The Ultimate Homes Blog

Sunday means a relaxing day, so out with the family to visit the Iris and Rose Garden located in Pinos, in the hills of the Sierra Bernia. It was a bit of a grey day which just added to the scenery. The gardens were founded in 2004 by Christine Lomer, a passionate plantswoman and her husband Nick Brown. The gardens are first and foremost about the plants and boast the largest collection of bearded irises in Spain. More than three hundred different types of roses, plus tulips, narcissus, snowdrops and cyclamen, which are all in bloom to mark the opening of the gardens during the months of April and May. A fest for all the senses, enjoy the views - worth a visit. 5 Euros entrance fee, children free. Below a selection of my daughter Alicia's photos.

We visited a penthouse apartment yesterday located on the Bonalba Golf Resort, just outside Alicante, which was unfortunately taken over by the bank last year and put up for sale recently at 80.000 Euros (plus taxes). We have waited patiently for the keys and finally got hold of them yesterday. Once inside, I recognised it immediately. Back in 2007, I was invited into the apartment by the then owner who asked me to list the apartment for sale at a price if I remember correctly was in the region of 350.000 Euros. Now bearing in mind this was 2007, the market was a little different but even back then, the owner was looking for way too much - I commented on how nice the apartment was, the views etc but didn't even bother to take photos at the time, the client sent me some photos from their own "private" advertising, which are shown below. Several years later, the property is unfurnished and slightly worse for wear, in need or paint...