Hello, everyone. Bryan here. Marta may have kicked off this blog with her signature wit and eternal optimism, but I thought it was high time you heard from me—the voice of reason in this escapade we’re calling “Moving East.” If Marta is the dreamer, then I’m the one worrying about the details. I often mutter, “Are we sure about this?” and “Have we checked the plumbing?”
To give you some context, I’m not exactly a spontaneous person. I like plans, spreadsheets, and knowing that the house I’m about to buy won’t collapse in a strong wind. I’m a conveyancer by trade and old habits die hard. So, you can imagine my reaction when Marta started showing me photos of villas with infinity pools and “authentic Spanish charm.” My initial response? Suspicion. Followed by a lot of Googling about property taxes in Spain.
Villa Number One: A Lesson in Expectations
Our first property viewing was, let’s say, enlightening. The online photos had promised a Mediterranean oasis: arched doorways, blooming bougainvillaea, and a pool that practically screamed, “You’ll never want to leave.” The reality? Well, let’s just say the camera angles were doing a lot of heavy lifting.
For starters, the driveway was so steep I’m convinced you’d need a mountain goat to navigate it. The “spacious garden” turned out to be a patch of weeds fighting for survival, and the pool—oh, the pool—looked more like a pond. Marta, ever the optimist, tried to spin it. “Think of the potential,” she said, gesturing to a crumbling wall that might have been a patio in another life. I, meanwhile, was too busy inspecting the suspiciously sagging roof.
Balancing Dreams and Practicality
One thing I’ve learned in this process is that finding the perfect property is like trying to find the perfect cup of tea: everyone’s definition is different. For Marta, it’s all about charm and character. She wants a villa with soul, a place where you can almost hear the echoes of Spanish guitar from a bygone era. For me, it’s about functionality. I’d like to know that the plumbing won’t explode the moment I turn on the tap.
The kids, of course, have their own ideas. Anna wants “something cool,” which could mean anything from a house with a spiral staircase to a place with its own basketball court. Luke, ever the pragmatist, has one non-negotiable: fast Wi-Fi. And a games room. Dream on mate.
Villa Number Two: Almost, But Not Quite
Our second viewing was a step up. This villa was modern, with clean lines, big windows, and a kitchen that would make Gordon Ramsay jealous. Marta loved it instantly. “Look at all the light,” she said, spinning around in the living room like she was auditioning for a musical.
I have to admit, it was nice. But it was also… sterile. The kind of place you’d expect to see in a glossy magazine rather than a family holiday album. Plus, it was miles from the sea. And if I’m going to uproot my life to move to Spain, I want to be able to smell the ocean from my front door.
Lessons from the Hunt
After two viewings, I’ve come to a few conclusions:
- Photos lie. Always, always see the property in person. What looks like a palace online might turn out to be a refurb job with a hefty repair bill.
- Compromise is key. Marta and I have very different priorities, but we’re learning to meet in the middle. She’s agreed to focus less on aesthetics, and I’ve promised not to veto every house with a leaky tap.
- Bring snacks. Spanish estate agents operate on their own schedule, and waiting around in the heat can turn even the cheeriest house hunter into a grump.
What’s Next?
We’ve got more viewings lined up next week, and I’m cautiously optimistic. Marta wants a place with a big garden and space for a pool. I hope for something strong, practical, and close to a good café.
In the meantime, I’ve started a spreadsheet (because of course I have) to track the pros and cons of each property. It’s already getting a bit unwieldy, but it’s helping us stay organized. And who knows? By the next blog post, we might just find the villa that ticks all our boxes.
Thanks for following along on this adventure. If nothing else, it’s giving me plenty of material for dad jokes. Until next time, keep your spreadsheets tidy and your dreams big. Cheers!