The 'only' thing we still had to do was work out a plan on how we were going to change the almost 4000 m2 piece of land, with 4 houses and a large swimming pool on top. If you read it quickly, it doesn’t seem so bad.
Fortunately we are both steadfast and we knew what we liked and what we didn’t. The style was also fairly clear to us, only now all the elements had to be brought together for the design of our very own property. With the help of great partners in design, engineering and a lot of perseverance, we have finally arrived at the last week.
The photographer is coming here around 7 August to capture everything in a professional way and then the website can go live. Exactly 7 years ago on the same day, we met on Texel during the high season. It seems we wanted to test each other in the seventh year (the famous seven-year-itch) to see if we were meant for each other! There were 19 well-filled months of searching, choosing, managing and criss-crossing each other at high speed. We still write in the 'we' form, so we have just about succeeded. In between there were enough moments in the evening to enjoy a well-deserved rest and each other. Preferably by the sea to enjoy a fantastic sunset and lapas from the BBQ.
We will be able to catch our breath again in the coming time and we look forward to exploring the island again. When the daily schedule of our new life is in place, then there will be time again for the next great idea. We will leave it to ourselves what that will be. For now we are very happy that the dust and debris are almost gone, the pool glimmers and shines again and peace has returned to Arco da Calheta.
It has been a great adventure so far and we can recommend that everyone find opportunities to create something together with someone else. Life is too short not to enjoy it and we have found room for personal development while being together in the moments that we desire. What will not be finished today will be given the attention it deserves tomorrow. Speaking of, a party is just being organized nearby. A cozy gathering when everyone comes out to the streets and enjoys local dishes. Usually only for the locals and some tourists who happen to pass. This type of event is often announced with a car with loudspeakers on the roof, which then drives through the villages 2 weeks in advance. Isn't it beautiful?
In our next blog we will give a tour of our entire project here in Madeira. But for those who can't wait that long, keep a close eye on our social media channels after the weekend.
Abraço,
Anne Rienstra & Dave Huizinga
We had the lovely pleasure of meeting Mr & Mrs Outhwait from England here. As far as we could see they had a wonderfull time here on Madeira.
Lees meerOf course, when you're on vacation, it's usually more enjoyable when it doesn't rain. But Madeira has more to offer during those rare rainy moments than most people might think. For us, it was quite a surprise to see how much there is to do on the island, which may not always be immediately apparent to visitors. Here's a nice collection of things to visit or do on a rainy day during your vacation here.
Lees meerAbout six months after we finished our project here on Madeira in 2019, suddenly everything came to a standstill again. We were just getting used to receiving guests in our little paradise. On 14 March 2020, not knowing then, we waved goodbye to our last guests, the airport pretty much went on lockdown and here on Madeira we went into a fairly severe lockdown.
Lees meerThree years ago, Anne and I came to Madeira to settle down. By now, most of our project has been completed. With some small fun things left to do, we wanted to go for the next step. A new pet seemed like something really nice to have again.
Lees meerIt is 6.30 a.m. on 31 December 2020. The alarm clock rings and we both get up from bed. It is the last day of this year that has begun.
Lees meerAnyone who has not yet been to Madeira is mainly familiar with the name "Madeira flower island", but less obvious is the name "banana island". And that while the annual export is more than 600,000 kg to the mainland.
Lees meerMaintaining a monthly blog in a period when the impulses from outside have disappeared does not seem to be easy at first. After all, we don't really experience much outside of our gate to write about. Provided you can count a weekly trip to the local supermarket. Let's not get into the details about that too much. Or is it?
Lees meerIn Madeira, you will find many roadside bars making Poncha. Often, this is already indicated outside with a sign with a picture of the traditional glass and a caralhinho (more on this later) next to it.
Lees meerMadeira is onlangs alweer voor de vijfde keer verkozen tot ‘Best Island Destination Of The World’, iets waar we met z’n allen trots op mogen zijn. Jaarrond kun je hier genieten van de mooie en vaak ruwe natuur, het zachte klimaat en lekker eten en drinken, Madeira heeft voor ieder wat wils! Zo ook in December, mocht je nog een leuke bestemming zoeken voor bijvoorbeeld de kerstvakantie.
Lees meerOn January 11, 2018 we came to Madeira together to start our new life. A new challenge, a different work pace, better weather and, above all, more time for each other.
Lees meerFrom the first time we came to Portugal and Madeira, we were both in love with the type of Portuguese pavement stones called Calçada Portuguesa.
Lees meerSince we have been living in Madeira, a number of things have changed for us compared to our lives on Texel. There are great things that really make a difference, such as the climate.
Lees meerAfter living in Madeira for almost 15 months, we moved in to our own newly renovated house 2 weeks ago. A reward for the long and intensive 6 months of renovation while living in the middle of the 'construction pit'.
Lees meerSix months in rubble and dust ... We regularly scroll through our (mega) digital archive of renovation photos. So much debris, time and again we are surprised to look at the 'before photos'.
Lees meerSix days a week 'our' workmen are busy preparing everything, so our week is always completely filled. Every morning from 8:00 we are ready for all questions and we try to have everything arranged as much as possible.
Lees meerAbout a year ago we boarded the plane together to start our new life in Arco da Calheta in Madeira. After running a catering company on Texel for almost 16 years, we were ready to start a new life.
Lees meerHotel-restaurant De Smulpot in Den Burg will change hands after almost sixty-five years. Owner Dave Huizinga is moving with partner Anne Rienstra to Madeira early next year, where they have bought an estate.
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