How long have you lived on the Costa del Sol for?
Though I have never actually lived on the Costa Del Sol, my experiences as the owner of a chain of estate agents throughout the Canary Islands immersed me in the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of southern Spain as I fondly recall opening an office on the Golden Mile in Marbella many years ago.
What made you want to open a business on the Costa del Sol?
For property investors, the most crucial factor in choosing a property is its location, and the Costa del Sol proved to be the perfect choice for my company due to its annual influx of Northern European visitors and tourists.
For instance, In the first half of 2024, the total overnight stays reached 14 million, reflecting a 9% rise compared to the corresponding time in 2023.This constitutes a new record, particularly given that January and February are typically the least active months for tourism in the region.
The Costa del Sol remains one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world for European tourists due to its climate throughout the year, coupled with an excellent selection of beaches along its 160 km coastline. In a nutshell, the Andalucía region of Spain was the ideal location to expand into.
What, in your opinion, is the best thing about the Costa del Sol as a place to live?
As previously mentioned, I don’t live on the Costa del Sol, though I have some very close friends who do; they moved to Estepona from Tenerife many years ago; they now live in La Cala Hills, and we try to visit them as often as we can. But for me personally, it’s got to be the climate, the Spanish culture (no rush), and the idea of being able to jump in the car to ride along the coast to Sotogrande or even Gibraltar.
Alternatively, one can travel inland to Ronda or even Cordoba; there's so much to see and do; one of my favourite destinations is the Alhambra Palace in the Granada region. Quite frankly, the Andalucía region of Spain is bursting with culture and places to visit, most of which are within an hour or two from La Cala.
Then there’s the Spanish people; I have always found them very friendly, welcoming, and laid back. Let's not forget the food; the choices are excellent; shopping is a dream; supermarkets stock everything one could wish for; quite literally, there are too many reasons to mention. Oh! One more thing, the Pastelerias! Oh no, that is it. I feel a Cafe Cortado coming on, served with a freshly made doughnut, followed by a lovely walk along the boardwalk from La Cala to Calahonda.
Finally, the sunsets from Cabopino are breath-taking!
Please provide a brief overview of your typical workday activities.
These days I support my son Christopher's digital marketing business, Pennine SEO, as he strives to help clients like Kelly Summerell at Mediterranean Homes in Coin enhance their online presence and reach customers throughout the world. By leveraging his expertise in search engine optimization and social media marketing, Christopher creates tailored strategies that boost visibility and drive traffic to websites, ensuring that businesses can connect with their targeted audiences effectively. I assist him by providing insights into customer needs, helping to brainstorm innovative marketing ideas, and facilitating communication with clients to ensure their goals are being met. Together, we are committed to empowering businesses like Mediterranean Homes, enabling them to thrive in the competitive digital landscape.
In between my leisurely walks with our Labrador and my love of photography, my role gives me purpose and creativity that goes beyond the gratification of helping Christopher's business. In addition to honing my writing abilities, creating content for the Mediterranean Homes website keeps me informed about how the digital world is changing. Every blog post or article I write fits into a bigger picture that makes Mediterranean Homes stand out in a crowded market. Knowing that my efforts are helping my son pursue his entrepreneurial dreams, as well as a company that helps people find their ideal dream Costa del Sol home, makes me happy.
Susy Bubbles is another! No, it's not a bubble-blowing plastic doll! My wife Helen is a children's author, and I have assisted her in getting her works published on Amazon through self-publishing. The novels in the first series include, "Susy Bubbles and the Lost Lion Cub", "Susy Bubbles and the King of the Sea," “The Amazon Rain Forest” and “Christmas Lights” all are available on Amazon.
Let's say I'm enjoying my semi-retirement, keeping busy.
How has the last two years of business been for you?
To be honest, over the past few years, I've been reducing my business interests in the UK in order to eventually semi-retire and focus on something I really enjoy doing, which is helping others find their ideal homes abroad. I wholeheartedly agree that you should "do what you love and love what you do," and for me, that means selling and promoting properties abroad.
Even though I haven't worked in the foreign real estate market in a while, I have kept a toe in it thanks to the many contacts I have built over the last 40 years.
What is your go-to weekend and free-time activities?
In addition to walking, taking pictures, travelling and gardening, I'm trying to learn Photoshop through online lessons. I'm finding it tough, but I'm sure I'll get it.
If you could manage any other company on the Costa del Sol for a day, what would it be and why?
Since I adore cooking and characteristic Spanish meals, especially the sauces that go with them, It would have to be a very busy, rural Spanish restaurant in the campo.
Which meal is your favourite?
Prawns in garlic with crusty bread, that said I like to eat most food, including grilled meats, sea bass, tuna, and sole. I also like to eat papas arrugadas with lots of mojo sauce and a crisp, fresh salad with tomatoes, onions, and avocado.
Pudding? To be honest, I would much rather have a delicious Manchego cheese with crackers after supper than a pudding!
Describe what your perfect home on the Costa del Sol would be like and where it would be.
My perfect home on the Costa del Sol would be a stunning three-bedroom penthouse apartment in La Cala de Mijas, just a short stroll from the beach. With local shops, restaurants, and amenities right at our doorstep, making it a perfect haven for family and friends to create lasting memories together when they visited us.
What theme would you pick if you were to appear on "Come dine with me"?
ABBA MANIA!
Who would you love to have for dinner?
ABBA, of course!
What would you like to ask your next “10 Minutes with” guest?
What aspects of living in Spain have you found most enriching, and how have they changed your perspective on daily life compared to your home country?
Thank you David for taking the time to answer our quick questions!
