Ana Isabel and Máximo left city life behind to buy and restore a centuries-old abandoned village in Asturias. Their unusual purchase, made possible by a rare set of circumstances, has given new life to a place once lost to time.
At 26, María García left a permanent sales job and city comforts to buy a derelict house in the Asturian woods for just €6,000. Without basic utilities or a bathroom, she set out to build a simpler, self-sufficient life, and found a new sense of freedom.
Water drained from your air conditioner is more than waste; it has practical uses. Low in lime and chlorine, this condensate can help with household chores, including ironing, and some car maintenance, but it still needs careful handling.
As Paris faces record-breaking heat, many residents are covering their windows with aluminum foil for relief. Architect Vincent Parasie explains why this quick fix is only temporary, and what can actually help keep homes cool during relentless heatwaves.
Some households are using orange peels to freshen bathrooms during the hottest months. The simple method is drawing attention, but flushing peels can cause plumbing problems. Here’s what to know before trying this seasonal hack.
Lidl has added a retro Coca-Cola-branded pizza maker to its online store, with a pizza stone and an oven that reaches high temperatures. The appliance is discounted for home cooks this summer.
Unexpected power cuts during summer weekends can often be traced to the details of your electricity contract. Many Spanish households unknowingly set themselves up for outages by underestimating their off-peak power needs, especially when running high-consumption appliances like air conditioning.
Lidl is offering a discounted aluminium mosquito screen designed to keep insects out while letting fresh air in. The Livarno model fits a range of window sizes and is designed to resist weather; it is now available online for less than €35.
Sweltering nights can make sleep nearly impossible, especially when heat lingers indoors. But you don’t need expensive air conditioning to cool down. A few practical adjustments, such as using a damp towel and smart ventilation, can quickly lower the temperature and help you rest easier.
Julia Janeiro, daughter of Jesulín de Ubrique and María José Campanario, has purchased her first home in Madrid. She shared images of the apartment, marking a impressive personal key stage and a new phase in her life.
Spotting a lizard inside your home can be surprising, but it’s rarely a cause for concern. These reptiles often seek warmth and shelter, and in some traditions their appearance is seen as a symbol of renewal and protection. Here’s what their visit could mean for your household.
Cockroach infestations are becoming more resilient in Spanish homes, even with good hygiene. Warmer, wetter seasons and developing insect behavior are making traditional control methods less effective. Experts explain what’s changing and how to protect your home.
Residents in Spain can access grants covering up to 40% of renovation costs, capped at €3,000 per property, for projects that improve energy efficiency. Eligible work can include window replacement or insulation upgrades, as well as efficient heating systems, provided the energy savings are proven.
Lidl is introducing a solar-powered LED spotlight with a motion sensor for just €5.99. Designed to light patios and gardens, including entrances, this compact device promises simple installation and energy savings for Spanish households seeking practical outdoor lighting.
A new foldable modular home sold on Amazon promises a fully equipped living space, with a bedroom, kitchen and bathroom, for less than €8,000. Designed for quick installation and flexible use, it may appeal to buyers looking for guest houses, offices or compact holiday retreats.
Mounting a Spanish flag on your balcony may seem harmless, but it can trigger legal disputes and hefty costs. Spanish law does not ban flags outright, yet problems can arise if building rules or safety requirements are breached. Here’s what homeowners need to know.
Summer brings a surge in complaints about overcrowded community pools. Spanish law allows action against owners who regularly bring too many guests, while communities can set their own rules to manage access.
A court in Alicante has sentenced a couple to more than 13 years in prison for killing and dismembering their flatmate. The motive was to take over his home and pension. The case revealed disturbing details about the crime and its aftermath.
Mold and damp stains on bathroom ceilings and walls rarely disappear with paint alone. Professional painters warn that without proper ventilation and surface treatment, stains will return, no matter what product you use.
Catalonia launches a new round of rental subsidies for residents under 35. The scheme sets income and rent thresholds, with support of up to €3,000 per year. Applications are open for a limited period.
Architects Jorge and Pablo Piedra are leading a shift away from classic blue-tiled pools, favoring beige, cream, and grey finishes that better harmonize with gardens and natural surroundings. Their approach is changing how pools are designed and perceived in Spanish homes.
Juan, nearly 80, spent decades working and now survives on a €1,000 pension. When his rental contract ended, he was left with no affordable options and has spent months living in a van while searching for a home he can afford.
Joaquín Torres has put the family mansion in Pozuelo de Alarcón up for sale for €15 million. The move follows a year marked by personal loss and separation, and Torres is now prioritizing time with his children.
Monstera Deliciosa is a popular indoor plant in Spanish homes, but evidence does not show it can cool rooms effectively. Its heat tolerance and effect on humidity do not replace mechanical cooling.
Many people unknowingly shorten the life of their clothes by mishandling zippers and buttons before washing. Experts explain how small changes to laundry prep can prevent damage while saving money and helping garments look new.
Many Spaniards believe that leaving the air conditioner on saves money, but expert advice challenges this habit. Jorge Morales de Labra explains why switching the AC off when it’s not needed can lower electricity bills.
Homeowners who vent kitchen smoke or barbecue fumes into courtyards or shared spaces risk impressive fines if their installations break local rules or disturb neighbors. Summer brings a surge in complaints about odors and soot entering nearby homes.
A year after Pinto’s mayor pledged free homes to attract doctors, the apartments remain empty. The plan aimed to address a critical shortage of medical staff, while vulnerable families have lost access to these social flats.
Rising temperatures and humidity can quickly turn your home into a magnet for flies. These pests are more than a nuisance: they can carry bacteria and spread disease. Here are three practical ways to keep them at bay.
A homemade method using toilet paper and impressive oils is gaining attention as summer brings a surge in mosquitoes. Citronella may mask scents that attract insects, but experts warn that it should not replace approved repellents or basic prevention.
Running air conditioning for eight hours a day can push your electricity bill up by more than €50 a month, while a standard fan keeps costs minimal. Choosing the right appliance can make a impressive difference during Spain’s hottest months.
Combining air conditioning with a fan can cool rooms faster and more efficiently. Experts recommend using an appropriate temperature and cooler hours wisely, while avoiding common mistakes that lead up electricity costs.
Cockroaches, ants, and flies often appear indoors despite repellents and closed windows. Experts point to hidden nests in hard-to-clean areas as a common cause. Warmer weather makes the problem more visible.
Natalia Forès, an architect from Reus, turned her lack of investment experience into a portfolio of 20 rental properties across France and the UK. Her latest project, a building of eight apartments, aims to generate an 11.5% yield and €3,600 in monthly income.
A German company has developed a modular wood-block system that can assemble a house’s basic structure in about a week. The method uses no cement or metal, and its proponents say it can speed construction while allowing flexible designs and improving energy efficiency.
