Whether you're considering your move to Spain or already live here, it's always refreshing to hear about others' stories and find out about some of the people who live here. That's why we are conducting quick 10-minute interviews with colleagues, clients, friends and acquaintances so you get an insight into the type of people living here and day-to-day life here in Spain!

Andrew Allington is a regular attendee to our Professional Networking Events on the Costa del Sol and owns several holiday lets in the UK and Spain and a buy-to-let business. Andrew has lived on the Costa del Sol since 2018 and is keen to tell us all about the great lifestyle he's leading here in the Guadalhorce Valley!

1. How long have you lived on the Costa del Sol for?

For nearly five years, moving from North Yorkshire in the UK for reasons of family health and wellbeing, to live at first in San Pedro and then in the campo between Alhaurin-el-Grande and Coin before choosing a property to buy here as our long-term home and project development.

2. What made you want to open a business on the Costa del Sol?

The opportunity to create and provide a tranquil, nature-rich setting with high quality accommodation which helps people find peace, renewed energy and purpose in life.

3. What’s the best thing about the Costa del Sol as a place to live in your opinion?

The outdoor lifestyle and the people, both the local Spanish inlanders and expats from all over the world with the benefit of English being the commonly spoken international language.

4. Give us a brief description of what you get up to on your usual working day.

Walk the dog, water trees, do admin work (checking emails and phone calls) on our UK buy-to-lets and holiday rentals, work outside on some home or garden development project or maintenance, first meal of the day at around 1.30/2.00pm (“intermittent fasting” for good health), take a siesta, continue with rental admin work and/or outdoor home or garden project. Take turns with wife to do food shopping trips and lifts for our eleven-year-old daughter to horse riding activities.

5. How has business been for you in the past two years?

Very good. Our UK buy-to-lets, and UK holiday rental have been well-occupied with increasing income and strong capital appreciation, as well as unexpectedly favourable Spanish tax treatment. Our Spanish development of rental accommodation has progressed well with returning long stay winter guests and demand for short stay holidays in the summer ...so that we are further investing to increase our capacity as well as beginning to explore property development / holiday rental / investment opportunities in central Portugal.

6. How do you enjoy spending your weekends and free time?

Walking round our estate, sitting in the shade, enjoying the nature-rich setting and views, swimming in the pool in summer, ice cream in Mijas Peublo with family, lunch at Venta Miralmonte, nine holes with a neighbour friend at Alhaurin Golf.

7. If you could be in charge of any other business here on the Costa del Sol for a day, which would it be and why?

A holistic, allopathic, doctor´s surgery ...because of the opportunity to help people through listening, thought-provoking questioning, dietary/nutritional advice and lifestyle wisdom.

8. What’s your favourite food?

A Sunday lunch of roast lamb (quality grass-fed) with all the meat juices and crispy fat.

9. Describe what your perfect home on the Costa del Sol would be like and where it would be.

We´ve found it where we are now living... high quality accommodation, in a tranquil, nature-rich setting with space and views around us along with the creative potential to further develop as a beautiful tranquil and nature-rich space.

10. Who would be your perfect dinner guest?

After my wife, daughter, other family and close friends, then a contemplative monk or nun who lives an isolated ascetic life.