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In Part I of this trilogy Paul Whitelock described how he came to buy the house that was to become Casa Real and the early stages of the reforma. In Part II he wrote about dealing with a potential major disaster and subsequent work. In Part III he ties up some loose ends and brings everything to a conclusion.
Although I was fully involved with the work from start to finish, I had help, of course.
With me from the start back in August 2020 until May 2021 was “San Jorge”, an albañil born in the same town as General Franco, El Ferrol in Galicia.
Jorge first turned up to dig a ditch at our house in Ronda. But this rather shy and private man soon revealed other talents, including bricklaying, plastering, painting, carpentry, electrics and tree felling.
When I asked him to help me out with Casa Real he threw himself enthusiastically into the project.
José Antonio “El Suave”, locally born and a trained albañil, began to do the odd day before soon becoming full time.
José is a brilliant plumber, bricklayer, plasterer, carpenter, tiler. He can turn his hand to anything. He is still with me and has taken ownership of the job. He’s the foreman and I’m his peón.
Stewart “El Alto”, a former neighbour, has done the odd day and did a lot of the “heavy lifting”. Well, he’s younger than the rest of us.
Recently we have been joined by Miriam, “La Constructora”, José’s daughter. She came initially to do a bit of cleaning, but quickly demonstrated other skills, such as grouting, plastering, mixing mortar and much more. She is now virtually full time and keeps José and me on our toes!
Now that we’re reaching completion, my wife Rita, the “Meter Maid”, has come on board advising on décor and sewing curtains. She is our fiercest critic, which is a good thing.
I am extremely grateful to all five of my collaborators, who have become good friends.
***
I can’t wait to “move in”. I’ve already stayed there several nights, mind. Why not? I have electricity, hot and cold running water, a fridge, a TV and a very comfortable bed. Me staying overnight meant that I was on hand for a bit of nocturnal tiling or painting when I couldn’t sleep.
My first guests move in for 11 days at the end of September. They are old friends, having stayed in Casa Rita 12 times in the last six years!
Let’s hope they give Casa Real the thumbs up!
Editor’s note:
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