Lanjarón: Marta’s house

We had originally planned to come to Lanjarón at the beginning of our trip because it is the gateway to the Alpujarra. As things unfolded, however, we realized we had to go to Orgiva first to be able to photograph the maps at the ADR office. So Lanjarón was relegated to “we’ll see when we can fit it in” status. By the time we made up our minds on the exact dates last week, there was only one house left for the days we wanted. It didn’t look so great in the photos, but all we really needed was a kitchen and a place to sleep.

What a surprise to get here today and find out that we get to spend the next nine days in the midst of someone’s loving project to keep alive a little corner of history. We have been very lucky on this trip to have this happen three times: in Orgiva, at Walhalla, and now here. Each time it sends a shiver of gratitude through us to be able to see and feel the devotion of these joyous people.

Marta says the house dates back to 1910. On this street, almost everyone who lives here is related, and this was the first house they built; the others were built 20 years later. They had donkeys and other animals, and when they came back with them from the countryside, the animals lived in the stables downstairs.

Marta herself is from Madrid. She bought the house five years ago. It was in a very neglected, deteriorated condition. The terrace was sunken, and so was the dining area. She fell in love with the house just by seeing a photo of the foyer, and called a friend who is an architect to help her create something beautiful. She has preserved and restored everything original: the chestnut beams, the terrazzo floors... She had the viewing point in the living room made using chestnut wood, which is typical of Lanjarón. She restored the walls and ceilings herself. A lot of the furniture and art belonged to her mother.

At first, she was going to live here, and did everything with that intention and with affection. But later she fixed up the stable area downstairs and made it into a nice apartment where she lives, and she shares the house with people like us and with her family when they come to visit.Read more