When a London couple came across this 3 bedroom apartment for sale hidden away in one of the traditional patios of Conil they knew it was just what they were looking for.

The problem was how were they going to restore it to its original splendour when they both had busy lifestyles, let alone the problems of Spanish paperwork, distance and language. Luckily they were introduced via a friend to local designer Arnout Schaaij. Arnout has lived in the area for many years and has an excellent knowledge of the old buildings. He has assembled a useful list of craftsmen and suppliers that he put to full use on this project.

The couple met Arnout and discussed their ideas. They wanted to keep the style of the property true to the period but make it a more practical living space. Arnout was charged with overseeing the project and designing a new kitchen. He was also given a free hand to integrate other ideas should the possibility arise.

A

B

C

D

The first thing was to strip out the interior and remove the items added during a seventies revamp.(D) During this phase an arched space was discovered in the kitchen wall that originally had been created by the space under the external staircase. Arnout phoned the owners and e-mailed some photos and suggested incorporating this new space into the kitchen. The owners agreed that this find enhanced the available space, and added character to the finished kitchen.(B)

The pine ceiling beams were checked and some had to be replaced. One of the most charming parts of the flat is the entrance lobby that stretches along one side overlooking the communal patio below. This wall is lined with large windows that needed replacing. Arnout engaged local carpenter Jesus Leal to make new windows that were copies of the old ones. They were repainted in the traditional grey.(C) One room had been covered with 70's floor tiles and another with inappropriate brown. Arnout set about sourcing second hand tiles that were similar to the other rooms in the flat. The ones he used were reclaimed from an old sherry bodega. (A)
The carpenter also followed Arnouts' designs, and built the new kitchen accordingly.
The local albaniles José and Pepe rendered the walls using traditional techniques and thus integrated the appearance of the newer areas. Some of the walls are up to 80cms thick. a key point in retaining the insulating capabilities of the property.

The aim of the restoration has been achieved and the owners are delighted. They now have a romantic retreat that is ready for them whenever they can escape their hectic lifestyles.