Euro Weekly News - Costa del Sol Home Supplement 14 - 20 April 2022 Issue 1919

HOME The most exclusive areas SUPPLEMENT

on the Costa del Sol

The Euro Weekly News has been looking at all things property in Spain, including the most sought-after areas to buy property, how to negotiate the best price and how home staging can help to sell your property.

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ERE, we are looking at the most exclusive areas on the ever popular Costa del Sol, with its stunning beaches, beautiful mountain ranges, top restaurants, buzzing nightlife and no shortage of things to see and do!

1. La Zagaleta in Benahavis La Zagaleta in Benahavis tops the list for the most exclusive areas on the Costa del Sol. This 900 hectares private estate on the road to Ronda and just eight miles from the glamorous Marbella is a secluded are of multi-million euro homes. Many of these belong to the rich and famous of the world!

2. La Reserva in Sotogrande In the west end of the Costa del Sol is the beautiful community of Sotogrande, an area that has always been synonymous with exclusivity.

This residential development exudes luxury and is one of the best in Europe.

One of the most sought-after neighbourhoods in Sotogrande for the rich and famous is La Reserva, located in the foothills of Sotogrande, boasting its own golf course, a beach club and a freshwater lagoon.

EXUDES LUXURY: La Reserva Club in Sotogrande.

3. Finca Cortesin in Casares Finca Cortesin is the epitome of luxury living. Tucked away in the stunning white village of Casares, this gated residential complex hosts one of the world’s top hotel resorts and also has one of the best golf courses in Spain. Boasting incredible views of the mountain ranges, the Mediterranean Sea and Gibraltar, this development offers world-class services to its residents and guests.

4. El Paraiso in Estepona El Paraiso is in the perfect location and

is one of the most established neighbourhoods on the Costa del Sol. On the east end of the prestigious New Golden Mile and close to Marbella and Estepona, El Paraiso was born in the 1970s around a golf course of the same name and boasts breathtaking views of the mountain and the Mediterranean Sea. 5. La Quinta in Benahavis La Quinta is located in one of the best areas on the western Costa del Sol and offers a slice of peace and quiet away from the buzzing nightlife of Marbella

and Puerto Banus! La Quinta was established around 30 years ago and includes one of the best golf and country clubs on the Costa del Sol - the 5-star Westin Quinta hotel.

6. La Finca in Sotogrande La Finca is another one of Sotogrande’s incredible exclusive developments. Designed as a prestigious hideaway, this is one of the more recently developed parts of Sotogrande, but already one of the best. La Finca has some of the most breathtaking views in the area due to its elevation. Residents will see beautiful mountain ranges, forests and the sparkling Mediterranean sea, and it is just a few minutes’ drive away from the marina and the local beach in Sotogrande.

7. Los Flamingos in Benahavis Located inland from Estepona in a lush green valley, this area has incredible panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and even a natural lake. Los Flamingos was designed as a golfers’ paradise and is well-known for its exclusivity and privacy. The area is home to one of the best hotels in the world - Villa Padierna.

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Pool lighting ideas

WITH the warmer climate in Spain, many people enjoy pools in the gardens.

We have taken a look at ways to make your pool a glittering focal point in the balmy spring and summer evenings.

Lighten up the decking area Not only will lights be helpful for safety around the pool, they will also showcase the area so that it can be seen in all its glory!

There’s nothing more enjoyable than sitting on a decking area around a body of water enjoying drinks with friends and family. Lighting is also ideal for guests to find their way around the garden and makes the area more ‘pedestrianised’.

Light up trees and plants Trees, cacti and large plants look great lit up, and our eye is automatically drawn to them. Use some clever lighting behind large plants and vertical cacti, around tree trunks and even along walls to create a more welcoming and open space. Lanterns can be

POOL AREA: Lights will reflect in the pool and create a sense of space. hung from branches (if safe to do so) or large bulbs of various colours.

Use your pool as a mirror Hang twinkling lights above, lanterns along the pool edge or add lighting to structures that are reflected in the pool. This will not only create a sense of space, but will also make it feel like you have more lighting than there actually is.

Use lighting on pathways or steps Not only for safety, lighting along pathways and steps is also pleasing to the eye. Strips of LED lighting can be used on the edge of steps making them easier to see and creating a feature. Small lights or lanterns along the edge of pathways are a great idea for safety and to cre-

ate a focal point of plant beds.

Use fire elements Tiki torches and large candles not only create a beautiful ambience but will also keep insects at bay.

Plenty of shops sell large torches and candles on long sticks that can be placed into the ground along pathways and around seating areas.

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Creating a home office WORKING from home has become much more common over the past few years, and it seems to be here to stay. This gives us greater flexibility and comfort, but blurred boundaries between work life and home life can mean things get tricky. How do we concentrate when there are so many distractions around us?

And how do we relax when our work is literally inside our home?

Having a room, or at least a particular space within a room, that is reserved only for work is key. This will help us make a clear distinction between work and relaxation and enable us to get into the right mindset at the right time.

Four tips for creating your perfect home office 1. Make the most of the space Your workspace is not a storage room. Try to have only what is necessary and tidy things away before they turn into clutter. Use a bookcase, cabinet or drawer to store files and folders and keep your desk space as clear as possible. Remember: a clear space is a clear mind.

2. Give it your personal touch Your home office need not be boring. Bring in a few objects that inspire you and make it a nicer place to be, such as family photos, quirky postcards, magnets, a pretty mug or some fancy pens.

3. Ergonomic furniture Spending many hours in an uncomfortable chair does no favours for productivity and can cause significant pain and discomfort. Ergonomic chairs may cost a little more than standard chairs, but they are a worthy investment. Your back will thank you.

5. Consider videoconferences Think about those Zoom calls - your colleagues and clients are likely to get a glimpse into your workspace too. Remember that your background can be seen. Try to minimise noise, have good lighting and keep the background looking somewhat professional.

So in short, taking the time to get it just how you like it will make you perfectly happy to spend time there.

The expert way to clean your bathroom IT’S the most dreaded task for most of us, and lots of us even have more than one of them to clean! But keeping the bathroom clean is not only welcoming but also extremely important for hygiene reasons. Take a look at our expert tips on cleaning your bathroom.

Remove clutter Remove toiletries before you clean to make sure you have space, get rid of any old bottles and empty the bins.

Clean the drains If you notice your shower or sink isn’t draining properly then you probably have some gunk to remove! This is usually hairs and products like shampoo and conditioner building up. First remove anything you can see and then use a mixture of bicarbonate of soda to shift build-ups.

This is a cheaper and safer alternative to stronger chemicals.

Get rid of dust Use a damp cloth to wipe away any dust and grime on surfaces such as shelves, furniture and the sink. You can use a hoover or long handled brush for

SPARKLING CLEAN: A welcome sight and important for hygiene reasons. any cobwebs on the ceiling.

Clean the toilet Squirt toilet cleaner from the rim and let it run down, using a toilet brush to ensure

everything is covered. Use a small brush to get into the rim and put the toilet brush inside the bowl to disinfect. Leave for 10 minutes before flushing and always use

separate cloths for the toilet seat and lid.

Clean wall tiles Working from the top down, spray wall tiles with a non-bleach product and leave it to work for a few minutes. Then use a damp cloth to remove any scum, products and hairs from the tiles, using the showerhead to rinse down if possible.

Shine mirrors Toothpaste and soap scum is easily transferred onto mirrors and glass shower doors and you need something abrasive to cut through at the beginning. Make your own screen scrub by mixing dishwashing liquid, sodium bicarbonate and vinegar (one part of each), which will cut through the soap build up and water marks. Then use your regular glass cleaner and a microfibre cloth.

Clean the floor Brush or hoover first, then use a mop and a suitable floor cleaner.

Restore order Place everything back tidily, making sure to have removed any empty bottles and old soaps!

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Advertising Feature

THE STRAND PROPERTIES REAL ESTATE CONCEPT

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IRENA and Anssi Kiviranta were two of the founding partners of a very successful Finnish real estate concept Bo LKV. They participated in growing the business from scratch to a company of 200 employees and €23 million turnover in less than five years. A capital investment company acquired the majority of Bo LKV in the autumn of 2019. In mutual understanding, the Kiviranta couple had the chance to start a real estate agency abroad under their own brand. The couple’s Finnish investment company Kiviranta Group Oy has estab-

lished a Spanish subsidiary, Strand Properties in 2020.

Strand Properties offers services to both sellers and buyers. Through their partner networks, the number of brokered properties goes up into the thousands, and Strand Properties can help customers find the right property by carefully charting the customers’ wishes and using a learning property search service.

For the sellers, the brokerage concept focusing on quality offers the fastest selling times and the best possible selling price.

In less than two years, the Strand Properties

chain has grown to become one of the most recognised real estate brands among agents, customers, and developers. Strand Properties is a high-end property agency, but its listings include properties to suit all budgets.

Strand Properties has two real estate offices on Costa del Sol: Marbella’s Puerto Banus office, with 20 experienced real estate professionals, and the Malaga office, with 10 agents, each with longstanding experience in real estate in the Malaga area. In summer 2022 Strand Properties will open its third office in Palma de Mallorca.

Strand Properties has

over 800 homes for sale, and you can view every new property on the Costa del Sol with a Strand agent. We have established partnerships with all the major and reputable developers on the Costa del Sol. The Strand Properties concept also includes Design Strand. Importing and selling of selected Scandinavian products in Spain, such as Timberwise, Bedesign, Drop Design Pool, Tablebed, Framery and Woodio.

We also represent eg Ballingslöv Kitchens, Massproductions, Fogia, Garden Glory, Kasthall, and Carl Hansen & Son furniture and products.

The Strand Properties

FOUNDING PARTNERS: Sirena and Anssi Kiviranta. premises in Puerto Banus which cover a 500-square-metre business space and a terrace

area, offer our customers an opportunity to take a look at the products.

STRAND PROPERTIES MARBELLA OFFICE: Av. Playas del Duque, Edif.

Málaga 1C. 29660 Puerto Banús Marbella

MALAGA OFFICE: C/. Marín García 12, local.

29005 Málaga

+34 676 901 519 info@strand.es • strand.es

Choose paint colours in six easy steps CHOOSING the right colour for the different rooms in a house is often more difficult than it seems, particularly if not everybody shares the same tastes and opinions. Following these six easy steps will help you make the best choice possible.

Step 4 The colour of the ceiling is crucial.

Avoid using a dark colour to paint the ceiling, as this will cause the room to lose light. The best colour for any ceiling is white, but if you want to add a touch of colour to it, go for a tone that combines well with that of the walls, but in a much lighter shade.

Step 1 The first thing is to think carefully about what the room will be used for (master bedroom, children’s room, study, etc). Colours should always be adapted to the use of the room and not the other way around.

Step 5 If you already have the furniture that will go in the room, this will also be an important factor. Ideally, the colours of the room and the furniture will go together in harmony.

Step 2 Consider the size of the room.

Dark colours will make a small room feel cramped, whereas pastel tones, light colours and white will achieve the opposite effect and will make it feel larger.

Step 3 Next, consider the natural light available in the house in general and in each individual room. Think about the way the sunlight falls on the house and the orientation of each room (for example, whether it looks out onto a patio).

There is a huge range of colours to choose from.

Step 6 Finally, choose the colours by consulting the RAL or the NCS colour chart, which will offer you a huge range of colours to choose from. If you look carefully, you are bound to find something that meets your needs. There is no need to rush and you should take as much time as necessary.

Once you have chosen all the colours for the rooms of your home, make sure you buy the best quality paint to ensure top-quality and lasting results.

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Advertising Feature

Traditional quality in modern style

S the concept of recycling becomes increasingly more popular so The Wood Factory in San Pedro Alcantara is finding that its business just keeps on growing.

After two years of Covid too, The Wood Factory is stronger than ever, with many people reforming their homes and buying new furniture.

This unusual shop and factory is owned and run by mother of four Kristel Schoeman-Daneel.

Initially, the business was confined to individual customers in and around the Marbella area, but this has grown considerably so that now The Wood Factory receives orders from all along the coast and she has become involved in working

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QUALITY FURNITURE: The company also offers a range of ready made cushions and inlaid tiles. with interior designers to equip whole bars and restaurants.

Recently she even received an order from a customer who was moving to South Africa and she filled his container with a range of different furniture for the

kitchen, living areas, bedrooms and even the garden.

The Wood Factory can either supply from stock or can make products to customer requirement and offers a very versatile range for every room in the house

which includes chairs, tables, wardrobes, beds, floors, kitchens, doors and once the inside is completed, there is even a palatial kennel for the dog.

Her latest concept is the production of Huge ChillOut Beds that are like the

very popular Balinese Beds but are made with a contemporary feel.

When asked to explain her philosophy, Kristel said that she wanted to create a sense of Bohemian Chic with good quality strong furniture which lives and

that is certainly the case.

With an eye for matching the wood which can be coloured, the company also offers a range of made to measure cushions and inlaid tiles to ensure that homogenous look.

When the shop first opened, it seemed to attract mainly northern European clients who understood the look, but she is delighted to have noticed that more and more of her customers are Spanish and that she is now getting repeat orders as people move or improve their properties.

Naturally this busy entrepreneur can welcome customers in fluent Dutch, English and Spanish and can also manage a conversation in French or German.

To see the furniture for yourself visit The Wood Factory, Poligono San Pedro de Alcantara, Calle Budapest 16, ES-29670 San Pedro de Alcantara, Marbella which is open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday. Numerous examples of the innovative furniture can be viewed at www.woodfactory.es, on Instagram as well as Facebook or you can call 620 230 376 to discuss your needs with Kristel.

5 Aesthetically pleasing storage solutions WHEN it comes to storage, it always feels like we don’t have enough of it or many of us don’t want our belongings on show, however, there are plenty of innovative ideas to make your storage look aesthetically pleasing!

Edit what you store on your shelves It is important to be intentional about what you have on your shelves and where.

Storage solutions that have some open spaces and some cupboards are great because you can have the more aesthetically pleasing items on show and the rest hidden in the cupboards!

Dual purpose shelves Dual purpose shelves are handy, particularly for laundry rooms, where you can add a rail to hang items such as clothing or leashes and halters for pets. You can also add pretty hooks to hang items such as mugs or keys on.

STORAGE SPACE: You can add pretty boxes and baskets to free up space in cupboards.

Add pretty boxes, jars and baskets You can get pretty boxes and baskets from a multitude of places and in various colours these days, perfect for bathroom and kitchen items. A current trend is to place everyday items such as cotton wool balls and laundry detergent

into jars and have them on show to free up space in cupboards for the items you don’t want to be seen.

Floating shelves Floating shelves are great because they don’t take up any floor space and can be placed above things like washing machines and beds. They look great with

photo frames added and larger and smaller items placed thoughtfully together such as candles, medium-sized plants and reed diffusers. Make use of any enclaves in walls by adding small shelving.

Use bookcases as storage Bookcases aren’t just for

books! Use them in your laundry room to house items in jars and baskets or in bedrooms to store neatly folded towels and bedding.

They can also be placed on walls to avoid using up floor space and look great in bathrooms to house cosmetics if you don’t have much storage space.

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Advertising Feature

Renew Realty SL Estate Agents OCATED in the Centro Comercial Benavista in El Paraiso, Estepona, Renew Realty offers bespoke property tours for clients looking at buying residential property in Spain.

Buying a new property can be overwhelming, however, whether you are purchasing as your main residence or as a second home, Renew Realty believes the journey to find your ideal property should be exciting and enjoyable!

Renew Realty has over 20 years of experience in real estate and covers the majority of the coast, from Fuengirola to Manilva, and will assist you every step of the way when buying your property on the beautiful and popular Costa del Sol. Their customer focused ser-

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Find the perfect property with trusted guidance.

vice is tailored towards the client, ensuring you will find the perfect property with trusted guidance through the entire process.

From day one, Renew Realty’s friendly team can provide a detailed selection of potential properties in suitable areas and according to your

budget and requirements.

Their bespoke service means they will go the extra mile to show you the immediate areas, beaches, local shops and

town centres.

Their research and customer services department will be able to pin point areas and properties based on each individual’s requirements and criteria before you even arrive in Spain!

From finding you the right property, introducing you to reputable and trusted lawyers and mortgage brokers, to recommending interior designers or other household contractors from their network of partners - Renew Realty will help you with it all.

Renew Realty advertises on all of the major property portals, both locally and internationally, offering an exclusive service which not only meets their clients requirements, but exceeds them.

If you would like a trusted, hassle free and experienced estate agency to assist you in your property search, contact Renew Realty via email at info@renew-realty.com, or by calling 951 571 049.

Pop into their office which is open from 9:30am until 5:30pm on weekdays and is located on Calle Benavista, Local 15, Urb El Paraiso, 29688, Estepona.

You can also take a look on their website for current listings www.renew-realty.com or their Facebook page for more information ‘Renew Realty SL’.

Six creative ways to display flowers FLOWERS are not just for looking at in the garden or park. They can brighten up even the dullest room and have actually been scientifically proven to boost our mood, as they trigger our ‘happy’ brain chemicals, dopamine, oxytocin and serotonin. Bringing them into our homes does not have to mean a vase on a coffee table - there are lots of creative ways they can be displayed.

Read on for some inspiration. Happy decorating!

1) Instead of using vases, you can use wine bottles, jugs, tins, teapots, watering cans, buckets hollowed-out pumpkins or even wellington boots! Just about any container can be used to display flowers. Make the most of one bunch of flowers by dividing it into different containers around the house.

décor or leave them as they are for some classic rustic charm.

2) Instead of placing your plants on a simple shelf, hang them in macramé potholders in any room of your home. If you want to make them even more eye-catching, you can buy pots in different shapes.

5) Most people place their flowers in the dining room or living room. However, adding plants in the bathroom, bedroom or kitchen can make these areas look and feel much more welcoming.

3) Use wooden crates to create homemade shelves on the wall for your pots. If you would rather not drill holes in the wall, you can stack the crates on the floor and place some plants in and around them. You can paint them to make them match your

6) Flowers are a great way to enhance existing décor. Make garlands to hang on the door or to add a floral detail to a picture frame or mirror. You can even use small pots with plants such as succulents as bookends.

4) Paint empty jars or vases with glass paint in any way you like and place your favourite flowers in them. Jars and vases of different shapes and sizes will look great together as a table centrepiece.

Advertising Feature

TIME FOR A NEW BED? A

RE you missing the quality of UK brands and UK manufactured beds? Don’t want to pay transport costs?

We’ve got it covered (with delivery as soon as the same day)!

At The Bed Warehouse we have over 40 years of experience in giving people the comfort they deserve at a price they can afford! Having previously owned our own successful bed company in the UK in which we manufactured our own beds on site; with this in-depth knowledge, we can assist you in finding the ideal bed for you.

The Bed Warehouse has now been established in Spain and Portugal for 13 years and as well as supplying other retail shops, you can buy direct from the warehouse at unbeatable prices!

We specialise in bankrupt stock; supplying top name brands such as Relyon, Silentnight and John Lewis etc at a fraction of the retail price.

We also manufacture beds ourselves, enabling you to ‘design your own bed’ with a wide range of colours, fabrics

All of the beds are from the UK. and headboards to choose from. All of the beds are from the UK and follow standard UK sizes - specialising in Superking size. If you can imagine it, we can create it!

With the largest amount of stock on the coast, there is no need to wait! Delivery can be as soon as the same day!

We supply the retail shops, so cut out the middle-man and visit The Bed Warehouse directly to save money now - the comfort you deserve at a price you can afford!

Tel: (+34) 634 187 700 Emma • www.bedwarehousespain.com bedwarehousespain@hotmail.com • The Bed Warehouse Showroom: Local 66-69, Centro Commercial El Zoco-Calahonda

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Advertising Feature

Kaarsberg Estate - Your Preferred Estate Agency A

N increasing number of people dream of owning a property abroad - either a holiday home or somewhere to live year round. The culture, climate and the stunning natural surroundings make Spain a popular destination. “During the last couple of months, we have been busy selling, showing, and planning a large number of viewings here for spring and summer. It has really taken over and surprises me a little, because January and February in particular tend to be the calmest months of the year,” mentions Peter Kaarsberg, owner of Kaarsberg Estate.

Kaarsberg Estate is a family-run real estate agency located in Cerros del Aguila, Mijas, with more than 15 years of experience in property sales on the Costa del Sol.

and can guide you through each stage of the buying process, (https://kaarsberges tate.com/the-buying-pro cess/).

They can also help you find the best property and location that meet your requirements.

The following guide will give you insight into the different areas along the coast. (https://kaars bergestate.com/2021/10/04/ex plore-costa-del-sol/).

Kaarsberg Estate has a large selection of properties

PETER KAARSBERG: Has more than 15 years of experience.

Alongside the Scandinavian languages, our accomplished agents speak English, Spanish, French, German, and

Dutch. Having lived in Spain for over 20 years, Peter and the agents are very familiar with the areas

in different price ranges from Nerja to Sotogrande, including villas, semi-detached villas, apartments, townhouses and much more.

Get inspired by taking a look at Kaarsberg Estate’s catalogues (https://kaars bergestate.com/catalogue/) or on their website. (https://kaarsbergestate.com /property/) Maybe you will find your dream home.

Meanwhile if you are a property owner considering selling your home on the Costa del Sol, now is the perfect time to do so. “Today, there is such good momentum in the real estate market that I fear that by the end of the year we may have a definite shortage of listings.

“I am sure that the great demand will increase prices by 15-20 per cent in a year or two,” said Peter.

Contact Kaarsberg Estate to receive professional consultation and guidance in regards to your property purchase or sale on the Costa del Sol: Address: Calle Buitre 45, Mijas Costa 29649, Malaga, Spain. (Open 10.00-17.00, Monday to Friday) Telephone: (+34) 952 554 560 | (+34) 666 777 016 • E-mail: info@kaarsbergestate.com

Garden party decoration ideas

SPRING and summer birthdays are the perfect occasion for a garden party! With so many ideas and options and plenty of beautiful decorations, we have put together some ideas for adult and children’s garden parties.

Set up for a playful tea party What says summer more than an afternoon tea party with friends in the sun? For a whimsical feel, position a portable table under a tree and use the branches overhead to hang bunting and paper pom poms above. Use bright patterned cushions on chairs or on the grass, jugs of fresh flowers on the table and use tiered cake stands for that classic and authentic afternoon tea feel.

Use vintage finds For a quirky and charming look, use ribbon and lace to dress the tables and try some mix and match glassware and crockery. Ribbons can be used around the cutlery or napkins and fresh flowers can be dotted around the place settings for a summery, vintage feel.

Create a fabric awning An awning is the perfect way to create some shade from the midday sun.

Canopies and awnings are sold at most garden centres, but you can also create your own with some cleverly placed

GARDEN PARTY: Bring some glamour and have a drinks trolley outside. hooks or poles and a fabric with a fun print.

Get a drinks trolley The drinks trolley has made a huge comeback recently after we have been increasingly entertaining in our homes. Bring some glamour to the garden and have a

drinks trolley outside. Fill it with flutes, gin glasses, drinks, coasters and an ice bucket - you could even add some fresh herbs for cocktails.

Don’t forget about the children!

Garden games are perfect to keep children (and adults!) entertained. There are

lots of sets to buy online from classics such as croquet and French boules to oversized versions of indoor favourites like Jenga, chess and Connect Four. Create a fun and sensory area for children by using rugs and cushions on the floor, small stools, blankets and throws.

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Advertising Feature

BigMat chooses Malaga for launch of new merger I G M A T , the distribution group specialising in construction and DIY products and solutions for professionals and individuals, has launched its BigMat Go!!! Project.

Aiming to support the merger of the cooperative’s members, BigMat Go!!! will offer customers the best products at the best prices on the market and with the greatest possible professionalism.

The company has achieved this by unifying their operations, generating synergies, increasing revenues and margins and improving their market position.

The first BigMat Go!!! is opening in the province of Malaga,

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BigMat Go!!!

SABINILLAS: This centre has joined forces with the other two. where BigMat Moreno Comercial, with its centre in Mijas, and BigMat Multipio, with its centre in Estepona and another centre in Sabinillas, have joined forces. The

BigMat Group itself is also involved in this launch to support the start-up of the project and it is hoped that other partners in the province will continue to

MIJAS: BigMat Moreno Comercial.

join the group.

For both Paco Moreno, the CEO of BigMat Moreno Comercial, and Salvador Jiménez, CEO of BigMat Multipio, this commitment is a

step forward to boost the company’s growth in the province and to be able to offer construction professionals and private customers of the three shops in Mi-

jas, Estepona and Sabinillas, better services, better products and the best prices on the market.

The BigMat Group is developing a Growth Plan that includes acquisitions such as the recent acquisition of La Plataforma de la Construcción.

It also includes partnerships similar to the one this year in the Canary Islands together with local partners, plants such as Divendi, or other formulas for joining the different projects such as Mas Obra, or the Central de Centrales Centromat initiated with the Galician cooperative Alcongal as its first ally, and other new business models that are being developed.

ESTEPONA: PI Jose Martin Mendez, C. Gaudi, 28, 29680, Etepona / 952 123 589 ** MIJAS: A-7053, kilometro 9, 29651 Las Lagunas de Mijas, Malaga / 952 123 589 ** SABINILLAS: Av Manilva Km 0, 200, 29692 San Luis de Sabinillas, Malaga 952 890 154 www.bigmat.es Advertising Feature

Your real estate needs met with Tomas Rogers OVERING the highly sought-after areas of Mijas, Marbella and Fuengirola areas, real estate agent Tomas Rogers works for Remax real estate and boasts three years experience in the industry. Remax is one of the biggest real estate networks in the world, with 2,000 offices in Europe, including an office in Mijas on the Costa del Sol. Tomas Rogers at Remax has an impressive track record, selling 85 per cent of his listings last year. Tomas will make sure that your home is sold as quickly as possible and for a great price, using extensive marketing exposure as well as offering a sellerfocused experience and VIP treatment.

Whether you are looking to buy or sell a townhouse, apartment, flat or house, Tomas’ skills in customer service and the real estate industry make him the best agent for the job.

Available Monday to Saturday 10am until 7pm and located on Av. Clemente Diaz 6 in Fuengirola, get in touch with Tomas at Remax for all of your real estate solutions by calling 655 473 483 today.

You can also email Tomas on tomasalfredo.rogers@remax.es and find out more on the Facebook page

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Tomas has an impressive track record. https://www.facebook.com/tomas.roger sremax.8/ or website https://www.re maxsunset.es/agente/tomas-alfredorogers-bajo-14325#.

From an idea born on paper in 1973, to the most reputable brand in real estate, Remax has grown into a sprawling global organisation, helping more families buy and sell homes than any other real estate company in the world.

Last weekend Tomas attended the Remax Convention in Cadiz.

Over 700 staff and agents took part in the convention. We are thrilled to announce Tomas received a top award for his sales performance. He is now part of the 100 per cent club @ Remax.

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Propertiespain Benahavis Advertising Feature

Propertiespain, located in Benahavis village, is a professional and trusted real estate agent with their clients’ needs at the forefront of their service.

ROPERTIESPAIN stand out for their extensive knowledge of various types of property in the municipality of Benahavis, having built an unbeatable reputation as one of the best real estate agents in the area for buyers and sellers.

Led by Scott, who was born in Benahavis and is also a local councillor there, the team at Propertiespain have been a part of the business for many years, building on their extensive knowledge and understanding of the municipality and properties available, not

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VARIOUS PROPERTIES: From luxury villas to golf-front homes.

only in the village of Benahavis but also the prestigious urbanisations around the town centre.

In a brave move, Scott set up Propertiespain when all other real estate companies were closing down due to the economic crisis of 2008, building up a solid reputation with his team. They are now a well-known and established company offering premium properties to their clients.

Propertiespain’s objective is to ensure their clients are informed and happy throughout the buying and selling process, leading to many

happy customers whether they are looking for a beautiful apartment, charming townhouse, luxury villa, highspec new development or a golf-front property.

Propertiespain use hightech, professional marketing tools such as drones to allow their clients to view properties remotely, making the process of buying or selling even easier. They are also featured on major online property portals and have a range of exclusive properties that are not featured on their website that the friendly team will be happy to present to you.

To speak with the attentive and knowledgeable team at Propertiespain and find your dream home in Benahavis, call +34 952 855 489 or email info@propertiespain.com. You can also visit their office in Benahavis, located on Urb. La Aldea Plaza Camilo Jose Cela, Local 1, 29679 during their opening hours of 9am until 6.30pm or on Saturdays by appointment.

You can also take a look on their Facebook page ‘Propertiespain’ or their Instagram page ‘propertie_spain’.

Create a garden ready for gatherings WITH the lighter nights now here, many of us will be eating al fresco and inviting friends and family round for gatherings in the garden. In this supplement, the Euro Weekly News has put together ways to spruce up your living and outdoor areas ready for spring and in this feature, we have looked at how to make your garden party ready.

Use lighting With an abundance of lanterns and pretty fairy lights in the shops, there are plenty of ways to create ambience with lighting on your garden.

Hang string lights and lanterns from trees or set out lots of battery powered candles to create some mood lighting. Don’t forget to make any bodies of water such as pools or water features into a focal point!

Create a gathering space Create a space for people to gather, a fire pit is perfect for this. Add some chairs, small tables and cushions

AL FRESCO: Long tables or benches are the perfect setting for people to eat and socialise. and you have the perfect space for people to mingle.

Don’t forget to add some throws or blankets for when the temperature drops!

Create a drinks space Set up a table with glassware, bottles or decanters with drinks in, flutes, an ice bucket and some fresh herbs.

This will make it easier for guests to serve themselves drinks and is a nice space for people to chat or greet each other. You could also use

drinks carts that can be wheeled around the garden.

Create a space for people to eat Long tables and benches are the perfect setting for people to eat and socialise.

You could set the table with glassware and blooms and have the food in large bowls for guests to serve themselves.

Decorate the chairs Chairs can be decorated with ribbons and flowers, particularly for children or if the event is in celebration of a specific guest such as a birthday. Make daisy chains or weave larger flowers or pretty coloured ribbons around the back of the chair for a special feel.

Keep it simple Have a cook out or a barbecue for a laid back feel, after all, the smell of barbecue smoke is synonymous with gardens and summer! Large amounts of food can be cooked at one time making serving easier.

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Advertising Feature

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What to plant in March and April Spring has officially sprung and many of us are looking to the garden and deciding what vegetables, fruits and flowers to plant.

The Euro Weekly News has put together a quick list of what to plant for the months ahead.

VEGETABLES Peas Early spring is the perfect time to plant peas, while the temperature is still cool. Dig a wide trench 4cm deep and plan two rows 15cm apart with the seeds spaced 5cm apart.

Cover and wait for them to grow!

Stagger cropping by planting rows every two weeks, and place a support next to the plants for them to climb up.

need well-drained soil and a sunny spot that gets at least six to eight hours of sunshine per day.

Tomatoes Start them off in a heated glasshouse or on a sunny windowsill, once the threat of frost has passed they can then be transferred to be planted outside.

If you live in a region that doesn’t get frost, they can be planted outside in March. You will be rewarded with a tasty crop if you sow in early spring and given them plenty of light and warmth!

FLOWERS Calendula officinalis Calendula officinalis, or pot marigolds, are one of the easiest and quickest plants to grow from seed. Sow them now and keep them under cover to plant out in May. These flowers like being placed in the sunlight and will produce flowers from June to August. They can also been grown in a pot and some people eat the petals in salads!

Raspberries Raspberries taste the best when planted in early spring raspberries actually thrive in cooler conditions. They are prone to root rot so plant in raised beds and keep them watered during dry spells, taking care not to waterlog the soil.

PLANTING: For strawberries, pick a sunny spot that gets lots of sunshine.

FRUIT Strawberries Strawberries grown from

seeds benefit from an early spring start. They won’t produce fruit in the first year

when grown from seed, so they are more of a long term choice in your garden. They

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Advertising Feature

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Tips and tricks for organising your kitchen If you have ever found yourself struggling to find storage space in a small, cluttered kitchen, the solution may be easier than you think. Here are a few simple tips and tricks to get organised and make the most of that precious space.

Declutter the worktop A clear worktop will not only look tidy, but it will leave you with plenty of space for cooking and preparing food.

• Attach a couple of selfadhesive pockets to the inside of kitchen cabinets to store shopping lists, coupons, recipes and other pesky bits of paper. Keep a pen with them.

• Keep cooking utensils (or even mugs) to hand by mounting a towel rack with a few hooks on the kitchen wall.

• Power cords can clutter worktop space. Keep them under control by adding an adhesive cable guard to the back of appliances.

• Keep wet sponges and cloths off the worktop by using an organiser. These come in different designs and can be attached to the side of the sink or even the tap.

KITCHEN IDEAS: Make the most of your storage space and also keep worktops clear.

Make the most of space inside cupboards and drawers Well-organised cupboards

and drawers make everything easy to find and allow you to see when stocks are getting

low.

• Although tins are stackable, storing them on their side in a

wire basket will save space and allow you to see their labels.

• Transparent containers with labels look tidy and let you see exactly where everything is and what you have.

• If you have extra space in one of your kitchen drawers, install a horizontal bar a few centimetres away from the front of the drawer and use it to store pot lids upright.

• If you still have one of those CD holders from the 1990s sitting around, give it a new purpose by placing it in a cupboard and using it to organise lids.

Additional storage If your kitchen still lacks storage space, you can always mount some additional shelves. If not, a simple hook or wire organiser attached to the side of a kitchen cabinet or island can be used to store anything from vegetables to tea towels.

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Prepare your home for summer

SUMMER may still be several months away and rainy days might make it seem distant, but it will be here before we know it. Now is the perfect time to start thinking about how to prepare your home for the summer months, so that you will be as comfortable as possible when the heat does arrive and you have everything in order if you decide to go on a wellearned holiday.

The first thing to do is to check all the doors and windows to make sure that they close and lock properly. There may be a problem that needs to be fixed by a professional.

This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that your home is safely locked while you are away on holiday, and it is better to deal with this now rather than when you are in the middle of packing.

BE PREPARED: Now is the perfect time to start thinking about preparing your home for the summer.

If you have an air conditioning system, check to make sure it works properly. It has probably been neglected for six months

or so, and it may need cleaning or maintenance work. You can clean it yourself, but if repairs are needed, as with the locks,

call a professional. Again, take care of this now to avoid the unpleasant surprise of finding out your air conditioning does not

work in stifling heat.

Lastly, the fun part: the decoration. After a good clean and declutter, you are already halfway there.

Nobody needs to spend a fortune refurbishing the whole house or flat just because the season has changed - changing a few colours and textures can go a long way towards giving your home a nice summery atmosphere.

You could go for some sheer curtains instead of heavy drapes and replace thick blankets with lighter bed linen. Try to make the most of natural light to create a feeling of freshness and openness in each room. If you live somewhere without much natural light, mirrors can help to create a similar effect. Opt for pastel tones and summery floral prints, and add the finishing touch with some fresh flowers and plants.

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Spring is here: Time to clean YOU probably know you should be cleaning the bathroom and kitchen regularly, but there may be other places and objects in your home that have been accumulating germs and dust for months. Now that spring is here, what better time to put on your gloves and give everything a good clean?

especially if they have radiators underneath. The same applies to the roller shutter outside. If the frame is made of aluminium, wash it with a cloth and dishwashing liquid, rinse it well with water and dry it. For wood, mix methylated spirits, white vinegar and distilled water. Remove dust from blinds with a damp cloth or a handheld hoover.

Radiators A dirty radiator will be less efficient next winter. Clean them thoroughly once a year with a damp cloth. Strong detergents may damage the enamel, but natural soap is fine. You can repaint radiators, but you will need a special enamel to stop the paint from giving off odours when the radiator is turned on.

Walls, skirting boards and ceilings Dust accumulates here, just like everywhere else. An annual cleaning should be enough. Wrap a brush in a cotton cloth and gently use it to dust the walls. Then wash the walls with a sponge and hot, soapy water. If you need something a little stronger, try mixing a cup of distilled white

Mattresses Try to clean your mattress every six months. After vacuuming it, remove stains using warm water with baking soda or white vinegar. Leave the mattress to dry against the wall with the windows open. Turn it over often throughout the year.

SPRING CLEAN: Attend to all the areas that you normally don’t have time for. vinegar in a bucket of hot water (no rinsing necessary). Avoid products containing alcohol.

Window frames and blinds Window frames should be cleaned a couple of times a year,

Workspace The average keyboard can accumulate five times more bacteria than a toilet bowl, especially if you are in the habit of eating and drinking while using it or not washing your hands after going to the toilet. Clean your desk, keyboard and mouse once a week with a disinfectant.