What a wonderful experience! Abe and Fra are such warm and friendly people, and there is a clear love for the building and its history, as well as the city itself.
We had great communication from booking to the end of our stay.
We were warmly greeted, shown around and Abe took time to explain some history of the building and its immediate environment to us, with the help of a map for us to use/keep, and gave us tips for exploring/eating/drinking. Abe and Fra are on hand if you need anything – either in person, across from the apartment door, or on Whatsapp/text. The perfect balance of giving you space and privacy, but helpful and present if needed - or just for a cheery wave and “hi”.
As it is a historic building, there are one or two little quirks, like the getting the hang of the locks (tuition given), and occasionally singing water taps! Although it is February and was quite hot outside by day, the nights were much cooler, but we were warm enough in the apartment, and comfortably warm in bed using the extra throw in the wardrobe. In the morning, throw open the shutters for sunlight.
It is quite a busy street at times, with city life going on around. One of the bedroom windows is at the front (the other overlooks the courtyard), but with the front windows and wooden shutters closed, we slept very well. The courtyard that belongs to Abe and Fra, and shared with a neighbour is delightful, tranquil, and with lovely plants. The spacious terrace off the living room allows you sunshine and the chance to sip a chilled drink and watch the world go by. We had very sunny mornings there, and enjoyed using it very much.
The apartment is very secure, and the streets feel very safe to walk around by night. A couple of minutes walk brings you to the large Mercadona supermarket on Calle San Laureano, which has everything you could need, open until 9.30 pm.
The tiles around the apartment are beautifully decorative, including on the spiral steps to the next floor. I have some mobility difficulties, but there is ramped access up to the apartment as well as steps, and I managed the internal stairs fine, as they are not steep, and they are very level to tread on.
It is nice to see touches that tell you things about your hosts. Abe’s photographs are displayed around the apartment, along with his collection of older cameras in the bedroom, and Fra’s horticultural flair is everywhere, including fresh flowers in the living room. Do water the apartment plants during your stay!
Other really nice touches were chilled water, tea, coffee and other condiments, as well as toiletries if you have forgotten to bring something. The kitchen is sufficiently equipped to prepare and cook something light, such as an omelette, and there is plenty of fridge space for chilling drinks and storing food.
With a great location for everything, history and character in abundance, and outstanding hosts in Abe and Fra, we had the most lovely birthday stay, and the many great comments are absolutely justified. We would love to come back and explore further, and we would 100% choose to stay here again. It felt like a home from home – many thanks to both of you for everything!