Spanish Style: Mad about Malaga
As the nights draw in and the mercury slowly falls, it's sadly time to admit that the Summer of 2016 is on its' way out. To say goodbye, I've put together this bumper blog, crammed full of sunny images, to bid farewell to balmy Summer days... until next year.
This Summer of 2016 we decided to do something new - hire a huge villa in Malaga for my husband's entire extended family - 14 in total!
Holidaying in a group definitely has its' advantages - as a large group, we were able to secure an absolutely amazing eight bedroom Spanish villa, which was so gorgeous and photogenic that it inspired me to write this post.
The handsome Hacienda Clavero
A brief history of Malaga
Malaga Central
Malaga Marina
Malaga is one of the oldest cities in the world with close to three thousand years of history. Over the centuries, the port was used to export oil, raisins, wine and salted fish and meat. It is the sixth largest city in Spain, and enjoys the warmest winters in Europe, with average temperatures of around 17C from December to February.
Various natural disasters including earthquakes, plagues and failed harvests hit Malaga in the early 20C and political instability in this period culminated with the Spanish civil war. Malaga suffered terribly during the Civil War, eventually falling to pro-Franco forces on February 8, 1937.
The 1950s were the beginnings of new era for Malaga and the Costa del Sol. Tourism was just beginning to take hold and proving to be an invaluable injection into the local economy.
Wandering around Malaga today is like walking around an open air museum with Phoenician, Roman, Moorish and Christian influences. This rich artistic heritage has placed Malaga firmly on the map as a cultural tourist destination.
Hacienda Clavero
The villa we stayed at was called Hacienda Clavero, which has been owned by the same family for many decades. It's location is up in the hills, about a 15 minute walk from the beach.
The front of Hacienda Clavero
The entrance way with decorative stonework and gates.
The grand gates leading to the entrance.
The entrance hallway with traditional tiling and lanterns.
The villa is built in a grand Spanish style and I could tell that much care and pride has been taken in it's upkeep over the years.
Wrought iron detailing on the balconies, windows and gates.
One of the stunning views from Hacienda Clavero
Spanish building style is based on Moorish and Mediterranean architecture and these evocative homes are sometimes called 'Spanish Eclectic' houses in honor of their diverse influences.
The sight-line as you enter the villa draws the eye all the way through the arches to the central courtyard and beyond - to the swimming pool and outdoor kitchen at the rear.
Dark wood banisters and cool marble stairs alongside traditional art and lighting.
A hallway styled in white and dark wood overlooks the central courtyard.
The layouts of Spanish homes are all about making family, friends, and entertaining, comfortable and relaxed. Homes are often arranged around a central courtyard, where shaded galleries block the sun and provide an outdoor living space or kitchen for al fresco dining. More elaborate homes feature towers or turrets, romantic balconies, columns, and wrought iron details. The thick masonry walls coated in stucco and red tile roofs are designed to keep the interior cool.
The central courtyard of Hacienda Clavero
Classic Spanish shutters in red.
The Hacienda is designed so that all the arches line up in perfect symmetry.
Traditional shutters keep the interior cool.
The spiral stairwell leading to the cellar.
Beautiful furniture in the outdoor living area.
A traditional stove in the outdoor kitchen.
Tapas bowls grouped together create a simple display.
Pretty blue details on the sangria jug and bowl.
A beautiful bowl in a traditional pattern.
Traditional Spanish Tiles
How could I write anything on Spain without mentioning the tiles! Even throughout just this one house, many, many great examples could be seen, each room had a different tiled floor, varying in design, colour and finish. Spain has long been an exporter of fabulous tiles and again, the Moorish influences can clearly be seen.
The tiles on the entrance gate pillars tell a story about bull fighting.
The lobby has this striking rectangular design in blue and browns.
An arrow layout dominates the dining room floor.
Even the laundry room isn't left out with these retro-feel tiles!
An abstract layout adorns the floor of the hallway that overlooks the central courtyard.
Maximum drama in one of the en-suite bathrooms with these floor-to-ceiling crimson 3D effect tiles.
Love the tiny blue pops amongst the greys and white.
Outdoor tiling with a more traditional feel.
Although I always find it sad to see the Summer go, it is nice to look forward to the colours of Autumn and preparing a cozy interior for the colder months - which I'll be writing about more in my next post.
All photos my own.
Hacienda Clavero is available on Air BnB.
