Finca Arboleda’s story

June 2004 the next stage.

Michael Petty Finca Arboleda's story 0 Comment
Demolition of the Old Stables at Finca Arboleda

With the Orange Grove Apartment beginning to receive reservations, it was time to get quotes for the Old Stables renovation. It soon became clear that the project was more extensive than we had anticipated. The electric supply was simply an extension lead running from our house, and with only a 3kW connection, that was another issue to address. The water supply was also just a connection from the house.

 

Then, the biggest problem was discovered: parts of the building had no foundations. Thus, a renovation project turned into a new build. We knew Miguel, a local builder, through our neighbors and hired him to arrange the necessary licenses and start demolishing the existing building.

Spring 2004 at Finca Arboleda

Michael Petty Finca Arboleda, Finca Arboleda's story 0 Comment
Old pool knocked down

When we first got there, the place was pretty messy, and what we now call “the Old Stables” used to be, well, old stables. In March 2004, we experienced our first storm, which made us realise we would need to make some much-needed improvements to the road and accessibility.
We started by cleaning up the gardens, getting rid of the old pool, and spreading gravel around the beautiful citrus trees. We also began working on the “Orange Grove Apartment” by building a wall in our garage and creating a doorway by the fireplace in the sitting room we had a new bedroom. We didn’t take many pictures back then, but the memories are still fresh in our minds.
Our first guests stayed with us in February 2004, and even though we were still building, we became fast friends.

Finca Arboleda When We Arrived.

Michael Petty Finca Arboleda, Finca Arboleda's story 0 Comment
Ruubish to be cleared

Back in 2003, we decided to shake things up and move to Spain for a fresh start.

After just three visits, we found our dream home: the lovely Finca Arboleda. We bought the place in December and moved in on January 7th. The story continues here.