Moving to Castril soon

Hello we are moving to the Castril area in for he next few months we have purchased a cave and can’t wait to leave the UK
Any tips or advice on things we should or should not be doing would be most welcome

Hi, and welcome to the forum. If you are moving over in a few months we will, hopefully, be past the winter period. Only piece of advice at this point would be what a friend told us (she had lived in Spain for 20 years at the time we were moving out), do not get rid of your winter clothes. Even though we live in sunny Spain we do have snow and temperatures can drop to minus figures, especially up here in the mountains. Our friend lived in Alicante on the coast and the first year she lived there she returned to the UK to collect her sheepskin coat she had left with a friend in case she visited the UK in winter - she even found the need for it there. Although it may get cold we usually have blue skies so it makes it feel much better.

We have a cave in Fuente Vera on the east side of the Castril valley, whereabouts will you be?

In a couple of months time it should be quite a bit warmer, but for next winter you'll need to be prepared. Even if it's snowing and minus degrees outside, inside the cave should hopefully be 13-16ºC without heating. During the day when you're moving around you can probably get by with a jumper or fleece but when you're sitting still in the evenings you'll need heating such as a wood stove. Plus several tons of wood to last the winter. For the bedroom you need hot water bottles or an electric blanket, plus an electric heater to warm up the room first thing in the morning whilst getting dressed.

My tip would be do learn to speak some Spanish before you get here - it really comes in handy for everything, from getting to know your neighbours to shopping to going to the doctors etc etc. Castril is a lovely village!

We have bought a cave near the village of Fatima. First job we need to do is upgrade the solar system for full time living. We know of a supplier in Baza (Ferrosolsl) so might get a quote from them. Thanks for the tips on winter warming, we look forward to picking fancy hot water bottles

You could try Paul Broadway for your Solar System. He fits a lot of systems, tailor made to suit your needs. He is based in Castillejar and can also sort any building work you need.

Let me know if you want his number.

Caroline

Get your residency etc. sorted BEFORE Brexit date, don't let a few Politicians endanger your enjoyment of your life. Get 'Legal' ASAP!!!

My advice is don't expect things to happen too quickly and don't get frustrated by the "Spanish way" ask questions and research. We have made a few mistakes but in the main most things have been successful and we love living here and trying to integrate with our lovely Spanish friends. The siesta time caught us out in the beginning and getting used to shop opening/closing times although still not used to the late start of the night time events. Good luck and enjoy your new home.