Bad experience renting or buying a property in the Duquesa area?

Hi or should it be Hola to everyone.

I'm Barrie and my wife is Sandra. We are buying No2 and as you may have seen from the photos,  we were out there last week seeing how things are developing. I have just posted another 6 piccies and these include a picture of the village square. Things seem to moving along quite nicely now and some (those that face the playground area Nos 25 to 40 are nearing completion.

We went out in July 2007 via Parador properties kind offer of 3 nights in a 4 star hotel all inclusive and up until the last day we had not seen anything we liked. I must add, before we went my wife and l made a pact that we wouldn't buy.. we even shook hands on it !!!  it was supposed to be just a jaunt/freebie. Anyway having been wined and dined all week and NO hard sell we woke up on the last day and told our rep that one of our stipulations was 2 bathrooms. Thank goodness he took us to Cox. As soon as my wife saw it she said we are having this one. We liked the town, the location of the property and those beautiful views.

The good thing is, having gone out last week (3 times to the site) we still feel that we have made the right choice.....and now its taking shape we are getting very excited. Also, l think what helped was, we have some friends who live in Ciudad Quesada and we visited them and they told us it was the BEST decision that they had ever made in moving to Spain.

Hope you enjoy the piccies and look forward to getting to know all our new neighbours.

For those that may interested...we are from the cold east midlands......but not for much longer

Hi Barrie and Sandra - your new Welsh-Spanish Togs here! 

I think we will be in the same row as you but a bit further along the row (No 18).  It's been great to see more pictures and we look forward now to seeing Carol and Danny's pics on their return - always supposing they definitely do buy!  (I feel sorry for Danny if he decides to even think about saying 'No'   LOL )

We're off to take our own pics on 2 Dec and will obviously post our contribution here on our return.

It was funny reading the story of your 'freebie' trip - SNAP!   (I expect though that is exactly what happens to most couples who are salesman's dream as Alan and I are!)  But having said that, Stuart (our mentor) was brilliant and as you said - no hard sell. He sat us down, we explained that we probably were not going to buy on this visit but nevertheless he asked us what, we'd be looking for when we did eventually buy - we told him: "Near Spanish town but not isolated in the mountains; nice view; shared pool; 2 beds; flat cycling countryside and within easy reach of airport and coast"   BINGO - he came up trumps immediately.  In fact, we only saw another two apartments and we didn't like either of those.  Our kids weren't really impressed with our apparent lack of choice and the ease with which we were learning the rules of the SKI Club I can tell you, but I'm sure they'll love it too when they see it.  Also my son enjoys golf and it's not too far from several courses which will be some consolation to him on his parents spending all their inheritence!

Anyway, welcome and look forward to meeting with you in March if not before.

Dilys & Alan

Hi Barrie and Sandra,

Great to meet you..and like yourselves....and Dilys and Alan. ...we also came to these apts  via a viewing trip..through MASA.  We were adament  we couldn't buy this year.. Just getting our bearings..and learning about the country..  we had a house to sell first..and 2 kids still at home to settle.. (We are retiring to Spain)  We Even went to the lengths of booking a month in Spain... at our own expense ...to look all over the costa Blanca.  Stopping with Masa the first 2 days at their hotel....and viewing 4 or 5 properties.

Ironically, Cox was on our list..and in their brochure. But we weren't shown the development during our viewings. Yet they are exactly what we asked for. We did end up reserving another apt  with MASA..on day two.. in Almoradi nearby.  But  we had a lot of doubts regarding our choice. 

We came back with our daughters..  in Sept..and decided Not to proceed. Masa were excellent..and offered us another opportunity to come and have a look at their expense. They contacted us about Mirador...and we loved the huge solarium..and  design of the apts..  The kids were very happy..and agree this development looks just right for us.  Friday is the day we see for ourselves. ..From the photos.. The town..scenery..apts. are Absolutely perfect. We have a reservation on No 50...and have no doubts it will feel  just like home. As long as the finances are approved..we are well on our way to being neighbours.   I look forward to meeting you ..and wish you the Very Best of Luck in your New Home!... Carol & Danny..from Derby

hola,

good to see the latest set of photos, the development is looking in good shape. We purchased no. 36, facing west overlooking the park ( photo 5 - 83752 ), and its good to see the rendering and paint on the build. Next  week  I am going out to Cox for five days with the family, half term for the kids, and we shall be making a few site visits and taking a bundle of photos.

Our agents, Pure property group, are going to show us a few furniture & lighting stores which Jill my partner is quite looking forward to, they are really looking after us. For me I am looking forward to having a nice glass of red wine & some tapas.

Its 3 months since I was there last, and I was excited by the prospect of buying into Mirador, now we have paid two installments the idea of the apartment actually being ours is dawning on us, Jill and our two daughters have yet to see the area & development and they are quite excited at the prospect.

I am sure, after reading all the comments on the forum, that we have made the right choice, just can't wait to be using it as much as we can.

adios

Ian, Jill & girls

Hola Everyone...We have just returned from our weekend in spain... Which was brilliant.  Despite the not so good weather. We saw so much of cox..and the surrounding areas..and towns.  Including Murcia.. its' Huge new shopping mall and IKEA. That was a bonus..as Unfortunately the building site for Mirador.. was closed on Friday afternoon.. So we could only visit the apts once. We donned hard hats for a quick tour on Saturday. But they were working full stop. .so again limited. time. But what we did see was great. The inner rows of apts.. seem to be the furthest along. With the rendering and paintwork nearly finished...it gave us a  really good idea of the final look.

 No 50 ..to our delight..does have partial views from both the balcony and solarium of the mountains. We couldn't see all of it.  As The front area of the apt was blocked. So we Just saw the back  of the building...where we entered. And that was with great difficulty..climbing over Concrete blocks..bricks etc. We were able to step out on the balcony and see forwards. . There is a lovely park opposite. With lots of new roads in place...and many streetlights.. It just looks beautiful with all  the mountain backdrop. We have come back very happy people. And look  forward to calling this our home.

I would also like to add... an Extra Big Thank You..to ALL of you who have replied to my original post..and offered so much helpful info about NO 50..and Mirador in general.  It made so much difference to my visit. Both in understanding what I was seeing..and what I should look out for. I told our Masa rep about EOS..and all the happy customers. He was well impressed. We will try to get some photos loaded onto the website. They were all taken in a rush...but might be of interest..and a bit different to what is already on view.  We will do our best.

Wishing Ian, Jill & girls........and Dil & Alan..a fantastic time on their upcoming visit.

Cheers to All,

Carol & Danny

 Congratulations to you both and welcome on board!  Been thinking about you this weekend and wondering how you were getting on.  Very pleased you weren't disappointed after all the build up.   'Speak' again soon.  Dil

Hi Dil,

Thanks for your message..We were by no means disappointed. Quite the opposite. Having seen all the photos on here...I was sure we would like it.  But Everything far exceeded our expectations.The spaciousness of the apts in general.....especially in the solarium area..and that extra room as you enter the solarium...was far larger than imagined..  It is as big as a small bedroom. Lots can be done with it. The showhouse was lovely. I  loved everything about it. (Except that in No 50... the wall was already in place in the kitchen & tiled). It makes it hard to ask to have it cut into..but I do think it will make a big difference. We tried to discuss it... But the Masa rep asked us to wait until their aftersales dept contact us..  The layout was great.  Colin (MASA) gave us some good tips for added storage.  We are just thrilled with what we've seen..  The area is perfect.  He  drove us all around...flying in from the Uk especially to see us. Having been seconded to London for 6 months.  Cox was exactly as I remembered..only all the new roads have been added and streetlights.Making it even better.  A briliant park opposite the development...gives a real commnity feel. We saw everthing by night and by day. Which was great.

 We also loved the town of Callosa de segura..great shops..tree lined streets..and the beautiful church on top of its' high hill ..with the wonderful views of the towns and valleys below. . We walked along the wooden bridges that cross over the deep rocky ravines..carved out to drain away the flowing rivers from the mountain rains. Thus Easing the flooding that often occurred.  It is set up like a nature reserve. for walking and hiking..with picnic tables and bar b-ques. Just beautiful. The church is picture post card. If anyone has not seen it.. Definitely make it a point.  5 minutes drive from the houses. We also went around the market in Almoradi on Saturday. The largest in the area. Also Not to be missed. Almoradi is a wonderful town we got to know well during our travels. Again just a few minutes away. With a huge statue of Christ on top of its' church in the main square..and a hub of activity.. on Saturday especially. Lots of fellow expats around...but still very Spanish and very friendly.

We are all very excited..the kids as well. ..and feel really happy that we are definitley on our way.  Viewing our apt on Saturday... It was hard to match where we were..in relation to  the siteplan...as Huge cranes and large piles of building materials were in the way. so I photographed what I could. It will be wonderful with all the paths in place and downstairs gardens. With no roads or cars driving through..it is going to be so lovely.  

 Regarding our views..  We are more closed in than most....but still have quite pleasant scenery.   Looking out from the back of NO 5o..I do remember it faces on one corner..(by the roof.. as you come onto the solarium.).the street of the showhouse. Partially open view..and partially a gated private house below. (We look down on part of their courtyard.) And from the outside street.....I can look in through this gate and could see No 50...  there were some goats in a field opposite.( Couldn't ask for better neighbours than that!!  LOL. )  We also have a view out to the distant mountains and main road...looking right from the solarium.   And A view of the back of the main row of houses..from the forward position. But Looking to the left side from here..and From  the end of our front balcony....we can see the nearest mountain  quite clearly.  Also viewable from my bedroom window. (have to stretch a bit....but it is there)  We have no complaints.  Only one note..I didn't see much space for the pool.  Any ideas on what size or dept it is?   Hope Alan and Family are well...Just one more week and you will be there too.  Cheers for now!!..Carol

hi

the pool area will be about the size of a block of 4 houses check pictures 93216 photo 6 give you an idea of size.

cheers

Hi Billy,

Thanks for that info on the pool. it was so great seeing the site for myself. I wouldn't have gotten half as much out of our short visit without your help...and that of others on this site. It is going to be a crackin community. All the Best, Carol

hi carol

great to hear you enjoyed your trip,hope masa looked after you(sure they did) glad that you were impressed with progress and property you intend to purchase.

can we take it that we have another new neighbour on our development, n0 50 it is then,good luck all the best,

we are off to spain 13th jan for two weeks hope to see great progress from our last visit,going to finalise  a few things when there,will of course post pics then of development should be nearing completion by then.

regards

billy/janet

Hi Billy & Janet,

Yes, we are definitely going to be Your neighbours...and are really looking forward to it.  We Just Hope everyone feels the same about us..LOL!   Masa were great.... We had first class treatment..and  cannot fault them one bit. ( Despite not showing us Mirador the first time we viewed with them back in August. ) But..Things always happen for a reason..and we are there now ..which is what is important.  We are very happy.....AND we had a wonderful, unexpected,  weekend in spain.

 I have taken quite a few pictures...many look similiar to those already posted. But a few are a bit updated. I have asked the kids to post some  for me. It is their PC I use..and I am not up to scratch with how you download..upload etc. So hopefuly, they will appear soon.

 You will see a lot of changes by January.  The new roads and park is what really impressed me. With benches..play area.and paths to walk.. and loads of lamposts. It looks so community already..and with the wonderful mountains behind.  Everything about the apts was great.     In fact, There was a bit of everything we had been looking for in spain..found in this development. Totally exceeded our expectations. Best Wishes, Carol & Danny... No 50 !!