Hola again, lovely readers! Marta here, back to share the latest chapter in our journey between two homes. With Casa Amada’s name decided (wink), furnished and glowing with warmth, it was bittersweet to pack up and return to Ashburton as summer came to a close. The kids were ready to reunite with their friends and dive back into school, and Bryan and I had work waiting for us. But let me tell you, leaving our beloved Casa Amada wasn’t easy.
The Return to Routine
The moment we stepped into our house in Ashburton, it felt… smaller. Don’t get me wrong, it’s cosy, but after the airy spaces and sunlit rooms of Casa Amada, our little Devon home seemed to shrink. Still, it didn’t take long for life to sweep us back into its normal rhythm. Anna and Luke were soon buried in schoolwork and after-school stuff, and Bryan’s office calendar filled up at lightning speed.
As for me, I found comfort in routine. Morning coffee in the garden (even if I had to wrap myself in a jumper), chats with neighbours, and walks to the local park reminded me why we’ve always loved Ashburton. But as autumn crept in and the leaves began to fall, we all found ourselves counting down to our next escape to Casa Amada.
Autumn in Dartmoor
To make the most of the season, we dedicated our weekends to exploring Dartmoor. There’s something magical about the moors in autumn. The bracken turns a fiery orange, the crisp air carries the scent of woodsmoke, and the distant calls of wildlife make it feel like stepping into another world.
One particularly memorable trip was to Haytor. Anna, ever the photographer, brought her camera and captured some stunning shots of the granite tor bathed in golden light. Luke, on the other hand, was more interested in scaling every rock he could find. Bryan and I trailed behind, sharing a flask of tea and laughing at the kids’ antics.
Another weekend saw us wandering through Wistman’s Wood, a mystical tangle of moss-covered trees and boulders. It’s said that Wistman’s is how Dartmoor looked back in the Bronze Age. It’s also how Dartmoor gets its name, it literally means Oak Moor. All before deforestation happened over the centuries. Hard to imagine.
Plans for Christmas at Casa Amada
As the days grew shorter and the temperature dropped, our conversations increasingly turned to Christmas. This year, we’ve decided to spend the holidays at Casa Amada, and the excitement is palpable. Anna has already started sketching ideas for decorating the villa, envisioning twinkling lights and garlands draped around the fireplace. Luke is lobbying for a new gaming console “to make Christmas extra special,” as he puts it. Bryan and I, meanwhile, are dreaming of a holiday season filled with sunshine, Spanish treats, and the warmth of our new home. And just the thought of lighting up the wood burner there gives me a thrill!
There’s so much to plan: booking flights, organising gifts, and deciding whether to attempt a traditional English roast or embrace the Spanish way with seafood and turrón. One thing is certain, though: Casa Amada will be the heart of our celebrations and we will have a house ful as for the first time ever, I’m having my Spanish fam over for Xmas!
Eager to Return
While Ashburton has its charms, there’s no denying how much we miss our Spanish retreat. Casa Amada has quickly become more than just a holiday home; it’s a sanctuary, a place where time slows down and family comes first. Every cool autumn breeze and gray drizzle in Devon feels like a reminder of the warmth waiting for us across the sea.
For now, we’re cherishing the simple pleasures of autumn in England: pumpkin carving for Halloween, bonfire nights, and cozy evenings by the fire. But in the back of our minds, we’re all counting down the days until we’re back at Casa Amada, celebrating Christmas in the home that already feels like the heart of our family’s next chapter!
Stay tuned, dear readers, as the seasons change and our adventure continues. Until then, I’ll be sipping tea, walking the moors, and dreaming of churros and cafe cortado under the Spanish sun.