Casa Alicante

The lamp in the shape of three letters on top of the wooden cupboard in the dining-kitchen says it all: WOW. You’ll hear yourself saying this more than once on arriving at this vacation home on Spain’s Costa Blanca—there’s no better way to put it. Photographer Cathrine and her husband Andrés, a graphic designer and native Spaniard, have transformed a Spanish summer house in the village of Busot into their own personal vacation home. However, as they spend most of the year in Vienna and it would be a waste to leave such a place unused, they are happy to make it available to guests. The hosts’ great eye for design is reason to rejoice. Whilst outside the house is an understated white with familiar round arches, inside you’ll find bright colors and floral patterns combined with earthy tones, modern furniture mixed with refurbished vintage pieces and creative upcycling. The star of the show, however, is the large Mediterranean garden. Here you can settle into the Acapulco chair in the shade of palm trees, pick fresh lemons, mandarins and oranges straight from the trees and refresh yourself in the round plunge pool. Even parents of young children can relax here; there’s plenty of space to play and run around, plus a sandpit, hanging chairs, hammocks and lots of outdoor toys to keep the little ones entertained. Even more relaxing is the reassuring feeling that the little ones can’t run off and get lost, as the garden is securely enclosed very decoratively by a wall embellished with a mural by artist Tom Roeler—not that it’s likely that anyone would choose to leave this place voluntarily.

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• Hello, sunshine! On the Costa Blanca, the sun shines on average 300 days a year. You can swim in the sea from April to November. The winter months are wonderful too, with plenty of sunshine, lots of light and spring-like temperatures–only a 2.5 hour flight away from Germany
• Here, lively character prevails over a curated ambience. The passions of the people who created this place are to be found everywhere, for example through works of art in and around the house.
• You can immediately see that people with an affinity for design were at work here: In the old wooden shutters that have found a new home as bedheads, the Moorish tiles, the crochet-covered lanterns or the infrared heater that disguises itself as a mural.
• The garden wall is disguised as an art installation. The “permanent exhibition” shows black and white photographs of beach life in Alicante from 1920 to 1960.
• Young and old alike feel at home: The older visitors can enjoy books on design, architecture and photography, the younger ones toy boxes and books in various languages, board games, and games especially for small children.
• The careful use of resources and the environment: The house was renovated using local companies. The energy is supplied by a solar system.
• There is a small plunge pool in the garden (with a water depth of 90 cm) for refreshing and cooling off. 
• The pretty coastal towns: Within an hour’s drive, Altea, Elche or Murcia are waiting to be discovered, with tapas bars, art museums and open-air concerts.
• A trip to the Valor chocolate factory in Villajoyosa or to the Cuevas de Canelobre stalactite caves in Busot (just around the corner) are both well worthwhile.
• The hilly hinterland of the Costa Blanca is wonderful for cycling, walking, and hiking—especially in spring or fall, when the sun is less intense than in summer.
• If you like seafood, you will love the fish market in El Campello. This is where the fish is auctioned off! Anyone can take part and, curiously, the bidding starts from the highest price downwards.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• Hello, sunshine! On the Costa Blanca, the sun shines on average 300 days a year. You can swim in the sea from April to November. The winter months are wonderful too: lots of sunshine, light and spring like temperatures.
• The hosts love children and are accordingly well equipped for their arrival. There’s a baby bed with bedding, high-chair, potty, bathroom stool, children’s crockery, fall-out protection—the only thing missing is the children themselves!
• On chilly days, the fireplace in the living room provides cozy warmth.
• Alicante may be a tourist hotspot, but it still has plenty to offer: Santa Bárbara Castle, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MACA) and the Mercado Central, where you can stock up on fresh fruit, vegetables, and seafood. The popular vacation resort is 19 kilometers from Casa Alicante.
• Anything missing? Nope! The open kitchen has more to offer than some regular kitchens—an induction hob, oven, microwave, dishwasher including tabs, fridge with freezer compartment, electric orange squeezer, toaster, Nespresso coffee machine, French press coffee machine, blender ...
• A gas grill and fire bowl (yes, there is also wood!) provide the basis for BBQs with the market-fresh fish and for relaxed evenings in warm comfort.
• Shower gel, shampoo, bed linen, bath towels, hand towels and beach towels are provided, as well as a utility room with a washing machine.
• You can keep the windows open at night. All windows have mosquito screens.
• Fancy a round of ping pong by night? No problem at all–thanks to the vintage lighting. 
• Could there be a better setting for a few soothing asanas in the open air? A yoga swing and mats are available for guests.
• The local beach in El Campello can be reached in 15 minutes by car. A popular and lively family beach with shallow access to the crystal-clear water, sun lounger hire, restaurants, small stores, and ice cream parlors—and the opportunity to go stand-up paddling, surfing or kayaking.
• The house is available for longer stays between November and March. Even then it is usually still mild and sunny, and if (exceptionally) it is not, there are infrared heating panels throughout the house. There is a study with a computer desk and free WLAN. A printer and screen can be borrowed for a deposit.
• The nearest airport is in Alicante and can be easily reached in 30 minutes by car, preferably by rental car. Parking is possible in front of the house or on the property.