Guest Comments and About Us
We are:- John & Carol Hicks, Terry & Stephanie Mock. We met 24 years ago through our children’s 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. This being Spain however ‘the manana country’, although we had arranged to stay with friends nearby for 1 or 2 weeks, 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 being in the Spanish campo plus learning enough Andaluz language to communicate effectually. Unfortunately our web site is not big enough for the whole story – 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 eight years have 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. 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 recent guest’s comments,
Casa Algarrobo and Casita Buho Real.
Here we are again, third time now. Never before has it happened that we have returned to the same place three times. This is proof of how much we love everything here – our wonderful hosts, this fantastic house, the silence, the landscape, the sun, the flowers, the birds, the walks – yes everything.
Bjorn and Berit Hallenberg. Sweden.
Feb 2011.
Such a beautiful place and great hosts. Second time here for Jamie and we will both be returning.
Jamie and Kelly. Birmingham, UK. April/May 2011
What a nice place to be, with everything you need, really a place to relax! Beautiful accommodation, with an admirable sense for detail. Very friendly and helpful hosts. We’ll be back.
Luc and Geertrui Klinkenborg Belgium May 2011
Thank you for a lovely stay, in lovely surroundings and lovely hosts.
Johansen family. Denmark .July 2011
Thanks! It was a most wonderful holiday – Loved the place, the hospitality and surroundings. We will be back.
Tolboom family. Netherlands August 2011
Casita Gorrion
Fourth time (and not the last) Still the best for all the reasons everyone mentions. Still discovering new things and places. Torre, v.good for shopping and more walks in the park. Once again, thank you. John and Jan Southall. Warwickshire, UK. June 2011
A peaceful pocket of paradise! Exactly what we were looking for and needed. A true gem of a place – we will be back. Kate and Chris Benson. Derby,UK. July 2011
The perfect place to relax and recharge the batteries. A wonderful taste of real Spain. Owen and Emma Edwards. Leeds, UK. July 2011
“If home is where the heart is” then half of ours remains at Casita Gorrion. We have had a superb holiday. Glyn and Heather Taylor. Usk, South Wales. Sept 2011
We’ve loved our time here, it’s been everything we hoped for. But our special memories are viewing the Eagle owl, the Booted eagle, hearing the lovely call of the Eagle owls and finally our climb to the top of Pena de Hierro. Thank you for making this place – and your guidance. Gill and Tiny Horitz. Dorset. UK. Sept/Oct 2011
A perfect holiday!! We loved our stay at Casita Gorrion and hope to come back again. It was bliss! I will definitely recommend a visit to friends and family. Zoe
It was fantastic! What a beautiful place. Never forget. Mat
Zoe Jones and Mat Hunter. Kent, UK. Oct 2011
2010 season
“ Happy to meet – Sorry to part – Happy to meet again” We had our most relaxing holiday ever. One week was not enough, will be back as soon as possible. Location, accommodation and hosts – Fantastic. J and B Laughlin. Scotland April 2010
“Our second lovely holiday here at Casita Gorrion. A complete break from all the pressure of work and everyday life – a long way from home. Thanks once again, we will definitely return.” Kate and Geoff . Kent U.K June 2010
“Totally great week. 5 Happy boys and 6 very happy adults.” Zebisgaard . Denmark July 2010
“Thank you for an absolutely brilliant holiday. So well looked after. Will be back.” V. Hayter. Yateley U.K Sept 2010
“Two weeks I shall never forget – your friendship and endless advise and directions made it wonderful.” M Collier. South Africa Sept 2010
“Now we are here for the second time and I am sure it will not be the last one. This is a very special Feel Good place, the best of its kind. Thanks.” B and B Hallenburg Sweden Oct 2010
If you have stayed with us, please leave your own comments below. Many thanks and hope to see you again