Casa Machin

It was some time ago that I promised some people I would write about my move to Spain.

My house on the Orihuela Costa is now officially and aptly named "Casa Machin"

The design also aptly named is 2THE PEDRO" similar to that of the ones on left in the picture (although not the actual one). We live 20 metres to the right of this community pool which is shared between 100 residents of the urbanisation.


It is as you can see a full sized swimming pool, for our convenience this also has an outside shower, the pool is completely surrounded by a slip free tiled sun deck / patio, with scented shrubbed borders. Also provided for our leisure the sun deck and grounds are equipped with benches a BBQ and patio furniture.


The actual house is now (after installing a third room) a three bed roomed quad villa. It is situated in the area of Playa Flemenca on the sunny Costa Blanca coast.


The villa itself is well equipped having two floors and a large sun terrace on the upper level. Downstairs there is a fully fitted American style kitchen, an open plan living/dining room, a twin bedroom adjacent to a Bath / shower room with WC.


Up stairs on the first floor there are a further two bedrooms, one master double bedroom and a twin bedroom which at the moment houses my office. All bed rooms have fitted wardrobes and as all rooms have as standard cool marble tiled flooring.

The 1st floor also houses a second shower room and a large private sun terrace equipped with deck chairs a drinks table and sun loungers.


The area south of Alicante, near the resort of Torrevieja has a population of 80,000 of which just over half are Spanish and the other half are a mixture of home owners who have re located to enjoy the Spanish climate and relaxing way of life. British, Irish, Germans, Scandinavians, Dutch and French are among the many residents.


The area has over 2.5 million million visitors per year and it has been estimated that the peak seasons bring the population count to around 650,000. The Costa Blanca has a consistent climate all year round. Winter months are the coolest with average temperatures from 12-16 degrees. The summer months bring temperatures between 28-35 degrees. Spring and Autumn offer perfect conditions for a golfing holiday, or even a short break from the cold weather in the UK.


Airports servicing the region are Alicante Airport (El Altet), which is approximately 40 K and Murcia Airport (San Javier) which is 30 K from the resort. A car is essential to explore the the region, and visit the local markets, beaches and sites of interest.


The town of Playa Flemenca close to Cabo Roig where the villa is situated is approximately twenty minutes drive south of Torrevieja. Within the area there are numerous bars and restaurants and a local beach which is ten minutes walk. The resort caters for all types of sporting activities these include jet skiing, snorkeling and 3 excellent golf courses, and in addition is less than an hours drive from the resort of La Manga (left) , holiday destination of top sports personalities and celebrities.



Torrevieja itself is a typical Spanish holiday town boasting hundreds of tapas bars and restaurants, along with an international marina, and excellent shopping facilities. If one would prefer to venture further afield, the cities of Alicante, Murcia and the old Roman city of Cartagena all offer superb shopping facilities


San Pedro is just a short distance away , which has a number of sandy beaches and salt lakes, or a drive north of Torrevieja to visit Guardamar, a thriving town and a large white sandy beach. There are several other blue flag beaches in and around the Torrevieja area including one in the town of Playa Flemenca itself. La Zenia, La Mata, Cabo Roig (below), Los Locos, Campoamor and El Cura are just a few to mention. All are serviced with many restaurants and bars within walking distance of the facility.





Local daily markets are extremely popular with locals and tourists. All are recommended and are well worth a visit. Goods on offer vary , from leather goods, textiles, food and craft stalls.

MONDAY: San Pedro, Santa Pola, Orihuela and Elche
TUESDAY: Alicante, Altea and Orihuela
WEDNESDAY: San Miguel, La Mata and Guardamar
THURSDAY: Alicante, Rojales and San Javier
FRIDAY: Los Montesinos and Torrevieja Town (the largest with 1200 stalls)
SATURDAY: Santa Pola, Playa Flamenca, Elche, Almoradi and Alicante


As a holiday destination Spain is not just for soaking up the sunshine. If you are a golfer, you will be pleased to know within a 3 mile radius of our villa there are three superb international 18 hole golf courses, Villamartin, Las Ramblas and Campoamor.


Villamartin, probably the best known of them, was opened in 1972 and it is remembered most for hosting the 1994 Mediterranean Open which was won by Jose Maria Olzabal. It is a par 72.

Las Ramblas is a few minutes drive away and was built in 1991 by the owners of Villamartin. This course is arguably more challenging than its predecessor. Also a Par 72.


Camoamor is worth a look even for non-golfers. The spectacular views from its first class restaurant and bar are excellent and it is a popular venue for lunch. The course was opened in 1989 and is a longer course than the other two. The individual green fees for all courses start at 42 Euro.

I Know "Lucky Bugger", I hear you all saying. Well you did ask!!!!