22 May 2007

A Penthouse in Montecastillo

A Penthouse in Montecastillo

That excellent publication The Sunday Times recently printed an interesting article "SPAINS NEW HOT SPOT"

http://property.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/property/overseas/article1457278.ece

I am sure they will not send their solicitors knocking on my door if I quote:
"The city of Jerez is starting to attract British property-hunters in search of an authentic Spanish environment that’s easy to get to, and where a round of golf is not out of the question. Reasonable prices in the southern Andalusian city 25 miles from Cadiz are a draw, but even more important is the potential for further capital growth, in contrast to costas blighted by a glut of identical urbaniza-ciones built for the overseas market in the boom years."


and:

"Prices at Altos de Montecastillo — which backs onto another popular sporting venue, the Jerez motor racing circuit — range from £145,000 to £212,000 for a 765sq ft penthouse with the same area again of roof terrace." My attention was attracted to the second quote as our penthouse is about twice the size of that one (1453 to be exact plus about the same area of roof terrace) and we are asking the same sort of money. As the supermarkets say here "two for the price of one". But perhaps I am comparing chalk with cheese. We don’t get the noise of racing cars on Sunday evenings!

Montecastillo is MAGNIFICENTLY BEAUTIFUL. It is only about 10 minutes from town. I am not a golfer but if I were (and had spare cash) that is where I would be.
Posted by at
Labels: , , ,

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

Well, it's Day 2

I still don’t know what I am doing but I decided to upload some pictures with comments. A most tedious business that took about 2 hours for 10 pictures. Made more tedious by not having a spell checker to correct my spelling! I had meant to continue where I left off but see no way to edit what I first wrote, so I presume this will come out as a new post. I have tried to explain what the pictures are all about in their captions. I shall continue this blog to explain a little history (why we bought what we did), a little about life in Jerez and finally as much info as I can dream up about our penthouse and of course ten good reasons why you should buy it. I can see already my idea of making this a bilingual blog is fraught with difficulties, so I will leave that for the moment. So please come back and visit again!! I promise to try and avoid the egocentric musings of many bloggers!!

I am being nagged to create a profile so I will do so!

Jardin del Ingles

Jardin del Ingles
FOR SALE

Plan of Penthouse

Plan of Penthouse
The veranda leading from the living room (and overlooking the street) has windows and shutters installed.

A Quiet Corner!

A Quiet Corner!
The large roof terrace has been completely upgraded with weather-proof electric sockets (for toasters, coffee makers etc), hammock hooks (the rope behind the chair comes from one).

The Terrace towards the East

The Terrace towards the East
Three of the four sides and the floor have been tiled in the traditional manner; the trellis at the end overlooks the airwell. The ledge along the side wall houses many flower/herb pots which will be left.

Kitchen towards South

Kitchen towards South
Kitchen with marble work top, all appliances.

Kitchen to the North

Kitchen to the North
Kitchen looking towards entrance hall, sliding door; on the right is a walk-in larder (some neighbours use the space as a dining alcove like as shown on plan).

Laundry Area

Laundry Area
Top-loading washing machine and laundry sink; water heater runs on easily portable butane gas but only used 3 or 4 times a year as solar water heater on roof of upstairs room provides all the hot water one needs.

Bathroom Fans

Bathroom Fans
Spanish bathrooms in flats are usually without windows and rely on-hot-air-rises principle for ventilation. We have installed electric extractor fans.

Shower Screens in Bath

Shower Screens in Bath
The shatterproof zig-zag kind imported from B&Q. For some reason not found in Spain. Both bathrooms have grab-rails and the baths are anti-slip. Not a good photo I fear.

Staircase to Roof Terrace

Staircase to Roof Terrace
Staircase to room on roof leading to road terrace – a 180o turnaround and wide non-slip steps. Underneath the staircase is a good storage area (with doors) – coats, shoes, wine – whatever.

Looking North by North East

Looking North by North East
Nearly north; 5 x 3 metre orange canvas provides good shade (could be extended); paddling pool/relaxation tub with a solar collector to warm the water in winter. Three air conditioning compressors placed in ‘hind leg’ to avoid having long pipe runs and maximise effect. Effective cooling when necessary, and effective heating in winter – many months of the year the temperature is so perfect that these are not needed.

Veranda

Veranda
Veranda with windows and roll-down shutters; We called it the library – it provides a quiet area for a cup of tea and a good book – and we had floor to ceiling bookshelves at the end. A sun-spot in Winter afternoons.

Flowers

Flowers
We do not have green fingers and have mostly learnt what will NOT grow in the heat of Jerez sun. Most herbs and many flowers do thrive. We are leaving behind about 30 of these pots and a big bin of excellent potting soil.

The Pool

The Pool
A toddlers’ pool behind the fence.

The Orange Grove.

The Orange Grove.
Like many neighbours we grew trees on the roof terrace, some successfully, others not (part of a learning curve).

View to the North

View to the North
Towards Seville – Jerez airport 7 miles in this direction (Ryanair, British Monarch and others)

View to the South

View to the South
Towards the sea, biggest hypermarket in the area with children’s amusement park where one can buy refreshments

Solar Water Heater.

Solar Water Heater.
On top of the room leading to the roof terrace : solar water heater and a panel used for heating water in the paddling pool.

Our Own Dish!

Our Own Dish!
We used this dish with a free-to-view box with various satellites and were able to bring down stations not available through the two community aerials.

About Me

Jerez, Andalucia, Spain
I am just an old guy, but my family is not so ancient. I was born in London but this was my mother's fault as I am Irish by birth as both my parents were. St Dionisio is the patron saint of Jerez (also France, and possibly Paris). In Irish the name is (debatable) Donncha..... it sounds a bit like an ass when pronounced by English people. I do have many days when I do feel depressed and indeed an ass...........