What a great experience. We were people who first found this place through the Ben Fogle program on Channel 5 back in January and then I discovered that I knew someone who was a cousin of Sandy! We'd been so looking forward to the trip - for me it was a special birthday and it was the ideal place to get away from. Both my partner and I are dog lovers. The place is so quirky and amazing, as other reviewers have said, if you love dogs, you'll fall in love there. If you don't, then don't stay because it is not worth the hassle for Sandy. We arrived and found the Magic Room really cosy, as detailed and self contained. We bought provisions after seeing what was there, but beware that you should plan ahead a little for cooking etc, so take what you like. The cooking facilities are fine, basic, but really fine. There is a two ring hob, a multi-function cooker (toasts bread and does other stuff I think), kettle and fridge so is all we needed.
The weather was colder than expected, and that's the case all over the Mediterranean coast this year, but the room was cosy at night especially when we got to bed. It just felt like such a lovely get away. There is wifi if you need the internet - the shower and toilet are together, just outside the room, but enclosed, so don't expect amazing things there - but it's perfectly adequate and fine.
What was great for us is the gate that divides the Magic Room from the rest of the building and outside areas where the dogs are is just behind a grilled gate - the dogs could see us and get used to us, we could easily go in and out to see the dogs and spend time with them. The volunteers (there can be any number up to about 4 there at one time) sleep in the building next door, where the dogs can go in and out, and they were all lovely (dogs and volunteers).
We helped Sandy as much as we could - we got a strimmer with her and strimmed the garden so that it is more managable and lovely now to walk through. Anyone who visits should think about bringing some of their skills to help and there is a relentless list of tasks to do, so some might want to consider it a working holiday - we did and loved it.
We also walked a few of the dogs, as there is a lot of distance to cover if you like walking and hiking. Hiring a car for us was key because we could get back to the coast when we wanted, but the road is not for the faint hearted, but it is part of the experience and we miss it already. The journal down to Batsy (the nearest supermarket or bars/restaurants) is about 30/40 mins on the winding roads so bear that in mind.
We fell in love with Blondie, a lovely little blond dog that we would adopt in a shot if the building that we live in allowed dogs, but we certainly plan to visit again and to continue helping Sandy remotely as much as is possible.
Overall, it's an adventure, cosy in the cooler/cold weather and I'm sure amazing in warm or hot weather, with views to die for and being out in remote land was wonderful.
Thank you Sandie.