About Us

We are:- John & Carol Hicks and Terry & Stephanie Mock. We met 15 years ago through our childrens' interest in a local orchestra in Devon. John & Carol owned and managed a retirement home, Terry & Stephanie farmed near Crediton. After holidaying in Spain for some years we all decided to move to this region and began to search for our ideal property and location. Our vision included an unspoilt rural situation with views to the mountains (although not on top of one); an original Spanish farmhouse, which could be renovated to a high standard retaining its original character and had to be big enough for guests as well as us. This proved to be a difficult task as many estate agents persisted in showing us modern properties/plots of land or houses on windswept mountaintops or others down endless rutted tracks.

In the second year of hunting we found on an Internet site, ‘An ancient Spanish hamlet,’ for sale. The description and photos were interesting enough for us to make a special visit to view. Immediately, as we looked up the driveway we all knew that this one was it.

It was hard to contain our enthusiasm and we visited the rambling warren of old buildings several times in the same week, finally making the decision to proceed with the purchase. This turned out to be a lengthy, onerous process; buying from 3 family members each with different opinion on how this sale could be achieved.

Returning to England, we successfully sold both our properties and with three dogs, one cat, a caravan and 9 container loads of possessions (to go to storage) we arranged a date to move, coinciding with the completion date. We had arranged to stay with friends nearby for 1 or 2 weeks, however, this being Spain, ‘the manana country’, it was 7 weeks eventually before completion. Finally, a few weeks before Xmas 2003 we were handed the huge bunch of keys to the hamlet. Using the best two rooms (with no electric) for our men to sleep in and the caravan for the ladies, we camped out until our first casita was completed.

We could write a book about the renovation, pool installation, the Spanish builders and of course our own experiences of planning/labouring, painting, gardening and simply in the Spanish campo plus learning enough Andaluz language to communicate effectively. Unfortunately our web site is not big enough for the whole story, so you will have to visit us to hear more! We have now completed all three self-catering houses, surrounding gardens and pool area. Now we are busy with the finishing touches to our own house, terraces and the land.

Although the last three years has involved really hard work & long hours we can now relax and enjoy a more tranquil life style. We now have time to pursue our own interests, also to sample the vibrancy of local fiestas, to participate in campo life, harvesting olives, carobs and fruit as well as sharing time with new friends, both English and Spanish, and pursuing our own interests. We have all travelled further afield in Spain seeing the countryside and historical cities but love to return to our enchanting and beautiful home.

We have been letting since May 2005,and here are some of our guest’s comments,

"We had a fantastic holiday-the place is gorgeous, so gorgeous that we only managed to leave to visit the supermarket. Thanks for a wonderful stay"
Alice, Charlie, Clem, Matt, and Sarah.

"Thank you for your kind hospitality and a very enjoyable time had by all of us. Thanks for your interest in our kids whose holiday was more enjoyable, due to the facilities offered"
Manoj and family.

"Thank you for a wonderful holiday. La Calera is full of Spanish charm, but lacks no home comforts. We will return" - Kevin and family
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"Thanks so much for all your hospitality and kindness. The fortnight flew by in total peace and comfort. Can’t think of a better place to escape a Scottish winter"
Valerie Cameron