By Diary of a Nobody
These good British folk – seven of us in total – are all neighbours who live near each other just outside Ronda (Málaga).
Ian 1 and Elaine 1 from England
The longest-serving residents in Spain by a country mile are Ian and his wife Elaine. English-born they met on a beach in southern Spain in their early 20s, some forty years ago. They’ve been together ever since, first in Cabopino where they ran a very successful restaurant, The Harbour Lights, and subsequently in Ronda where they own and manage the prestigious Hotel Molino del Puente and highly regarded Restaurante La Cascada.
This restaurant, one of our favourites in the Ronda area, serves high quality and imaginative dishes. After Ian retired as chef, the cooking duties have been taken over by son-in-law and trained chef Tom.
Ian, Elaine, Carly and Tom
Welcome to our beautiful country retreat hotel in Ronda, Málaga
Ian has since opened an Estate Agency, Love Viviendas, with daughter Carly, Tom’s missus.
Love Viviendas
The one-and-only Nick
Next-longest resident is Nick, who has been here for nearly 20 years. Married to Hungarian-born Julia, they have two sons, Oliver and Daniel, who were born in Ronda and are, of course, truly bi-lingual.
Nick and Julia have holiday rentals in Ronda (Finca Retama) and Casares Playa (Casitamar).
Daniel, Oliver, Nick and Julia [Photo: Paul Whitelock]
self-catering holiday home Ronda Andalusia Finca Retama
Self-catering Front Line Beach | Casa del Mar Casitamar
Paul 1 – yours truly
I qualify as the next-longest. I’m also the oldest in age. Born in Devon, I studied Spanish and German at university. I emigrated to Spain when I retired (early).
I live just up the road from the afore-mentioned Hotel Molino del Puente. German wife Rita and I moved in in 2011. We’re both retired, although I still translate the odd thing; transact the odd house; rent property; renovate houses and work in my large garden.
Help me, Ronda - HELP ME RONDA
Paul and Rita enjoy a break on the coast [Photo: "selfie"]
3 Bedroom (Sleeps 6) House in Montejaque, Málaga (P50774) - No Booking Fees
Ian 2
The next-longest resident of this area is Ian from England, who lives here with his Californian wife and their 9-year-old daughter Zoe. They have lived in other parts of the world before settling in Ronda.
Elaine 2 from Scotland
The other Elaine, from Scotland originally, lives just along the main road.
She and Irish husband Tim emigrated to this part of Spain from the United Arab Emirates, where they lived and worked for many years.
They also have rental properties on their land.
Railway station at La Indiana [Photo: ronda.net]
Paul 2 - the New-Kid-on-the-Block
The latest to move here is another Paul, 53, who bought his “finca” just across the main road from the splendid Hotel Ronda Valley, which is the “local” for most of us, just two days ago. I met him yesterday and we got on very well. He came with his pal from Essex, Thom, who used to live here and work as an estate agent. In fact, Rita and I bought our house via Thom, and we’ve remained good friends. Thom still has his company Sierra Estates with partner Paco.
Photo: Sierra Estates
Paul owns a building company in Essex and also has a small portfolio of properties, including in Thailand, England and now in Andalucía.
Postscript
Several 
of us meet fairly regularly at our "local", the Hotel Ronda Valley, formerly the Hotel Don Benito.
A comfortable environment with a bar, breakfast room, restaurant and a large terrace. Outside in the large grounds are a large swimming pool, a tennis court and a padel court.
The large car park is free for those who prefer to drive.
© Diary of a Nobody
Useful links:
Help me, Ronda - HELP ME RONDA
Love Viviendas
self-catering holiday home Ronda Andalusia Finca Retama
Self-catering Front Line Beach | Casa del Mar Casitamar
Sierra Estates
Welcome to our beautiful country retreat hotel in Ronda, Málaga
Acknowledgements:
Love Viviendas
Paul Whitelock
ronda.net
Sierra Estates
Tags:
Casa Real, Diary of a Nobody, Finca Retama, help-me-ronda.com, Hotel Don Benito, Hotel Molino del Puente, Hotel Ronda Valley, La Cascada, ronda.net, Sierra Estates,