Welcome to Barrington Homes

June 2, 2014

Spain has the most Blue Flag beaches in the World !

Filed under: Lifestyle,Nature — Tags: , , , — Barrington Homes @ 11:06 pm

A record 681 beaches in Spain have been awarded the Blue Flag beach status. The internationally recognised accolade for beach cleanliness and safety. This is more Blue Flag beaches than any other country in the world.

PICTURES JAN 08 028

Rival countries have a staggering 200 less Blue Flag beaches than Spain. The next challenger being Greece at a mere 407. Andalucia alone has 81 Blue Flag beaches and here in Manilva we are lucky enough to boast over 7km of Blue Flag beaches and the only Municipality in Andalucia that has the Blue Flag trail.

Sabinillas Beach

Sabinillas Beach

Manilvas beaches and Puerto de la Duquesa Marina are some of the best tourist attractions in Manilva. We are very proud of having such a stunning coastline to enjoy. Whether its Chiringuito beach bars, a beach party, a fun family day out or a quiet private beach cove, Manilva has something for all beach lovers. If you are looking for a beachfront property take a look at some of the best property for sale in Manilva

2playa_duquesa

August 24, 2013

Raft Race in La Duquesa Marina – Saturday 24th September 2013

Due to the success of last years first raft race, this morning at 11.30  there will be another raft race in Puerto de La Duquesa.  This time there will be 11 hand made rafts made or sponsored by local businesses competing for 1st prize.

Raft Race Puerto de La Duquesa, Manilva, Costa del Sol, Spain

The Raft Race, organized by the Leisure Lounge Bar and the Foreign Residents Department,  will start at 11.30 from the far end of the marina and they will race towards the end of the marina where Duquesa Activities have their stand.

If its anything like last year not all will make it to the end and its great fun to watch and cheer on your favourite raft.

From 21.00 there will be a live concert with an Adele Tribute band and the prize giving in the Leisure Lounge Bar!

August 20, 2013

Residencial Duquesa, Manilva, Costa del Sol, Spain – 4th Phase Released

The 4th phase of the popular Residencial Duquesa development was released yesterday.

Apartments for sale in Residencial Duquesa Manilva Costa del Sol Spain

This development is fantastically located within walking distance to the bars and restaurants in La Duquesa marina, the banks and shops of Sabinillas and some of the sandy beaches of the municipality of Manilva.

With Malaga International airport 1 hour away and just 30 minutes from Gibraltar Airport, it is the perfect location for holidays or full time living.

Aerial View of Residencial Duquesa Manilva Costa del Sol Spain

Prices start at just €91,200 for these modern 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartments with 100% finance optional.

For more information and details of availability please contact info@barringtonhomes.eu or call +34 952 936 216

 

 

August 3, 2013

Banana boat fun in La Duquesa, Manilva, Costa del Sol, Spain

If you are looking for fun and exciting things to do in the La Duquesa area then a trip on the banana boat is well worth a go.

Duquesa Activities Banana Boat Trip

Not only is it fast and exhilarating but the views of La Duquesa, Sabinillas, Manilva and Estepona from the sea are breathtaking.

A ride on the banana boat costs €20 per person but if you gather a group together and speak to Pedro at Duquesa Activities he will give you a special rate.

Duquesa Activies www.duquesaactivites.com offer a wide range of nautical activities including boat trips, fishing trips, scuba diving, kayaking, wake-boarding and the banana boat ride.  They also offer land and air based activities such as wind karting and para triking.  For more information visit their website www.duquesaactivities.com or call 664 483 599.

What activities do you like doing on holiday?

Please leave a comment below or email me at lucy@barringtonhomes.eu

A great family evening out in La Duquesa, Manilva

La Duquesa improves every year and has become a fantastic place to go out to for the evening with street entertainers, markets and a wonderful selection of excellent restaurants to choose from.

Amazing street performers in La Duquesa

There is a great atmosphere at La Duquesa Marina with different generations of families enjoying an evening out together.  The place is bustling with people browsing the market stalls or watching their children on the carousel or rides.

Summer evening in La Duquesa

There is a wonderful new “pedal powered” carousel at Puerto de La Duquesa marina ridden by Carlos who delights the little kids by passing them sweets as they spin around.

At El Castillo de La Duquesa there is a Medieval Market with  a wonderful variety of stalls offering a wide range of goods from hand made leather items to silicon iphone covers.

Medieval Market at El Castillo de La Duquesa

The Medieval Market at El Castillo de La Duquesa, Manilva, Costa del Sol, Spain

El Castillo de La Duquesa Medieval Market

Along the promenade there is a big inflatable “Bart Simpson”bouncy castle, slide and trampolines and a basketball area for the children.

Bouncy Castle fun area for children in La Duquesa

“The Simpsons” inflatable fun zone on the promenade between La Duquesa Marina and La Duquesa Castle

La Duquesa fun zone for children

If you are planning an evening out in La Duquesa I would suggest perhaps you park in the car park near  La Duquesa Castle and walk along the promenade to the Marina for a meal or even try one of the restaurants in the village of El Castillo de La Duquesa itself.

Where is your favourite place to go out to in the evening with your family and why?

Please leave a comment below or email me at lucy@barringtonhomes.eu.

If you haven’t booked your summer holiday yet and would like to visit La Duquesa,  www.barringtonholidays.com have some wonderful new properties on their books available to rent.

Please contact Jessica at info@barringtonholidays.com for more information.

 

 

August 1, 2013

Is it a good time to buy a property in Manilva, Costa del Sol, Spain?

When is it a good time to buy a property in Manilva?

Marina in La Duquesa, Manilva

Well if your personal circumstances are ready and you can afford it, now is a great time to buy in Manilva as life is too short to put off doing something that will improve your quality of life.

Manilva is a place that holds many of the factors needed to live a very high quality of life. The climate, the scenery, the culture, the health care, the infrastructure, the leisure activities and the community spirit of the people contribute to it being a very special place to live a high quality of life at not such a high cost.

La Duquesa Golf Course, Manilva, Costa del Sol, Spain

Property prices have come back down to a sensible level, the lowest that they have been in 15 years and in some cases half the price of what they cost in 2007.  People are buying again and the best properties on the market at realistic prices are being sold quickly.

Manilva Municipality Spain

At the same time Manilva has matured into a beautiful holiday resort with La Duquesa marina, La Duquesa golf course, La Duquesa castle and Sabinillas town centre all within walking distance of each other along a lovely promenade next to miles of “blue flag” awarded sandy beaches.

Duquesa Castle to Duquesa Marina Promenade

If you would like to know more about the area please email me at lucy@barringtonhomes.eu to request a free copy of our expat guide to Manilva.

For more information on the properties we have for sale please search our website http://www.barringtonhomes.eu/ or email us at info@barringtonhomes.eu and one of our sales agents will be happy to help you find your dream home in Spain.

July 24, 2013

Flamenco Show in Puerto de La Duquesa – Wednesday 24th July 2013

There will be a Flamenco Show tonight performed by the students of Manilva´s Municipal School of Dance.

Flamenco Show by Bar Heaven Duquesa

 

It will start at about 22.00  and will be performed on the stage which has been set up next to Heaven Bar Duquesa,  Puerto de la Duquesa, Manilva, Costa del Sol, Spain.

If you want to have a great view of the live Flamenco show and enjoy some fantastic tapas and cocktails book a table at Bar Heaven

http://www.heavenduquesa.com/reserve-heaven-duquesa

 

 

June 29, 2013

Britain in the Sun – Gibraltar

We have been watching with amusement the Channel 5 documentary series following the lives of the residents on Gibraltar.

Gibraltar

We love Gibraltar.  It is a unique and interesting place steeped in history and full of characters from all over the world that have made Gibraltar their home.

When you visit Gibraltar you do feel like you have walked into a town in Great Britain.  Except of course for the monkeys or Barbary Apes to be precise.

Monkey in Gibraltar on the look out for food

Watch out there’s a monkey about that might nick your food!

Gibraltar Barbary Ape enjoying stolen packet of crisps

Cheeky Gibraltar Monkey eating stolen bag of crisps

You see red telephone boxes dotted about and the police force wear a uniform that is similar to the British “bobby on the beat”.

Main Street Gibraltar is reminiscent of a typical British High Street with shops such as Marks and Spencers, BHS, Top Shop, Peacocks, Dorothy Perkins, Wallis, Next, Monsoon, Mothercare, Early Learning Centre, Hallmark and Burger King located there.

There is also a large Morrisons Supermarket and MacDonalds restaurant located a 10 minute walk from Main Street and recently Eroski Supermarket has opened near the border which stocks 100’s of Waitrose products.

Gibraltar holds a special place in the hearts of many British Expats who have chosen to live in Spain.  Having Gibraltar nearby helps you feel closer to home and softens the impact of moving to a foreign country with a foreign language.View from beach in Manilva in winter to Gibraltar

I know there are 100s of expats living in Spain who make a monthly trip to Gibraltar to stock up on their favourite British foods and buy cheap cigarettes and alcohol.

Gibraltar is also special to many expats living in Spain as it is their source of income i.e where they work.

Employment is in abundance in Gibraltar and the market is dominated by the finance and gaming industries.

Manilva, La Duquesa, Sabinillas and Casares have become very popular locations within the commuter belt to Gibraltar as they are just a 30 minute picturesque drive away and the quality of life is second to none.

If you are thinking about moving to Spain or Gibraltar or buying a holiday home and would like to know more about our area,  I have written a 200 page guide on Manilva Municipality – An Expat Residents Guide To One Of The Best Places In The World To Live.

If you would like me to send you a free copy of this guide please email me at lucy@barringtonhomes.eu

January 17, 2013

Learning Spanish

One of my new year resolutions is to improve my Spanish.

It is not essential to know Spanish if you live in Manilva.  And I know several people who have lived here for many years who know little more than hola, buenas dias and adios.  However if you do make the effort it will be worth it as it will enrich your life in so many ways and make living in Spain easier.

5 Great Benefits of Learning Spanish

1.    You make new friends – those learning with you and Spanish speaking friends once you have learnt the basics.

2.    It helps you understand special offers and official letters you receive if you rent or own a property here which can save you money, worry and stress later on if you had ignored them.

3.    Whether holidaying, living here permanently or part-time, it makes day to day life easier and more enjoyable as you can communicate better when shopping or dealing with utility companies such as Telefonica and you can join in in more of the wonderful activities that are available here in Manilva.

4.    It gives you the confidence to explore Spain and discover the fantastic places off the main tourist routes.  We have had our best holidays venturing further afield within Andalucia and have discovered some amazing places.

5.    It opens up a whole new world to discover – the Spanish speaking world – which not only includes Spain but many of the South American countries such as Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Cuba,Peru, Panama, Venezuela, Chile, Argentina etc.

Learn Spanish in Manilva

Manilva Town Hall (Ayuntamiento de Manilva) actively encourages their non spanish speaking residents to learn Spanish.

They do this by providing a very reasonably priced Spanish course twice a week for residents and non-residents and by organizing “inter cambio” coffee mornings.

Manilva Town Hall Foreigners Department offers a “Spanish for foreign residents” program which currently costs just  €70  for  1 hour lesson twice a week for 12 weeks (24 hours of lessons equivalent to about €3 per lesson!).  This is a great course and is available at three levels, beginners, intermediate and advanced depending on your level.  If you are interested in this course call 952 89 35 48.

The “inter cambio” coffee mornings are where foreign residents can meet local Spanish residents in a supervised environment and practice the Spanish that they have learnt.  It is also good for the Spanish locals interested in learning another language and it fosters great  inter cultural relations and is a great opportunity to make new friends.

This Friday 18th January the “inter cambio” coffee morning is being held at Kinsales in Puerto de La Duquesa from 10.30am.

If you don’t currently live in Manilva but are interested in learning Spanish, I will be posting some lessons over the next few weeks to get you started.

Please email me at lucy@barringtonhomes.eu or leave a comment at the end of this blog if there are any scenarios or expressions that you would like to know how to say in Spanish.