Welcome

Welcome to our website. Those that have been following our progress will know that Anne and I started a new venture in autumn 2005 as we set out to build our own house in Andalucia - and I do mean to physically build it ourselves. So, in autumn 2008 and after three years of pretty continual work, we reached, I suppose, the project's zenith - being able to move in to a house that we have designed and constructed with a working bathroom, functioning kitchen, heating and hot and cold water.  There will still be many projects to keep us occupied for some time yet. It will be great to get rid of the building detrius that currently surrounds the house, lay out patios and terraces and start to put some effort into our land. Here is a view of the house from the olive grove area.

Just a couple of basics to put you in the picture like what is a finca? Basically it is a piece of land farmed in some way that may have some buildings on it - pig shed, goat shed and/or some form of living accommodation. You'd be amazed how small some of the 'houses' can be. Ours, called El Cerrete (small hill), was a complete ruin without a roof and walls that were severely breaking down as this photo shows...

Landwise, we have just over 2HA (about 5 acres) given over to terraces growing mainly citrus, almond and sweet chestnut with some avocado, walnut and figs. Quite a bit of the land is too vertical to be able to do too much and a lot of the old terraces have been ruined by wild boar trampling all over the place.

And location? Just near the white Andalucian village (pueblo blanco) of Jubrique which itself is in the Valle Genal just north of Estepona on the Costa del Sol. This is our view back over to Jubrique taken in winter. 

Why did we buy it? Well, I guess that comes down to individual taste. We love the location and the views back over the valley to Jubrique. The size was just right and we have a small river flowing around most of the finca. It is at the end of the track so no passing traffic other than wandering wild boar! The other thing is, of course, we could build our own house on it!

If you don't know our personal email then mail us at: anne.thorogate@talk21.com

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