The chit-chat area

Hi Max

It was on the hinge side of the door there are marks that look like a bar was tried, My friends will be there at 11am if you want to go and have a look,  We are going over tonight.and will see for ourselves. Also my friend said that she has not seen the security gaurd for two days now. Is this true.

Lorraine

Hi Everyone,

Quite worrying news and something that I think all our holiday homers fear.  Living in London we're used to burglaries (had 2 even with an alarm system) and we did wonder about alarms but not sure that they would be any more effective than they are in London.

We've had a 'London bolt' fitted to our door which is like a solid strip fitted inside the door frame going around the actual lock.  It is supposed to stop anyone forcing the lock open as the main fitting shouldn't come off the surround.  Luckily not had to find out if it is effective or not. Had it fitted after our last break in where they came in through the windows but they kicked our neighbours do in so may stop that type. 

We think that the Don Juan front doors are the most vulnerable bits as all the exterior windows have shutters.  We're in the 'street level' so very accessible to the casual intruder. Can you get these type of security fittings in Spain?

Sonia

Hi Max

Just noticed that you mentioned about our furniture been delivered, I don't think this is the appropriate site to be giving this information out as you don't know who is reading these messages so be careful.

Hi Sonia,

I agree with you its a very hard one to know what to do.

Hi Eoin, 

I’m sorry if I distressed you by putting the information on the website. As (afaik) you never stated in which apartment you are it seemed harmless. The local burglar would know anyway as it’s easy to follow the furniture trucks going up the hill everyday.

I had a look today and am happy to report that is hasn’t been an attempted break in. The door was open now so I could see what has happened. The door has been slammed shut with something between the frame and the door. There is no way this could have been done while the door was closed. I know the handyman still had his doubts, so I brought in Andy Otter and his friend who is a professional builder for 30+ years and they totally agreed with me.  

So the good news we are still free of all burglary attempts. Regarding the safety measures I’m of the opinion that a security guard will always be more effective than whatever physical measures you take. If the guard stays (not sure yet) an alarm would be a good thing though as it notifies him.

Hi All,

Posted pictures, Have alook and you will see the great work

Just got back last night, We met afew of the neighbours and would like to say they were all lovely people and we cant wait to go back there was one thing missing and that was the pool.

When we walked into our appartment we could not belive it it was ammazing Gordon and Yvonne had done a fantastis job from the light fittings to the curtains to the bathroom fittings and of course not to mention the beautiful garden.

Our handy mans name is Gordon Trimby Phone (0034)  6809155889

Email gordontrimby@yahoo.com

Hi Lorraine

Everything looks amazing!  What block are you in to get such a fantastic view?  Is it 5?

How much notice does your handyman need to fix things for example lights and curtain poles.

We're hoping to complete either this or next week and drive down next month but we've not bought anything yet so planning to have a very hectic few days by candle light if we don't get any light fittings. Does anyone know if light fittings are cheaper in Spain than France? Also the quality.  I wondered if it as worth popping over to Calais to pick some up and bring down to save time.

Still trying to find out who else is in Block 7??

Sonia

Hi Sonia,

Yes we are in block 5,

I went over to Spain two weeks ago and bought all the lights which might I add were all wrong, to low hanging not bright enough etc Thankfully Gordon took the receipt and changed them all, he also bought all the curtain poles, as I did not have time. because the meeting took 5 hours to complete in the notary, so all I got to do was buy all the kitchen thing's, I brought over curtains that were too short as I did not allow for the box for the shutters over each window so Gordon's partner put tab tops on the curtains to make them the right length. which Look great.

Then myself and the family arrived last Friday and everything was done and we could not believe our eyes, even the garden was done to perfection. I don't know how much time Gordon would need if you email him I am sure he will tell you and he will give you prices on lights etc and where is the best place to buy them.

Ikea is opening on the 30th maybe there would be worth a look we bought ours in Leroy Merlin beside la Canada in Marbella

Hi

If someone could let me know the measurements for the lounge patio door curtains I'd be really grateful  I'm assuming they're all the same size?? (But if not we're in a corner one bed.) I might then be able to make some curtains before we come. I can cope with only nets on the bedroom but think you need curtains in a lounge.

Sonia

Hi Sonia & Irene & All,

We just got back after an enjoyable 2.5 weeks cleaning and setting up our apartment. I had to think about which side of the car to get into when we arrived back in Belfast! We also met some really nice new neighbours. We learned a lot. We are happy with our purchase but it will take some time before Don Juan becomes the way we all want it to be.

We measured the lounge patio doors in our 2 bed and plan to get curtains made 248cm from floor to the centre of the rail. Our bedroom is the same. This puts the rail about 10cm above the roller shutter box. We will buy a rail in Spain - you can get longer brackets which hold the curtain clear of the box. Rail length is a matter of taste 180cm \ 200cm is what we will be going for. I hope this helps and please do not blame me if your apartments turn out to be different!!

Hi DAvmuster,

Good to hear that you all got home safe, thanks for the beers and good company.