TE19 Iberian Adventure

John Hartley

“No one broke par all week.” Grandad confirmed, “The balls swirled around on the greens. Eventually they called it off.”

“With time on our hands one thing led to another and we found this plot.” Grandad beckoned to the house, “A year later we built this.”

Upstairs a whitewashed terrace overlooked the hills.

“Planning is lax here. But you can’t exceed the original ruin.”

“It’s self-sufficient - Off grid.” Grandad pointed to the borehole.

Therewasno internetconnectionbutagiant satellitedishcatering for my Grandfathers insatiable appetite for sport.

Inside the house was furnished with mahogany and rosewood and on a sideboard, flowers flayed out from a vase.

“We shipped it here.” Grandad tapped the furniture.

The only local touch was an Arraiolos rug,” Judy pointed “They’re painstakingly cross-stitched.”

***

“Do what you like.” They had said, “We’ll be around if you need anything.” Before adding, “You can help with a few things. The irrigation needs fixing, the palms need treating. One last thing – don’t get lost. All these hills look the same.”

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