31/05/2024
A story of Casa No.45 Before and After
Casa No.45 was last occupied in the 1970's by a family of seven; mother, father, four children and a donkey. It was known as the coolest house in the village and children would come to drink the water, kept cold in the ceramic jugs.
To renovate has been a labour of love. I bought my own home in Montejaque with my family in 2000 and Casa No.45 is across the narrow street from our No.54. Every time I passed it, I would see the faded for sale sign placed behind the wrought iron bars of the tiny glassless window and imaged being there. The dwelling had been used for storage and filled with old beds, tools from the campo, old ladders, garden equipment and family belongings. Although I would have loved to have kept the roof, I could see that it needed to be replaced. The floor was laid with beautiful stones, but I knew too that it would need to be redone, however, the whole place oozed with character.
After 22 years, I eventually made contact with Maria from Igualeja and bought its ruined shell from her and her sister. The builders and craftsmen, Juan, Juan Antonio and Paco helped me design and build a bathroom, hall and bedroom/studio into the rock. I have done the rest myself; painting with Mari, making the kitchen cupboards, installing appliances, appliques and all the other aesthetic elements that make it something special. Together we have made my dream came true.
