but also things rest rates.

This leadsalltothe cash that two clients properties way like the ‘free’ and savings having less value, had pulled out of energy from the Sotogrande meaning from people start usingto sun being readeals within the it to buy things that will hold last few days, losing their 10% dily available here.

Benalmadena their value, such as property. deposits.

Over the last week, I’ve asked for eager While rising interestbuyers. rates Either way, agents have rarely many professionals if they are make mortgages more exbeen so busy with deals being finding any evidence of chan-

Is the Ukraine war (and inflation) affecting Spain’s property market, asks Campbell Ferguson of Survey Spain

Phone us now on +34 951 516 905

SELL WITH THE BEST!

IT’S YOUR MOVE! Thinking

of Selling?

• A database of over 10,000 potential clients across all continents.

• Tap into our worldwide, award-winning marketing.

• Experienced, professional and dynamic sales team.

We urgently need properties all the way Email us at info@thespanishestateagent.com visit our website at www.thespanishestateagent.com or visit us at Avenida España 250, Estepona 29680. from Sotogrande to Benalmadena for eager buyers.

Phone us now on +34 951 516 905

IT’S YOUR MOVE! • A database of over 10,000 potential clients across all continents.

• Tap into our worldwide, award-winning marketing.

• Experienced, professional and dynamic sales team.

Email us at info@thespanishestateagent.com visit our website at www.thespanishestateagent.com or visit us at Avenida España 250, Estepona 29680.

XXIII

APRIL 2022

A LIFESTYLE CHOICE

International project manager Javier del Carpio who is leading one of the Costa del Sol’s largest development projects, Small Oasis, talks to the Olive Press

M

EXICAN Javier del Carpio, may have a background in Chemical Industrial Management, but he has more than 25 years of experience in Real Estate. Here he answers some questions about the exciting Small Oasis project which he first proposed in 2018, and why buyers should invest in a home in the scheme.

concluded and the difficulty of finding properties for their clients to buy.

The logic is that demand should go down for those just looking for a holiday home, as there will be less money around.

British buyers are likely to be some of the worst affected as they are already suffering from the impact of Brexit. Russians, too, will be absent.

However, the reduction in these sectors are being made up for by buyers anxious to place their funds in solid assets, far away from the current conflict.

And the costas have already seen significant increase in buyers from Germany, and interestingly Romania, over recent months.

Golden visas Something else worth considering is the EU’s planned changes on the granting of investment-backed visa’s.

This is likely to cause a rush of applications with ‘golden Visas’, as they are called, getting granted to families investing more that €500,000 in property here.

They can also be acquired by investing the same amount in Spanish companies or even Spanish Government Bonds.

Overall, expensive property should not see any significant changes, with an increase of interest rates.

However, lower value property purchases are more often linked to mortgages, and that market may stutter as buyers find it har-

der to find a mortgage or shy away from them in case interest rates rise substantially.

Fixed rate mortgages are becoming hard to find.

We tend to forget that higher interest rates were once common around Europe, with them being as high as 17% in the UK in 1979, when inflation averaged 13%.

Fortunately, and hopefully, we are a long way away from those levels.

To conclude, I believe the demand for property from those with money will continue, therefore encouraging the upper price sector of the market in Spain.

However, buyers, agents and other professionals will be ‘looking over their shoulders’ with unease, unsure of what lies ahead.

Why should buyers invest in Small Oasis?

First of all, we are a very sound company - in fact we have just been approved for a $170 million loan to buy real estate here in Manilva. Small Oasis offers security, reliability and amenities for all ages. These are of a very high standard and include a movie theatre, an infinity pool as well as a children’s pool. We are also committed to sustainability, having wells, solar panels and energy efficient installations.

This means our current and future projects are environmentally friendly.

When will the project be finished?

It depends. Our target is within two years.

However, some issues are beyond our control.

For example, the town council has to grant us permits and approvals, which require time. We also have to consider our own construction work and the possible changes that may occur during the course of the project. Although it is a complicated and long-term project, we are dealing with a large real estate company that is valued at some €130 million.

How many homes have been sold and how many are left to sell?

From the first phases, 258 have already been sold and 50 are still available. We have just launched the luxury apartments and we have already sold one - the other 144 are still available.

What’s planned for the years ahead?

Once we finish the current projects, we will certainly move forward. We have already evaluated a couple of plots of land available in Manilva. We are evaluating other projects on the Costa del Sol as well as exploring other possibilities such as in Murcia. We attach great importance in continuing to create homes that offer a fantastic lifestyle to the buyers, but following the company values of sustainability we build into all our projects.

What nationality are your buyers?

We did not expect to have as many local buyers as we do. It has been a very pleasant surprise for Small Oasis. Apart from that, our most important markets at the moment are the Polish and Czechs. We also have Belgians and Dutch as top clients.

Campbell D Ferguson, FRICS. Chartered Surveyor in Spain. RICS Registered Valuer.

Director – Survey Spain SL. Regulated by RICS. Tel: 00 34 952 923 520 & Mobile: 00 34 650 599 701 - www.surveyspain.com

For more information please call one of our professional, friendly team on +34 604 416 821, email: welcome@smalloasisbiglife.com or see our comprehensive website at www.smalloasisbiglife.com

LIVE IN AN EXCLUSIVE OASIS OVERLOOKING THE OCEAN

Apartments Resort

Costa del Sol

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+34 604 416 821 www.smalloasisbiglife.com

SMALL OASIS RESORT COMMUNITY-COSTA DEL SOL, SPAIN WELCOME@SMALLOASISBIGLIFE.COM

QUOTE - Olive Press AD

LAST GREEN A rare opportunity to buy a large 4 bedroom corner townhouse in Last Green.

4 Beds | 4 Baths | 425m2 Built | 116m2 terrace REF: 176-01407P | 1.150.000€ The house is in immaculate condition as the current owner has done several improvements in the last year. The kitchen was recently fitted using only the finest of materials creating a wonderful focal point in the house. The split level living and dining room has a luxurious feel where the living area leads you straight out onto one of the terraces and the garden area. All 4 bedrooms are on-suite.

There are incredible sea and mountain views from the large solarium.

The property has undergone an extensive maintenance program with the changing of all electrics, the installation of a top quality antical water softener, new wallpaper and painting throughout.

GUADALMINA ALTA Spacious apartment in Gudalmina Alta with incredible views.

2 Beds | 2 Baths | 126m2 Built | 45m2 terrace REF: 176-02010P | 435.000€ A rare opportunity to acquire a large 2 bedroom apartment in the emblematic building of El Iiwi in Guadalmina Alta. First thing that you notice is the generous size of all rooms. The spacious hall leads you into the living dining room with direct access to a large partly covered terrace.

There are striking views across the golf course and towards the mountain range in the west where you can enjoy unforgettable sun sets.

GRANADOS GOLF, LAS BRISAS Grand apartment with a villa feel in the popular gated urbanization of Los Granados Golf.

3 Beds | 3 Baths | 166m2 Built | 72m2 terrace REF: 176-01635P | 899.000€ The ample reception room leads you the spacious living and dining room that leads you out onto the very large covered terrace with open garden views. From here you can walk straight out onto the communal gardens and beautiful pool area. There are 3 large bedroom suites that include a very generous master suite leading out onto the terrace. The property can also be accessed directly from the underground garage via the lift.

CENTRO COMERCIAL PLAZA 63 | 29660 NUEVA ANDALUCÍA | SPAIN +34 952 816 250 | INFO@ANDADEV.COM | WWW.ANDADEV.COM

LA CULTURA Final drum roll

April 6th - April 19th 2022

37

Cashing in SPAIN’S government has approved a birthday gift to all 18-year-olds in the form of a culture voucher worth €400.

The Youth Cultural Bonus, which can be spent on books, concerts, cinema tickets, museum entrances or even video games, has been passed by the Council of Ministers.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced the scheme last year, saying it would introduce youngsters to Spain’s rich cultural history.

Pass

He added that it would also support Spain’s culture industry which suffered a 15.8% decline in spending in 2020 as Covid-19 pandemic restrictions bit.

Approximately 500,000 teenagers are said to be eligible for the pass.

The money will be loaded onto a virtual card and spent via smartphone.

Youngsters will be able to spend up to €200 on live experiences, including concerts and festivals, and another €100 is available for physical products, like records.

A further €100 is for digital products, such as mp3 albums.

FOO FIGHTERS have cancelled their 2022 tour following the death of drummer Taylor Hawkins.

It means the band will no longer be playing two planned gigs in Madrid and one in Valencia.

Emergency services were called to a hotel room in Bogota, Colombia after Hawkins complained of chest pains whilst

Foo Fighters cancel Spain gigs in Madrid and Valencia after death of drummer

By George Mathias

on tour with the band last weekend.

They found him unresponsive upon arrival and administered CPR, but were unable to revive him.

A band spokesman said: “It is with great sadness that the Foo Fighters confirm the cancellation of all our tour dates due to the shocking

loss of our brother, Taylor Hawkins. We are sorry and share the disappointment of not seeing each other as planned.

Instead, let’s take this moment to heal, to draw closer to our

Don’t make him cry CELEBRITY chef Dabiz Muñoz has ignited fresh debate on the eternal question of what should go in an authentic Spanish tortilla.

Muñoz claims that onion in the omlette is strictly a no-go, saying that the sweetness of the vegetable tarnishes the overall flavour.

The Spanish staple has countless recipes that vary drastically by region.

The three Michelin star chef admitted that his remarks were likely to cause considerable controversy: “Whenever

I say that tortilla should be made without onions, people tell me that I am silly, and I have no doubt that I am.”

Dabiz Muñoz, who will soon open a new restaurant - RavioXO in Madrid, - claims that the onion gives an ‘excessive and unnecessary sweetness’ to the tortilla.

“A good egg, a good oil and a good potato is a good combo that does not need anything more than a little salt,” he added during a presentation at Fusion, held at Madrid’s Ifema.

loved ones, and to cherish all the music and memories we’ve built together.”

The band also announced that anyone with tickets will be automatically refunded.

The promoters of the gigs in Spain, Live Nation, said: “It is with great sadness that we announce that the Foo Fighters concerts in Valencia and Madrid are cancelled.”

Opioids

Hawkins, 50, joined the band in 1997 and went on to record eight studio albums with the band.

A toxicology report found at least 10 substances in his body, including opioids and cannabis, though the cause of death has not yet been established.

Comeback time AFTER a two year break Fuengirola’s Feria de los Pueblos festival is making a comeback.

The festival - which has been renamed the Feria de los Paises - is famous for its multicultural celebration, with the UK, Greece, Australia, Hawaii, Belgium, India, and Paraguay just some of the countries represented.

The event first started in 1994 as a promotion of the 130 different nationalities who call Fuengirola home.

Pre-Covid, it regularly drew in more than 100,000 visitors, many of whom take part in a giant parade across the town.

Each nation involved usually offers up its own programme of activities including concerts, dance shows, craft markets, workshops and food stalls showcasing national delicacies.

Ukraine will also be taking part.

The mayor of Fuengirola, Ana Mula, said: “Ukrainian citizens need our support and affection at the festival more than ever.”

Russia however will not be represented at the festival.

The celebrations kick off on Saturday, April 30 at 11.30am on the Plaza de Espanza.

38

LA CULTURA

April 6th - April 19th 2022

DON QUI-NOT

12 essential Spanish literary works that are not Don Quijote

W

HENEVER iconic Spanish literature is mentioned, the first and sometimes only work that comes to mind abroad is that of Miguel de Cervantes.

And that’s no surprise as his famous tome Don Quijote de la Mancha is not only one of the best-selling books in history, it is after the Bible the second most translated book in the world.

But in reality there are other novels and plays that are shorter, easier to read and with more exciting subject matters than the senile old gentleman who famously tilted at windmills.

Nada

by Carmen Laforet

Luces de Bohemia

by Ramon Maria del Valle Inclan

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HE oldest literary prize in Spain, the Nadal Prize, was awarded to this book in 1944 in its first edition.

The title Nada (nothing) captures the essence of this novel: an existentialist work that captures the day to day life in post-war Barcelona: Sadness, poverty, desperation... A young Andrea arrives in Barcelona to study literature and sees her initial enthusiasm and innocence clash with the reality of his tragicomethe times. dy novel starring Calisto and Melibea was published in 1499. The mad passion of Calisto for Melibea leads him to break all moral and social barriers and ally himself ew works of theatre define tragedy as aptly as the with a dubious malast play by the great Granada writer Garcia Lorca. dame, Celestina. A After the death of her second husband, Bernarrace then begins da, the mother of five daughters, goes into secluin which the charsion and imposes a rigorous and suffocating eight-year acters selfishly period of mourning on her grown-up girls. But a love seek their own affair that entangles the daughters who all hanker for benefit: Calisto the same man will change the lives of all of them. The to have Melibea play begins and ends with Bernarda saying the same and Celestina to word: Silence. get rich at the expense of his master.

La Celestina

by Fernando de Rojas

T

A

lso a tragicomedy, this Valle Inclan play is about literary life in Spanish society in the early part of the 20th century.

It focuses on the nocturnal stroll through Madrid of a blind poet, Max Estrella, accompanied by his agent Don Latino.

The story recounts the last hours of elderly Max’s life and visits countless spots in the capital and a cast of fictional and real people.

La Casa de Bernarda Alba

by Federico Garcia Lorca

F

Fortunata y Jacinta

by Benito Perez Galdos

San Manuel Bueno, Martir

by Miguel de Unamuno

T

his realist novel reveals a writer committed to his times and a progressive Spain. The stormy love affair between Juanito and Fortunada, unable to overcome the difficulties that their different social status, takes place in the traditional atmosphere of the late 19th century. The book portrays the role of women in society, with the pair as its greatest exponents.

T

he novel revolves around the author’s great obsessions, immortality and faith, although they are presented with a new approach for him: the alternative between a tragic truth and an illusory happiness. When Angela Carballino writes the story of Don Manuel Bueno, a parish priest of his little village Valverde de Lucerna, multiple events show him to be a saint of flesh and blood.

Everything changes when the parish priest confides to Angela’s brother Lazaro - of progressive and anticlerical ideas - his most intimate secret: he does not believe in faith or in God, but pretends to do so in order to maintain peace and belief in the afterlife among his faithful followers.

El Lazarillo de Tormes by an anonymous writer

Fuenteovejuna

by Lope de Vega

L

ope de Vega’s play, written in verse and published in 1619, belongs to the Spanish Golden Age. Fuente Ovejuna is a small village under the rule of Fernan Gomez, a cruel and unscrupulous man who exploits his vassals. The people get fed up with his malice and decide to kill him, agreeing to all insist the killer ‘was Fuente Ovejuna’. It is considered a symbol of the unity of a whole people against feudal tyranny.

W

ritten in 1554 by an unknown author, this is an adventure of a roguish, but appealing hero of low social class who lives by his wits in a corrupt society. Dickens, Mark Twain and Burroughs were all influenced by the novel that revolves around Lazaro, a naive boy who, struggles to get through all the adversities and complexities of life. In a nutshell, after his father dies, his mother puts him in the service of nine masters, all of whom represent a criticism of society.

LA CULTURA

April 6th April 19th 2022

39 PROPERTY OF THE WEEK TA E D

E CH

D

CH345

135.000€ Marchena, Sevilla

Platero y yo

by Juan Ramon Jimenez

El camino

by Miguel Delibes

P

T

ublished in 1914, the book represents the transition of the narrative of modernism and all subsequent currents. Platero is a muchloved donkey in the care of a young boy who treats him as his best friend. An incredible bond is created between the human and the donkey due to various reasons, among them the death of his relatives, which makes the boy not trust any human being.

his is Delibes’s third novel, published in 1950 and set in post-war rural Spain.

It tells the story of Daniel el Mochuelo who goes to the city to study travelling through the countryside with his friends Roque and German and reliving the adventures of simple village people.

Don Juan Tenorio

by Jose Zorrilla

T

enorio is one of the most famous characters in Spanish theatre. The story takes place in Sevilla during the Golden Age. A year after making a bet to see who is more wicked and womanising, Don Juan Tenorio and Don Luis Mejia meet to recount their exploits, which end with Tenorio as the winner. But everything changes when, after a bet to seduce a nun, he falls madly in love with Doña Ines.

La vida es sueño

by Pedro Calderon de la Barca

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ritten in 1635, the play has the main character questioning the meaning of life while in captivity.

The drama revolves around the deprivation of Sigismundo’s freedom by his father, King Basilio of Poland, who imprisons him for fear that the predictions of a consulted oracle, according to which he would defeat and humiliate him, will come true.

3 bed, 2 bath Build: 160m2

This beautiful detached property is accessed by private gates which lead into a covered parking area and gardens that wrap around the centrally located property. It has a covered porch to the front which leads to a bright central entrance hall.

Mollina Office +34 952 741 525 info@inlandandalucia.com

Calle de la Villa 14, 29532 Mollina, Malaga

www.inlandandalucia.com

BUSINESS Bleeding heart

40 Algae success

TWO Spanish companies have joined forces to cultivate algae that stops nitrate pollution in water, as infamously seen over recent years at Murcia’s Mar Menor lagoon.

Mediterranean Algae and G2G Algae Solutions have won an Agritech Startup Europe Award which encourages solutions to environmental and climate change issues.

Funding

The success of the companies, which were only formed in 2020, means they will get training in applying for European funding to take their joint-project, known as ALGALI-TIC, onto the next stage.

If successful, they could win grants totalling up to €7 million. They plan to put the algae into water courses which will filter out harmful nitrates.

April 6th - April 19th 2022

Russian oligarch behind Dia supermarket chain moans about ‘hardship’ of sanctions

THE oligarch behind Spain’s Dia supermarket chain has moaned about the hardships of not being able to access his fortune since sanctions were imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Mikhail Fridman, who has an estimated fortune in excess of $10 billion told the Spanish newspaper El País this week that he was ‘practically under house arrest’.

The businessman, who is based in London, said he was unable to access his bank accounts and his cred-

By Fiona Govan

it cards have been blocked.

The 57-year-old said he had applied for permission to access funds to pay for his living costs but that if it were to be successful he could only withdraw £2,500 a month.

He complained that it was barely ‘enough to live a normal life without excesses’.

“I can’t even take anyone out to a restaurant. I have to eat at home and I am practically under house

SPANISH energy company Cepsa will spend €8 billion in a shift to using more low-carbon energy sources by 2030.

The plan is for half the firm’s earnings to come from sustainable energy within eight years, as opposed to a projected 14% this year.

Part of the strategy is a major overhaul of its network of 3,000 fuel stations in Spain to promote the use of electric cars. It will create an ultra-fast road charging network that includes at least one 150-kilowatt charger every 200 ki-

HARDSHIP: Fridman making do with €2,500 a month

arrest.”

Home is the sprawling Victorian mansion Athlone

GOING GREEN lometres on the country’s main roads.

The Cepsa plan backs the concept of green hydrogen, produced by passing renewably-produced electricity through water to split the element from oxygen.

By 2030, Cepsa plans to have a green hydrogen refuelling station for heavy goods vehicles on all of the main routes that link Spain with Europe.

CRISIS PLANNING How to protect yourself against the volatility in the Pound Euro exchange rate, writes FX specialist Peter Loveday

RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR Dominating the headlines at the moment, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is also behind a lot of the movement in the Pound Euro pair.

While both the Eurozone and UK economies are exposed to the economic fallout of the war and the sanctions levelled at Russia, the EU is particularly vulnerable, largely due to its energy links.

So when there is positive news – such as progress in peace talks – the Euro tends to get a boost, while negative developments in Ukraine downgrade it.

Of course, the situation in Ukraine is rapidly developing and constantly changing and even the savviest analysts are unsure how it will unfold.

CENTRAL BANK POLICY Both the Bank of England (BoE) and the European Central Bank (ECB) are in the unenviable position of deciding on monetary policy at a time of surging inflation and faltering growth.

Monetary policy has a massive impact on exchange rates. Usually central banks signal plans ahead of time so that any changes don’t shock markets.

However, the huge amount of uncertainty at the moment makes it hard for policymakers to even decide on the best course of action, let alone communicate it in advance.

That’s why the March meetings at the ECB and BoE both surprised markets, causing sharp changes in the GBP/ EUR rate.

Loss

The struggling retailer reported a €257 million loss for 2021 across its outlets in Spain, Argentina, Brazil, and Portugal, after an intensive period of restructuring and store closures.

INFLATION in Spain has soared to 9.8% in March - the highest rate since May 1985, according to the National Statistics Institute (INE).

The rate stood at 7.6% in February. The INE said the March increase was due to the surge in electricity and fuel prices, but also by the rise in the cost of food items due to the war in Ukraine.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said: “It is a bad figure which affects our economy, especially more vulnerable groups … due to runaway energy prices.”

Taxing position PROPERTY owners in Spain face some of the highest tax rates in the EU when it comes to electricity bills.

According to Eurostat, Denmark had the highest, followed by Germany, Portugal and then Spain.

On top of an electricity production tax there are extra tolls and IVA. Currently, the latter is temporarily reduced to 10% from the usual 21%.

The government has extended until June 30 the current tax reductions on electricity.

WANT TO SAVE TIME AND MONEY ON YOUR CURRENCY TRANSFERS? CALL, EMAIL OR VISIT US IN BRANCH! ESTEPONA Avd. España, nº 10, Local 5, Estepona, Málaga, 29680 estepona@currenciesdirect.com MARBELLA

T

HE Pound Euro (GBP/EUR) exchange rate has seen some wild swings in recent months.

In March alone, it fluctuated between €1.183 and a fiveyear high of €1.217 – a movement of around 2.8%.

While we’re seemingly past the worst days of the coronavirus pandemic, other crises have stepped in to fill its place, injecting fresh uncertainty into the currency markets.

Here’s what’s driving GBP/EUR at the moment and how you can protect against volatility:

House in Highgate which Fridman purchased in 2016 for an eye-watering £65 million.

Fridman co-founded LIHS who hold 78% of shares in the Dia supermarket chain in Spain.

Spiralling prices

Plaza de las Orquídeas, Calle Orquídea, Local 5, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella, Málaga, 29660 marbella@currenciesdirect.com +34 952 906 581 FUENGIROLA ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY Adding to the volatility, both the UK and the Eurozone face increasing economic uncertainty. Britain and the EU initially bounced back from the pandemic but Omicron, soaring inflation and the Ukraine war have cast doubt on growth outlooks.

When forecasts are cloudy, volatility can increase. Long-term planning becomes harder, so markets are prone to more shocks, spikes and dips as new economic data emerges.

PROTECTING AGAINST VOLATILITY This kind of volatility can cause some nasty surprises if you need to transfer money overseas. On a £20,000 transfer, that threecent gap between €1.18 and €1.21 translates to a €680 difference. And the larger the sum, the higher the discrepancy.

Fortunately, there are ways that you can protect against volatility.

Specialist currency brokers, such as Currencies Direct, offer different tools to help you navigate the ups and downs of the currency market.

For instance, you can use a forward contract to secure an exchange rate for up to a year. This way, you won’t lose out if the market moves against you.

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FOOD & DRINK

April 6th April 19th 2022

41

EARNING HIS BREAD MADRID is officially home to the best sandwich in Spain - and it’s creator has bagged €1,500.

Neotavern of Santerra was crowned at Spain’s ‘Sandwich Oscars’, when its chef took the top title at the Madrid Fusion Sandwich Contest.

The gourmet tapas bar, located on Calle Ponzano in Chamberi, triumphed after a taste-off against hundreds of sandwiches from across the country.

Chef Maximo Benagues’s ‘Ventresca Madurada’ - a combination of tuna tartare, garlic, oil, pepper sauce, mustard, lettuce and smoked cheddar - won the judges over.

Benagues said it was the tuna that made his sandwich so special. The red tuna belly is matured with sea salt for 24 hours and wrapped in ribeye fat, the chef revealed. He scooped the winning trophy along with the cash.

Rationing go ahead SUPERMARKETS will be allowed to ration essentials in a bid to stop shelves from being emptied by panic buyers.

Milk and sunflower oil have been particularly scarce in supermarkets across Spain over the past week, as hoarders stocked up amid fears that supplies of cooking oil from Ukraine could dry up.

A lorry drivers strike has affected dairies with several shutting down production as they could not distribute

Attempt to stop hoarding amid Ukraine war shortages

By Jorge Hinojosa

milk. But supermarket bosses say there is plenty to go around - as long as people stop panic buying.

Some supermarkets had been attempting to limit the sale of certain products to prevent

Just the ticket TRAVELLERS will now be able to take advantage of a combined ticket that includes both air and rail journeys to reach 14 destinations across Spain The scheme is a partnership between Spain’s flagship airline Iberia and state rail operator Renfe which is being upgraded and expanded to include more cities around Spain.

The Train&Fly scheme will now include Zaragoza, Sevilla, Malaga, Cordoba, Valladolid, Valencia, Alicante, Leon, Palencia, Pamplona, Salamanca, Albacete, Zamora and Orense.

The combined ticket also includes journeys on the local commuter train network known as ‘cercanias’ to connect between Madrid’s Adolfo Suarez Barajas airport and Atocha or Chamartin.

The service is available for both single and return travel with one ticket valid for the entire journey from the city of origin outside of Spain to the final destination within it.

So for example it will enable the traveller to make the journey from London Heathrow to Orense in Galicia with just one ticket.

stockpiling but did not have the legal backing to do so.

Spain’s government has now announced that it had approved rationing on a temporary basis as part of the raft of measures introduced to mitigate the impact of the Ukraine war that will be in place until June 30.

Legal

Trade Minister Reyes Maroto said: “The law change provides legal backing so that they can limit the number of items bought and thus avoid hoarding, and to ensure fair access for all consumers.”

But not everyone agrees.

General Secretary of consumers’ association FACUA, Ruben Sanchez told the Olive Press: “A practice prohibited for almost 30 years is being authorised. This will encourage hoarding by limiting the number of products that a consumer can buy.

“This new power should not be left in the hands of supermarkets who will take advantage by raising the prices of items. This is wholly irresponsible by the government.”

Life’s a beach

A MALLORCAN beach has been named amongst the world’s top 20.

Playa de Muro’s fine golden sand and turquoise water impressed Tripadvisor,, who ranked it alongside padvisor beaches in Australia, Italy and Hawaii. It is the only beach in Spain

that made it onto Tripadvisor’s ranking of ‘The best beaches in the world of 2022’.

The ranking is based on reviews by users that have visited the beaches, and six kilometre-long Playa de Muro secured 17th place.

SUN, NATURE AND HEALING Spain is one of the top 10 places to retire, writes Del Canto Chambers

W

E are convinced that Spain is the most popular country for Europeans seeking a home overseas.

Beaches, mountains, fabulous cities, colourful festivals, culture and sunshine are almost every place all year round.

The benefits of sun exposure derived from this connection with nature are varied and include improved circadian rhythm and rest.

Better concentration at work, better cognitive performance and less effort in reading processes, since natural light increases visual capacity; Increases productivity, reducing chronic fatigue. It acts as a natural antidepressant, favouring general well-being.

In Spain there are many different options to improve your health, cure ongoing ailments and have fun in the process. Some of these options originate from ancient medical practices and others are more modern initiatives.

Here are some recommendations:

MUD BATHS The mud that can be found in many coastal areas of Spain is known for its therapeutic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is believed to promote collagen production, improve circulation, eliminate toxins, relieve muscle tension and improve skin tone.

Cadiz, Bolonia Beach. A virgin beach made up of a spectacular system of dunes, kilometres of fine sand and a section of rocks where mud baths have been formed, a mud rich in mineral salts, magnesium, copper, zinc and silicon that contributes to the elimination of toxins, reduction of excess fat in the skin, improves circulation and increases the production of collagen in a natural way.

The mud is only accessible at low tide, when you can walk along the shore to reach the rocks.

Las Charcas de Lo Pagan (Murcia) has the most famous mud baths in Spain. The type of mud that can be found here attracts thousands of visitors every year for its healing properties that help to alleviate some skin problems such as psoriasis, joint and muscle pain and has exfoliating effects leaving the skin soft. It is located in the Regional Park of San Pedro del Pinatar and is completely free of charge.

FOREST BATHING The shirin-yoku or ‘forest baths’ is a technique originated in Japan. As we mentioned at the beginning, contact with nature is a very effective therapy to reduce stress levels.

In Spain there are numerous places where you can enjoy this experience: the Natural Reserve of Muniellos, in Asturias, the Faedo de Ciñera, in León, or the Herrería forest, in Madrid. Healing power of forests in exceptional ecosystems.

THERMAL BATHS From deep below the surface, mineral-rich thermal waters travel to the surface in the form of hundreds of natural thermal water pools all over Spain.

These natural pools relieve ailments such as rheumatism and gastrointestinal problems, as well as accelerating the body’s metabolism, relieving muscle tension, stress, eliminating toxins and treating skin conditions.

Ourense is considered the thermal capital of Spain. It has many thermal pools along the Miño River. Some are private but many are open to the public. Pozas Muiño de Veiga is a

free open-air hot spring with temperatures of 65-70 °C. Set in stunning scenery, the water in these pools is said to help cure some skin conditions such as dermatitis and eczema.

The springs of Pozas de Outariz and Burgas de Canedo are freely accessible to the public. Both parts have a cold water pool and three 60 °C hot water pools.

The healing properties of the waters of Fuente O Tinteiro also located in Ourense have been recognised for many years. The waters flow at a temperature of 43 °C and are said to erase scars, treat oral conditions and acne, atopic eczema and varicose ulcers.

In Granada you will find the thermal baths Las Pozas Termales de Santa Fe. With natural temperatures between 38 and 43°C, the pools are in a unique location surrounded by olive and pine groves. These sulphate waters are rich in minerals and have medicinal properties that help with diseases of the musculoskeletal system, rheumatism and dermatological conditions.

Also in the province of Granada is the Zújar spa. With free admission, it is located in an impressive setting between the Jabalcón mountain and the Negratín reservoir. The thermal waters that nourish this spa emanate from Jabalcón Mountain and can reach up to 40ºC. The water is bright turquoise in colour and is a mixture of therapeutic sulphates and minerals. Below lie the remains of an ancient Roman spa.

The thermal baths of Alhama are some of the oldest in Andalucia, dating back to the Nasrid period in Granada. These thermal pools played an important role in Moorish culture with the remains of the ancient spa still visible with the iconic domes in the spa located near the free pools. The water flows at a temperature of 40°C, and many of Granada’s residents flock here daily to take advantage of its medicinal properties.

Those are just some samples of healing options from many other places you may find all over the country. You may consider to experience the Spanish lifestyle for longer periods of time, either spending your holidays in different regions, or considering to retire there by renting or purchasing a property to spend some time, or even becoming a resident in Spain.

If you plan so, we at Del Canto Chambers can offer you extensive advice and guidance by analysing better residency options, offering clear knowledge on tax planning, either in Spain and in the UK, and supporting you in all the legalities required when purchasing a property.

To make a no-obligation enquiry, please either call us now on: +44 2070 430 648 or make an online enquiry at www.delcantochambers.es

42

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

April 6th - April 19th 2022

DRAWING YOU IN Five lesser-known reasons why Spain’s arty capital should be drawing you in this Spring, writes Jon Clarke

G

ET set, ready… Go! The masks are off and it’s time for an adventure. But nothing too exotic.

Madrid is the perfect Spring escape.

And not just because of the weather.

Spain’s most exciting city - and easily the friendliest capital in Europe - has more exhibitions and art galleries than Picasso had lovers.

So good is its so-called Golden Triangle of Art - which has, conservatively, a dozen good museums - that the area and its adjacent Retiro park just landed its own UNESCO World Heritage status.

Dubbed a special ‘landscape of Arts and Sciences’ this 200-hectare cultural zone was lauded for being a vital green space, that evolved since the creation of the tree-lined Paseo del Prado in the 16th century.

A wide boulevard with remarkable fountains and buildings, it was one of the first in Europe where all citizens, without distinction of class, could enjoy leisure and a stroll.

Weather permitting (and chances are you’ll be fine, the city boasting over 300 days of sun a year) you can pretty much walk around the entire area in a day, dipping in and out of museums and restaurants at will.

The golden trio are the Prado Museum, the Thyssen Museum and the Reina Sofia, but there are hundreds of other good places to visit in the city, be it shops, restaurants or markets, all easily reached on foot.

Here are five hot things not to miss in Madrid, all within a 30-minute walk of the Golden Triangle, plus two nearby places to eat and a wonderful hotel, the Ritz, recently reopened after a three year renovation.

MURALS AT THE TABACALERA

2

1

FORGET GOYA AND VELAZQUEZ…

I

T has become one of the city’s most instagrammable sites… but don’t be put off.

Muros Tabacalera (or the Madrid Street Art Project) is worth hunting out for its inspirational line up of 25 giant works by graffiti artists from around the world.

All set at a former 16,000 sq.metre tobacco factory, in Lavapies, each artist was handed a giant section of wall facing Glorieta de Embajadores to create a mural.

Given the area being one of Madrid’s most multicultural barrios, it is appropriate that many have a clear social conscience, such as the excellent boat people.

While the interior of the old factory is also dedicated to street art it is currently shut. But keep an eye out at the website www. promociondelarte.com

A CHILD-ISH LOOK AT SOROLLA

I

T used to be the sleepiest art museum in Madrid back in the 1990s when I lived in the city.

Set in the beautiful belle époque mansion of a relatively unknown, hopeless romantic artist, overshadowed by the Spanish greats, such as Velazquez, Goya and Picasso, it was a great place to while away an hour (including in its lovely gardens) and there were never queues.

But at some point in the early 2000s, this all began to change for Joaquin Sorolla. An exhibition of his works alongside that of American great, John Singer Sargeant, started in Paris and quickly moved to Madrid and London.

Bang, his renaissance happened, leading to new museums in Valencia, where the railway station has now been named after him, as well as the value of his paintings tripling and more.

Today, timing is the key to visiting this museum (his former home) just north of the Golden Triangle. My tip: head there at lunchtime, around 3 to 4pm, or late in the day at 7pm when it’s quiet again.

It’s well worth the visit and particularly this Spring, when a major retrospective on the top floor is looking at his inspiring series of works based around children.

One of the very few happily married painters for most of his life, his portraits of his own children and wife Clotilde are both mesmerising and moving, while his now famous oils of children frolicking on the beaches around Valencia in summertime are joyous.

But what really makes this exhibition, La Edad Dichosa, are the thoughtful paintings at the end that he created of less fortunate children, from humbler backgrounds, giving them an equal billing in a bid not to brush them under the carpet.

He will stand as a true humanist and must surely now be up with the greats.

3

www.culturaydeporte.gob.es

…AND skip Hieronymus Bosch’s revolutionary Gardens of Delight, there are so many other highlights in the Prado Museum to hunt out.

Pieter Bruegel’s Triumph of Death, painted in 1562, is eye-opening and startling in equal measures and entirely fitting given the current invasion of the Ukraine.

Like a Middle Age Zombie film, it shows a blackened scorched earth landscape, where nothing lives and a legion of skeletons wreak havoc as far as your eye can take you.

There is so much going on and it is bleak. Very bleak.

OPEN AIR ART The highlights include the man with a rock around his neck The city is known for its amazing light and exabout to be drowned, while a treme weather (certainly among its locals, who describe it as nine months of winter, three pack of skeleton hounds chase months of hell). a man to his death. And no one But, while this won’t bother most tourists, the is saved… not aristocracy, nor highest capital of Europe has mostly clear, kings, with one humorous part crisp daylight, making it popular with artists showing a cardinal being led to and, perfect for the outdoor life. his fate by a skeleton who mockAn absolute must for any visit to Madrid is a ingly wears his pointed red hat. stroll in its famous Retiro park, now part of the Acquired by the Prado in 1827, Unesco protection status and not just to see it is not always on display, but how the locals live, particularly at weekends. it is currently proudly out. Don’t Aside from its amazing statues and the main miss it! boating lake, there are two key pavilions, always full of art, that need to be visited. www.museodelprado.es Both administered by the Reina Sofia museum, the best is the wonderful Palacio de Cristal, a glass conservatory in the shape of a Greek cross. Decorated in stunning ceramics, it is 22 metres in height and sits beside a pond and fountains.

At the nearby Palacio de Velazquez meanwhile, you will currently find an intriguing exhibition of painted banners/canvases by Swiss-Argentinian artist Vivian Suter. On till May 2, best of all tickets are free.

Visit www.museoreinasofia.es

4

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

April 6th - April 19th 2022

43

5

NEW KID: Maria Cristina Masaveu foundation is open

GREAT DANE

W

HISPER it, but don’t pass it around. There is a new kid on the block in the Golden Triangle is this splendid new art foundation that squeezed open just as the pandemic kicked off two years ago and then firmly shut for a year.

Well, the Maria Cristina Masaveu foundation is open again and what a joy it is.

A sort of little sister of the Thyssen, but with perhaps more taste, this inspirational collection of paintings and sculptures, from Goya to Sorolla is so worth a look in.

Tucked away a few blocks up from the Thyssen, it’s set in a reformed neoclassical mansion with 13 rooms, courtyards and a top floor roof terrace.

The private collection of wealthy dane Maria Cristina Masaveu Peterson, it is as exciting, as it’s hip.

A not-for-profit foundation, it has a refreshing sense of place and aims to promote ‘urban art’ with young artists including Valencian Mario Mankey and Sabek and, of course, Banksy and Keith Haring.

One definite highlight is the amazing Jaume Plensa giant head sculpture Silencio, that emerges out of nowhere in a corridor.

Get there before it gets in vogue, for it most surely will do at some point this year, just as the Sorolla museum did at the turn of the century (often now frequently swamped). Visit

www.fundacioncristinamasaveu.com

WHERE TO EAT

DELIGHTFUL DEESSA

I

T must be easily the most elegant restaurant in the capital.

A true sense of grandeur awaits the lucky diners who get to try out the hippest new Michelin-star restaurant of Quique Dacosta at the Ritz Hotel.

Spain’s chef of the moment had to be on top of his game to make it work in this large open plan dining room with Romanesque pillars, gold capitals and crystal chandeliers.

And he more than does it with his choice of two menus, highly seasonal, changing regularly and with a number of his celebrated dishes from back home in Valencia.

Hence you’ll eat the wonderful red shrimps of Denia, or a Valencian pumpkin seed soup with black truffle from nearby.

Continues on Page 44

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FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

April 6th - April 19th 2022

WHERE TO STAY

RITZY FOR A REASON

F FINAL TOUCH: Care is lavished on each dish From Page 43

Delicate dishes But the real highlight for me apart from the ingenious smorgasbord of caviar with Deutz champagne - was the Shiso saam with red tuna and ‘starry moss’, the most delicate of dishes, reminiscent of an Andalucian tortillita de camarones, but far subtler.

I won’t ruin the ‘hard boiled egg’ course, but it’s ingenious, while the simpler plates, such as shelled peas with eels, easily held their own.

Unbelievably grateful to be given an opportunity to export his three Michelin star expertise from Denia to the capital, Quique has installed his long-term sous chef Ricardo Vega - and spends a few days there himself each week.

The investment has clearly paid off for all, with the French food bible awarding Deessa a first Michelin star just six months after opening. No complaints from me.

NO BALONEY IF you are looking for a hip, buzzing joint at the other end of the scale from Deessa, search out La Burlona Bar. You’ll struggle to get one of its dozen tables so book early… and be prepared for one of the freshest and creative meals around.

Set in the edgy barrio of Lavapies, a short walk from the southern tip of the Retiro (behind the Reina Sofia Museum), is the culinary pop-up of Jorge Reina, who dominates the pass, glowering at both his chefs and diners.

A classic perfectionist he sends out some of the best-looking dishes I’ve witnessed in years.

Having trained with Quique Dacosta, Zalacain and DStage and then travelled the world, even cutting the mustard in London (Cambio de Tercio) he’s picked up plenty of tricks.

His cannelloni of game was as rich as could be while his Cantonese-style ribs in aniseed and plum rocked. It won’t suit everyone, but Mussels in callos (tripe) was from that very barrio, as good a working class Madrileno dish as one will ever find.

A scallop came out with a real Peruvian kick, while lighter dishes like yellow gazpacho with a blue fin tartare were so good, we asked for more.

After a lemon meringue tart with strawberries and a bottle of wine, we both marvelled at the price of just €89.

IN CONTROL: Jorge Reina keeps a watchful eye

ROM the sitting room of my suite I can see the queue for the ticket office at the Prado and the entrance of the Thyssen Museum across the regal fountains of the Plaza de Neptuno. And if it weren’t for the densely tree-lined Paseo del Prado, I would also be able to see through the windows of the Reina Sofia, where the 20th century’s most iconic painting, Guernica, by Pablo Picasso is housed.

Welcome to the Ritz, Spain’s most emblematic hotel, recently-reopened after a giant three-year overhaul.

Right in the heart of the Golden Triangle, this five-star Grande Dame has been catering for the world’s most fortunate travellers for over a century.

Cesar Ritz’s favourite amongst his famous hotels, it commands the same status as the Savoy, the Copacabana Palace or the Plaza. And rightfully so, with its famous roll call of guests, including dozens of presidents and an army of celebrities, such as Madonna, Ava Gardner and Grace Kelly, not to mention historical figures such as Haile Selassie, Mata Hari and Randolph Hearst.

This was my third stay (care of one of the few careers that allows such perks) and it was a joy to see how much the place has opened up, in terms of light, since its €100 million refurb as part of the Mandarin Oriental group.

It is comforting to report that on the face of it not much has changed, particularly the sense of arrival, the incredible level of staffing and the grandeur within.

The key is its huge glass atrium that has created a buzzing central space for guests and visitors alike, somewhere to park up for a splendid tea, accompanied by a pianist, or to take a light lunch.

The theme throughout is gold and white and an accentuation of the grand pillars installed for its 1910 inauguration, at the behest of Spain’s then King Alfonso XIII. There are liberal splashes of gold everywhere, particularly in an delicate dripping sculpture that hangs over the reception area.

The main obvious changes are the incredible bar area, sumptuous and hip, and the fabulous new Deessa restaurant, commandeered by Spain’s current three Michelin star darling Quique Dacosta. Fittingly taking up perhaps a quarter of the ground floor, restau-

ANOTHER WORLD: Space and luxury are watchwords at the Ritz

rants rarely get this grand, so a big name like Dacosta was essential. The Valencia maestro does it proud.

I was particularly taken by the leafy garden restaurant and bar terrace that lords over it. It is surprisingly good value if you choose carefully and will, I predict, become one of THE places to be seen this summer, particularly at sunset when a DJ swoops in. The wonderful white roses and foliage surrounding the tables give a sense of being in an oasis.

Much of the giant refurb has been understandably spent on the rooms, which are sumptuous and sensible in their design.

Compared to other five star hotels in the capital, there is nothing left wanting, from

TERRACE LIFE: Jon and partner Gabs and (right) the fabulous bar

hair straighteners to a wardrobe (not mini) bar with just about anything you might want. Half a dozen bottles of water were renewed each time you went out, while the hotel clearly has shares in the famous Madrid confectioner that makes the lovely violet sweets, that were first made popular, fittingly, by Alfonso XIII. (Yes, a mouthful, indeed, but a thoughtful touch nonetheless.)

The VIP unpacking service was recommended by our ‘personal butler’ and definitely worth a try, especially to see your socks folded up in a drawer. Clearly designed for royalty, it was appropriately I bumped into the Ecuadorian president (well his security team) as I checked out with no less than three huge packing cases with his name on them queueing up outside.

Visit www.mandarinoriental.com

COLUMNISTS It never rains but it pours April 6th April 19th 2022

45

Costa del Sol deluge is good news and bad!

B

e careful what you wish for. At the beginning of March, I was seriously concerned about the lack of rainfall in Spain. Specifically the lack of rainfall at the Casita as the reservoir receded rapidly. By the middle of the month, the water level had dropped so severely that it looked like it normally does at the end of a long hot summer.

It also meant that I was unable to refill the Casita's deposit tank and I promptly ran out of water.

It certainly made things more, ahem. 'challenging' than normal as I resorted to transporting eight litres bottles of water up from the coast for washing, cleaning and 'flushing' purposes.

The dystopian diorama was en-

FILLING UP: The reservoir before (above) and after the rain hanced by the 4x4, quad and motocross enthusiasts who took the opportunity to tear across the dry lake bed in true 'Mad Max' style. I took a perverse pleasure in watching the vain attempts of those foolish enough to try and tackle the fresh mud to free themselves. They faced an embarrassing call to the 'grua' company and a long wait for the 4x4-tow truck to arrive...

I should have known better than to gloat, of course, as karma was

waiting in the wings. When the rain finally arrived, it poured from the night sky with Wagnerian ferocity. Awakened by the sound at some ungodly hour of the morning, I dimly wondered why I had left a tap on.

Gushing

I shot bolt upright when I released that the gushing sound was not coming from my bathroom, but a crack in the floor

OP Puzzle solutions Across: 1 Parkway, 5 Clods, 9 Colour, 10 Oakley, 11 Inches, 12 Didcot, 13 Key, 14 Dewy, 15 Mitt, 17 Yip, 19 Untrue, 21 Rupees, 23 Dismal, 24 Fliers, 25 Stony, 26 Protest Down: 2 Acorn, 3 Know-how, 4 At risk, 6 Likud, 7 Died out, 8 Dowdy, 14 Dentist, 16 Imprint, 17 Yells, 18 Prefer, 20 Roman, 22 Earls

SUDOKU

Quick Crossword

Work for us!

As the Olive Press expands, we are looking to recruit new staff to join our team. We have two positions available:

DISTRIBUTION OPERATIVE The Olive Press is looking for someone to distribute our newspapers between Cabopino and Fuengirola.

You’ll be an energetic, resourceful individual, with a sound knowledge of how to get around the Costa del Sol or at least a smart phone and some physical strength.

If you think you have what it takes to help the Olive Press expand to the next level please get in touch with accounts@theolivepress.es, sending your CV and a covering letter.

This job would be a part time job working every other Wednesday and will suit either man or woman of any age or colour or background.

SALES TEAM MEMBER The Olive Press is looking for an enthusiastic sales person to join our team based in Sabinillas.

Must be fluent is English and Spanish.

Sales experience is a bonus, but full training will be provided, full contract from day one.

Driving license is essential please email your CV to accounts@ theolivepress.es

between my bedroom and the kitchen. Springing naked from the bed – apart from a hastily donned head torch - I scooped up the shoes, sports bag and anything else on the floor and flung it on the bed. The kitchen already had an inch of water in it, while the en-suite shower floor was bubbling merrily away.

There was only one thing for it.

Being a single guy, my bedroom contains 'The Chair'. This is a strategically placed piece of furniture on which I throw T-shirts, towels and linen that is past or approaching its 'clean me' date.

I grabbed the mixed contents of 'The Chair' and rapidly improvised a basic sandbag setup.

My Canute-like skills confirmed, I slunk back onto the only untouched area of the bedroom, the bed itself with a sigh of relief.

It was at that point that Fifty Shades walked across the sheet, leaving perfectly formed feline muddy footprints....

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MORTGAGE THINK TANK by mortgage broker Tancrede de Pola

WORDS OF ADVICE

As Brits fly out to house hunt as the Summer approaches, here are Tancrede de Pola’s hottest tips for avoiding the most common pitfalls

I

T can be astonishing how lightly some house hunters take purchasing a property in Spain.

Whether you’re looking to retire, invest in a rental home or simply want a holiday hideaway, one mistake is all it takes to ruin everything.

Here are some basic steps that every prospective homebuyer must take before parting with their hard-earned cash.

DO YOUR RESEARCH Don’t rush into anything.

Visit the area where you’re thinking of buying and explore.

Check out the local amenities, shops, bars and restaurants and gauge whether or not you think you could fit into the local community.

And, obviously, never buy without viewing.

If the home is off-plan, look into the developer and make sure they have a good reputation.

Research if their previous projects were built well and on time.

HIRE LOCAL EXPERTS Without tooting our own horn, mortgage broker’s like the Finance Bureau are essential to ensuring you get the best loan possible.

We have good relationships with the lenders and can highlight all the hidden fees and clauses that may trip you up later on.

Have in mind the type of mortgage you want and your broker will advise as to the most suit-

able, given your circumstances.

You will also want an independent lawyer to carry out all relevant checks and searches, even if the property is a new build.

In Spain, you should expect 11-16% of costs to go on completion fees.

HAVE YOUR FINANCES IN ORDER When applying for a mortgage it is imperative that you can clearly demonstrate that you have the funds (typically 30% + closing costs) available for completion.

Start running your bank account as if you already have a mortgage at least three months before you apply - Avoid excessive spending, cut out subscriptions and memberships that aren’t essential and don’t splash the cash on betting or gambling.

And don’t apply for new credit around the time you are trying to get a mortgage, you may be considered a greater credit risk if you do and this new lending will be taken into account when the Spanish bank calculates ‘affordability’ for the new loan.

Try to improve your credit score before applying, one tip: put all expenditures on a credit card and pay it off in full each month, ensure you are on the electoral roll.

Be aware that the fluctuating exchange rate may mean your foreign income will not go so far at some times and monthly mortgage payments will go up if being transferred in pounds.

To contact Tancrede for all your mortgaging needs call: 666 709 743 or for insurance queries call: 951 203 540 Email: tdp@thefinanacebureau.com The Finance Bureau Centro Commercial Guadalmina, 2nOffice No. 7 Guadalmina, 29670

April 6th April 19th 2022

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HEALTH Stub it out

April 6th April 19th 2022

47

Tobacco prices risers and extended smoking bans on the cards HEALTH bosses are considering raising tobacco prices and banning smoking on bar and restaurant terraces, and inside cars.

Spain’s Minister for Health Carolina Darias is reportedly finishing off a reform to Spain’s Tobacco Law in a bid to reduce the number of smokers in Spain.

It could see a hike on the

price of tobacco where a packet of 20 cigarettes currently costs around €5, half the price of a pack in neighbouring France.

The new rules could also see outside public entertainment spaces, including terraces and sports stadiums, become smoke free as well as banning smoking in private cars.

Cutting advice CONSUMERS are being warned against buying pre-cut fruit and veg.

Not only are they paying a higher price at the checkout - pre-cut fruit and veg comes with a significant markup but they could also be risking their health.

According to Spain’s Food Safety Agency (AESAN) certain fruit is much more likely to be contaminated if you buy it pre-cut.

It has issued a warning about buying pre-cut and packaged fruit with high water content such as watermelon, melon, pineapple and papaya.

Pre-cut fruit has a far higher chance of carrying salmonella especially when kept in warm temperatures.

Although it is entirely legal to sell pre-cut fruit and veg in Spain, there are strict rules that must be applied.

The fruit must be kept in temperature below 25ºC and in a ventilated space that is not exposed to direct sunlight.

The agency also says such fruit should be consumed within three hours of being opened.

The move has been welcomed by anti-smoking campaigners.

“We totally agree with these new measures, and hope they are not the only ones,” Raquel Fernández Megina, director of the Association Nofumadores.org told the Olive Press.

“Spain hasn’t made any changes to its laws regulating tobacco since 2010,” she added referring to the date when Spain banned smoking inside public spaces including restaurants and offices.

Attack

“The 70% of people who do not smoke are under attack in communal spaces like terraces by those who do smoke,” explained Fernandez whose lobby group launched a Change.org petition to ban it.

Experts believe Spaniards may be more willing to accept the curbs since a ban on smoking at outdoor tables of cafes, bars and restaurants was imposed as one of the Covid-19 measures during the pandemic.

M

OST mature men, and their wives, have heard of the blood test for your prostate called PSA but how many of you understand it?

First of all what is it, where does it come from and what does it do? Prostate Specific Antigen is a protein produced by normal cells in the prostate and by prostate cancer cells.

It’s normal to have a small amount of PSA in your blood, and the amount rises slightly as you get older and your prostate gets bigger.

A raised PSA level may suggest you have a problem with your prostate, but not necessarily cancer.

It’s an enzyme that results in the semen becoming more liquid, which is important for fertility. It goes up for lots of reasons; age, the size of your prostate, urinary tract infections, inflammation or prostatitis, trauma, manipulation, catheterisation and finally prostate cancer.

We started using it as a ‘tumour marker’ for prostate cancer in the 1980’s although it was controversial. Why? Well there are several reasons and it’s about a balance between risk and benefit.

1. Prostate cancer is only one of several causes of a raised PSA test.

2. Historically, two thirds of men with a raised PSA level didn’t have cancer cells in their biopsy and old-fashioned biopsies were neither pleasant nor accurate.

3. Some 15% of men with prostate cancer have a normal PSA.

YOU AND YOUR PSA

What to look for and what to do if you have prostate problems Mr. James Allan FRCS

4. The test doesn’t distinguish between aggressive and slow-growing cancers and may detect tumours that would not otherwise become evident.

5. There is very little good evidence that a screening programme based on PSA testing significantly changes your prognosis. So what should you do or who should have a PSA test? The answer is easy. If you have developed waterwork symptoms, going frequently or urgently, getting up at night or a slow flow, bloody urine or if you have a family history of prostate cancer, then you need to chat to a sensible urologist about having your PSA done and possibly an MRI scan of your prostate.

MRI scanning is the new kid on the block and has revolutionised prostate cancer diagnosis.

There is real hope of a screening programme, which will radically change this terrible disease that visits far too many men and families.

As the technology advances then it is now reasonable for the over 50s to be counselled, tested and for prostate cancer to be beaten!

You can now meet Mr Hughes or Mr Allan at HC Marbella hospital or in Gibraltar or simply check out www.theurologyclinic.gi

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Olive Press Costa del Sol – 170mm x 256mm – Colour

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April 6th

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OLIVE PRESS

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Talking turkey

FINAL WORDS

TURKEYS escaping from Torrevieja’s (Alicante) Parque de la Naciones have been terrorising passers-by and flocking on to the N-332 main road, leading the local council to call in a specialist trapping firm to rehome the birds.

Hands off!

VETS at Barcelona zoo have been unable to find out the sex of a rare newborn Spider Monkey as its’s mother is so protective they can not examine it.

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www.theolivepress.es April 6th - April 19th 2022

Drive for equality

Black Hawk Down

Police catch dive-bombing hawk that attacked humans and caused terror A BIRD of prey that was causing havoc in the town of Tobarra, Albacete, has finally been caught.

The Harris hawk had escaped from its owner, a local falconry enthusiast from Murcia.

It decided to settle in Albacete, some 150 km away, and was causing panic for the town's 8,000 residents.

It was seen swooping down

on children in the streets, striking fear into locals that someone could be seriously injured.

Environmental rangers were called in to help a team from Seprona, the nature protection arm of Guardia Civil.

Together, they hatched a plan to catch the rogue bird with a trap involving decoy birds, culminating in its capture in the net of a five-metre-long pole.

WINGS CLIPPED: The rogue hawk was finally captured

The operation was not made easy for them due to the bird’s use of the town’s electricity

Ham fisted

HAMBURGLAR STRIKES AGAIN

A 52-year-old man has been arrested for stealing premium legs of ham from a Malaga market, with him accused of nicking €10,000 worth of the delicacies after climbing a street light to get in the premises on six occasions.

A RESTAURANT bill dodger has once again proven there is such a thing as a free lunch.

Hamburglar Antonio Miguel Grimal fell back into his old ways and tried to flee without paying for a burger - mere days after being released from prison.

The Olive Press previously reported that the 47-year-old

from Zaragoza was cuffed after he refused to pay a €70 bill.

The crook was sent to prison but on his release went straight back to skipping payment and refused to pay a €47 bill at a hamburger restaurant.

The fraudster has been arrested over 30 times since 2016 for the same crime.

poles as a vantage point.

The raptor was captured safely and without being harmed before being sent to the Wildlife Recovery Center of Albacete.

The bird, native to America, is known to be very aggressive when stressed.

It is a popular bird among falconists and they are often used to disperse pigeons from London’s Trafalgar Square and the tennis courts at Wimbledon.

Harris hawks range in length from 46 to 59 cm, with a wingspan of up to 120cm.

MORE than half of women in Spain say they have been the target of sexist statements about being bad drivers.

A survey reveals that 50.6% of Spanish women have had the trope about women behind the wheel said about them.

Meanwhile 18% of men admitted to believing that women are worse drivers than men.

The findings were published as part of a campaign by car maintenance firm Midas to bust the myths that women are worse drivers than men.

The company has now teamed up with the charity Ayuda en Accion to empower women on the roads by paying for driving lessons for women who can’t afford them.

Paws for court A MADRID court is to bring in dogs to help support and calm witnesses and victims when they are about to testify.

The programme, launched under the name ‘Dogtor Animal’s Courthouse Dogs Research project’, is being trialled. Research in the US has shown that pooches can aid in calming the victim and eases the process.

952 147 834

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