Somewhere in the middle of 2015 we decided to buy a finca in Andalusia. We already had a beautiful house in mind in Corumbela and that would be it, I had decided in my head. When we went to take another look at the beginning of March, we had found 2 more options next to it. That was a complicated switch in my head, but the last finca just outside Canillas de Aceituno was what we fell in love with immediately. Anyway, then you buy a house in Spain.

There is still something to consider. I can give you one advice: never do it alone!! It really works differently there than in the Netherlands. We have called in the Second Home Andalusia team. Very helpful and they support you in every step needed to realize your dream. All team members have been living and working in this region of Andalusia for years, speak the languages and each have their own specific expertise and background.

Okay, then you've arranged all the paperwork, permits and insurance. Next focus: furnishing our new home, Casa Flotante, itself. The previous residents have lived there with great love and pleasure. Still sad. When you sit at the table at the notary's table feeling very happy, you see that they sign the purchase contract with pain in their hearts. Health and age ensured this bitter farewell. Fortunately, they quickly found another house where they need less land and therefore less maintenance.

The sweet previous owners had collected a lot of stuff over the years. I can't say it any other way: the house was completely full! Everywhere you looked there was something. Even on the walls there were so many photos and paintings that you really had to put in a lot of effort to think it 'empty'. Every wall, in every room: full! We tried to imagine the house being empty with about 365 holes in the walls. So work to do!!!

Both in May and September we took 2 weeks off to get started. First demolish a dividing wall so that it became one nice large open space. Then painted everything white again. The kitchen has been transformed from dark brown to a fresh gray-blue color. And we placed a glass shower wall in the bathroom. If you only have 2 times 2 weeks to completely furnish your house, it requires good planning and preparation. It's doable, but we had to think about what we wanted in advance and made lists of what we needed. The true project manager in me helped us achieving this goal.

Here are a few tips: Also in Spain you have a website for advertising brochures. Browse them. Firstly, you will always come across something that you have not thought of yourself and secondly, you can keep an eye on the offers. Washing machines etc, pots/pans, furniture; towels, just name it… link to: tiendeo.com/malaga

Yes, there is an Ikea near Malaga airport. If you decide to get stuff there, first check in a Dutch, English or German branch if you really want it. And, pay attention to the sizes of a duvet. It deviates! That means that you always have to buy your new covers in Spain, because those sizes are not available in the Netherlands, for example. link to: Ikea in Malaga.

We have ordered our (extra long!!) beds at Muebles Piramides. They are located in Caleta de Velez and have excellent service. You can also go there for other pieces of furniture, lamps, paintings, etc: link to: muebles piramides in Caleta de Velez

I also recommend that you visit the local shops. You will find surprisingly nice things for a very reasonable price. Even if the shop looks so small and full, just do it! Step inside, you will be amazed. And the people are so nice! If you really want to buy special things for little, go to the "flea markets". At least there are in Algarobbo Costa on Saturday mornings, but an even bigger one can be found in Nerja on the Sunday link to: Nerja Sunday Market. or link to: Sunday market Almunecar

Come early, then you can still get the gems out. And you can negotiate! On some of these markets, 'my' man stands by R que R segunda mano. He restores old furniture and sells it for a very reasonable price. If it doesn't fit in your car, he'll bring it with a van too! link to facebook: link naar Facebook: R que R segunda mano.

So for weeks it was finishing lists, shopping, painting, assembling furniture and also putting it down. With the occasional nice cool down in the pool and in the evening a well-deserved meal at a local restaurant. What satisfaction can a person get from 4 weeks of hard work, because that was it! Blood, sweat, but without tears, just with a big smile. We are very happy and proud of the result. It is rental ready. Others can now enjoy our little paradise. And of course we ourselves can be found there regularly. The next project has already started: La Ruta de Fruta. A beautiful walking path with hand-bricked stone walls and fruit trees in our garden. It is 6,500 m2, so there is still something to do with it…..

Un Gran Saludo van Sonja en Renė
Satisfied customers of Second Home Andalusia
more info: Casa Flotante

NB: we are now here already for a few years and I have spotted and visited many more nice physical and online shops Here's my addition:

• • Mambila Arte Africano
• • Muebles, Ilumiación y más
  • Regalos Miguel muebles online
  • Calma house Tienda online textiles unicos
  • Gato Preto online muebles
  • La Caa Bella, Beautiful Moroccan Furniture Shop Spain
  • SYBARTUM Mijas
  • Banak.com, Muebles de madera natural etc
  • Sklum.com, Muebles baratos online
  • Alfombras Benuta.e
  • ZocoHome decor and Furniture
  • Newlifehome Málaga y online
  • Tikamoon Tienda online de muebles de madera etc
  • Kavehome online & shops
  • mivinteriores online shop
  • Point 1920 Muebles de Exterior | Diseño
  • Casa Azul muebles y objetos de decoración