Re: Living the DREAM?
 

Definitely rent if you are looking at Cumbre del Sol. I know I would find it a real pain going up and down the hill. It is also slightly isolated although not too far to drive to amenities (once you've negotiated the hill!).

Re: Living the DREAM? Cumbre Del sol
 

Montomail ...Many thanks for your replies...Your comments were also thoughts that concerned us. Driving up and down the hill..perhaps not so bad if you weren't up as high.... there seem to be various levels for the properties. But still not something you want to do on a daily basis..or as you get older. Renting first would be a very good idea. To test the waters.

Spain...I agree with your thoughts as well.....the smaller properties we could afford....almost certainly are designed for holiday makers? If so... we would feel very lonely half of the year..and very overcrowded in summer. Finding it hard to make friends as people constantly come and go. We would prefer to be more residential ...with easy access to towns and the beach. Obviously more practical...However, Cumbre del Sol....really is a spectacularly beautiful area. Hard not to love. Does your friend live there all year? I would really like to know what it is like off season. cheers, Carol

Re: Living the DREAM? Cumbre Del sol
 

Ahhhh but if you aint up the hill, you don't get those wonderful views you were so excited about ;) :D

Re: Living the DREAM? Cumbre Del sol
 

:rofl: he is right :thumbup:

Hey congratulations on the promotion Mitzy :thumbup:
Does this allow discounts on boat mooring in Oliva ? :)

Re: Living the DREAM? Cumbre Del sol
 

Cumbre del sol does have fantastic views - but people I know who live there, rather than holiday there - can't wait to sell up & move somewhere more accessible, and it's apparently really cold in the winter!
They are also having problems selling up!

Re: Living the DREAM? Cumbre Del sol
 

To be fair I don't know the area so don't know about the accessibility. I live "up a hill", and yes, I do need to get in a car if I want to go to the shops, but its something I accept to be able to wake up in the morning and see what I see. Yes, its a degree or so cooler here, but that has its upsides in the summer. In the winter it just means an oil fired radiator. I wouldn't discount "hill" living, its all down to the individual at the end of the day and whats important to you.

[IMG]http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2...ombalcony1.jpg[/IMG]

Re: Living the DREAM? ...... Cumbre del Sol
 

Thanks everyone for all the responses ...I must admit I would truly love to have those beautiful views everyday.And if I thought it wouldn't be a high risk..(easy to sell if it went wrong)...I would certainly be tempted to buy. I think there are some apts. half way up the hill... Looking to the sea. It looks that way from the photos anyway. Our life is not exactly non stop excitement..so we are not coming and going all day. A few trips up and down a hill might not be so difficult. Except for bad weather. They are supposed to have some shopping facilities on the complex...so I would have thought the basics would be available.

At present I only go out and about at the weekends..when my husband drives. Even though there is a bus....virtually on my doorstep. But it only goes into an overcrowded city of Derby... that is currently under major construction...and virtually being rebuilt.The bus station has been demolished..so you are let off the bus in the middle of chaos...and unbelievable traffic. Nottingham is the next city to us..and I wouldn't dare take a bus there on my own..as it has amongst the highest crime in the country. That is why I was hoping to change completely in Spain..and be walking distance.., or 5 minutes drive from a lively little town..with shops..sidewalk cafes/bars..and a nice beach.Somewhere we could easily mix in and have a more fun life. But cumbre is certainly tempting.

Mitzy...I have pm'd you back..but as it is my first attempt..might not have gotten it right. Let me know if you received it. Cheers, Carol

Re: Living the DREAM?
 

From what you've said about being a non-driver, I think you might feel isolated if you couldn't get anywhere unless your husband was able to drive you. I think being within walking distance of a town would make all the difference to your new life. A distant relative of mine, a non-driver, moved to Murcia and lived outside of the town and hated it. She had been used to having access to frequent buses. Her loss of independence meant that she eventually moved back to UK on her own, leaving her husband behind trying to sell the property in Murcia. This was 18 months ago.

Having said that, if you are renting for at least six months, then you will know what is right for you.

BTW I live half way up a hill when I am in Spain, and have nice views and can walk into town. I have many many facilities within walking distance of my apartment. It was number one on my list of criteria.

Re: Living the DREAM?
 

I think there are for´s and against´s living in any area

when we were house hunting we looked at a place up a "hill" it had good access and potential and a pool - however, we didnt buy it - how glad I was as a few months later, cold and wet, water pouring down the hill, the whole house is in the shade during the winter months :(

now we live in a dead end road - great, no through traffic except its next to a school :confused: so rather busy at school times

anyway I think the best time for house hunting (if buying) is during the winter - then your views are not blinded by the sunshine !!!! :cool: but would always recommend renting as I and others have said many times

Re: Living the DREAM?
 

Carol, you might be better in a village rather than on an urb although of course you wont get the views so much

If you are looking at the Gandia area take a look at Villalonga, Ador, Palma de Gandia, Rotova, Alfauir, Beniarjo - all have good facilities, shops, banks, doctors and have a bus service

Re: Living the DREAM? which location!
 

Thanks to everyone for all the great advice. We will definitely not rush into anything. Taking all locations into consideration. Speaking of looking in winter.....When we were over last month to Calpe....It was quite cold and very dreary for a few days. I was so shocked and surprised. But It still was a great place...and that is what convinced me. Rain or shine..cold or hot. Spain is far cleaner, brighter,and with such spectacular scenery. Perhaps not all areas are as nice..but the N.. Costa Blanca seems to be. We felt very comfortable.The people were pleasant...What more could you ask for????

Mitzy...I love the view from your house. It doesn't seem that steep a hill... ..judging by the photos of the apts I looked at that were near your area. Especially since they were only 2 km to Oliva. Those views are what makes your life in spain so special. Even for someone comning from S.E. Florida..which has some great views as well..

Renting First was always my thought....which we did in Derby. The only problem facing us now regarding renting...is our finances. We really cannot afford to try... and then later buy..as our budget has dramatically dropped the past year. It just won't stretch to 6 months or a year of rental. Even with the house sold...we face a shortfall...requiring a small mortgage...which we had hoped to avoid. My husband is still working. It is my understanding..that it would be impossible to get a mortgage once he retires. Meaning we would have to make a decision on a property before .

There are so many issues..and I am ever grateful for all the helpful advice I am receiving from all of you on this forum. Keep up the good work... Carol

Re: Living the DREAM?
 

Carol, just for info I spoke to the agent for that property with the pool, and they would be interested in renting it on a 6 or 11 month contract for around 450 - 500 euros a month. Personally, I think you might be able to get it for less than 450 if you push, especially if you mentioned (even if you weren't) that you might be interested in buying it eventually.

Also I checked a local agent and came up with the following which might be of interest

http://www.anacasa.com/web/inmuebles...segunda_mano=1

Re: Living the DREAM?
 

Hi Mitzy..you are a star..I really appreciate you making all this effort to gain info for us. The idea of renting... with a view to buying... is a great one..and the price sounds good. We really like these apts...and the area looks lovely from the photos..just the view we hope for. If nothing else..it would be wonderful to rent for 6 months..and try the area. We are looking into how we could manage it. Danny still works..but I could spend time possibly..with the other kids and husband coming when they can. Danny has 6 weeks off for the summer..as he is a teacher. And then half terms after that. As I have said..we planned to come over in aug. and rent for some weeks. But finding affordable accommodation was proving a problem. This could be just the answer. Can you tell me..how far up a hill is it..Do you need a car..or is there a bus? or places to shop etc in walking distance. If I were on my own....that would be important.

I have also looked at that link. It is very good..I Especially like the 3rd property with 3 bedrooms..but no price listed. I think it is near the beach..( if my few words of spanish are correct.) Quite a few of the properties I think are in the town..and look really, really lovely and very spacious..with very good prices. I don't know what the buildings are like..or are they townshouses..apts..etc. Or if there are any sort of terraces or views..but great value. You really have cheered me up... on one of the bleakest days of my life.

I had to deal with the police again yesterday regarding my attack. Bringing to their attention 2 other incidents. Which they keep denying having been reported. Although an attempted assault..mimmicking mine..was in the newspaper twice. I now have copies..with a police contact number...asking for witnesses. The description was identical in everyway. Both of the man and his car.

The man is very distinct..middlle aged..looks like a businessman..and non British. Which there aren't many of his appearance in the area. This incident happened one month before my attack. Yet the police acted stunned..and pretended it was totally out of character to be assaulted in this way.... I was a one off. A freak accident.

They do now acknowledge... they have a record of the second incident with this man..Claiming It was overlooked?? yet it occurred only a few blocks away.And the police were on the scene and took a statement. A lad was stalked by a car for several days..and later the driver tried to run him down. In front of witnesses...at the local shops. The lads' father found the man still in the area.and held him for police. who saw him..spoke with him..and saw his car. Yet he was free to drive away. Despite matching the exact description of the Man who tried to drive up on the pavement..and grab this other woman..also walking her dog.....just 8 days earlier. And a few blocks the other direction. but on the very Same road each time.

14 days later..he pulled up in the same car..grabbed me by the neck..face and shoulders..headbutted me...and subjected me to horrible verbal abuse and further attack...then drove home. He lives 2 minutes from my house. Almost in view. he obvioulsy was heading home when he saw me...and decided to stop. which is what I find scary. He hits on a whim..and has no fear. I keep thinking I could be dead if he had a knife. Or if he decided to yank my neck harder. I already had neck injuries from a car accident...and take codeine for pain.

The shocking fact..His car is parked openly in the drive..and the police knew. They casually informed me that they were knocking on his door ...but he was out. My daughters later drove by and photographed the house and car. which is brand new 2007 model..and a very nice house. I am sick beyond belief. Having to see the doctors yesterday for the pain....and way past breaking point. I desperately need to start living a dream..and forget this nightmare. Thanks so much for all of your help...and for listening to my problems. It would be late July when we could get over. We need to discuss the costs for utilities etc. as well. Many thanks Mitzy...I really do appreciate your efforts. .regards, Carol

Re: Living the DREAM?
 

Don't mention the English Police to me .... unless you get murdered or exceed the speed limit they aren't interested.

There are a lot of Town Houses in Oliva in the Old Town which is narrow streets and church squares, and in the new area there are a lot of apartments.

I'd say you need transport on the hill here, although I notice there are quite a few people up here without cars and they use the local taxi firm. Taxis are fairly cheap here I understand. This is about 3 kms from the town.

Re: Living the DREAM?
 

Thanks Mitzy for your support..It truly has been an unreal experience.It truly does feel lidke a bad dream. I do feel I have had enough of the fight to survive...and just want to get out. All of those options sound great. I would love the idea of the old town..with church squares etc. A new town apt..or renting/living on the hill. No problem with a taxi.That would work fine. we never seemed to find one in Calpe when we needed it..and ended up walking till I literally did collapse. I will seriously discuss this option of the rental with Danny. He is off now for a long bank holiday weekend..so we can see how it might be possible. I didn't ask if it is furnished..or not. That obviously makes a difference as well. Cheers for now, Carol