10 Good and Bad Things I Have Learned About Living In A Spanish Home

There are so many posts out there about what to look out for when buying a house in Spain or what pitfalls to avoid before committing yourself. Well, in this post, I want to tell you about what I have learned from living in a Spanish home from a personal point of view.

For the past 9 years, Valencia has been our home. So you could say that we have a fair amount of experience and figured out how to deal with those things we can’t change. 

Things I Have Learned About Living In A Spanish Home

1. Window bars or rejas are actually useful

While they might not suit everyone’s taste, it’s quite typical to spot rejas decorating the windows of many Spanish homes. Unless you’ve moved into a brand-new house, these bars are likely to be a charming aspect of traditional Spanish architecture. They’re not just for show; they serve an important purpose in keeping your home safe and secure. So, while it might take a little getting used to, you’ll soon appreciate the added peace of mind they provide.

2. So are window shutters…

Persianas, or shutters, serve a dual purpose in Spanish homes, keeping both the sun and excessive light at bay. Especially during the scorching summer months when temperatures soar to 40 degrees Celsius on certain days, having these window shutters can truly be a game-changer in maintaining a cooler indoor environment.

The key is to open the windows early in the morning when the air is still refreshingly cool, and then lower the persianas around 10-11 am to block out the intense sunlight. Additionally, they come in handy during windy days or severe storms, offering an extra layer of protection for your home.

3. During the winter it’s good to invest in fluffy rugs and comfy blankets

Keep in mind, properties in Spain, especially chalets and villas, are designed with summertime in mind. That’s why it’s common to see tiled floors and walls in many Spanish homes. While the lack of carpet might initially feel less cozy, there are some perks to tiled floors. They’re super easy to clean, which is a bonus, and during those scorching summer days, they keep things nice and cool.

Now, when winter comes knocking, those same tiled floors can feel a bit chilly. But fear not! You can easily cozy up your space by adding some rugs. Place them strategically in spots like beside the bed, in the living room, and along walkways. Not only will this keep your toes warm during the colder months, but it’ll also give your Spanish home that extra touch of warmth and charm.  Take a look at my post on 30 of the Best Home Accessories and Furniture Stores In Spain That’s Not Ikea!, and check out the extensive list of shops where you can buy home accessories for your Spanish home to make it more cosy and inviting! 

4. Learning to live with gotelé (textured & stuccoed) walls

You know, years ago, someone must have thought it was a stroke of genius to use gotelé on walls and ceilings. You’ll find it in many houses in Valencia, especially those out in the campo. At first, I’ll be honest, I couldn’t stand the sight of it. But after realising how expensive it would be to get rid of it, I’ve finally made peace with it.

One way to spruce up those textured walls is by giving them a fresh coat of paint. Every now and then, our exterior walls need a good clean, and I took the opportunity to repaint our interior walls in a neutral colour. It does wonders for hiding the texture, sometimes you can’t even tell it’s there!

5. Learning to live with hard water

I can’t speak for the rest of Spain, but here in Valencia, we’re known for our hard water. While it’s perfectly safe to drink straight from the tap, many of us aren’t fans of the taste. That’s why we’ve got an osmosis system installed in our home—it works wonders in improving the taste of tap water.

Plus, having an osmosis system has other perks too. It helps prevent any pesky hard scaling from clogging up our kettles and faucets, saving us from those headaches down the line. It’s a small investment that makes a big difference in our day-to-day lives.

6. A paellero/outdoor kitchen is a necessity

You’ll notice that many homes in Valencia have an outdoor kitchen or BBQ area. It’s practically a staple here—even in apartments, they manage to carve out space for a paellero. These outdoor cooking setups are a godsend for Valencians, as they have a deep-rooted love for outdoor dining and spending quality time with loved ones.

Just like back home, where Sunday dinners are a cherished tradition, my Valencian friends gather every weekend to cook and feast together al fresco. It’s become an essential part of our lifestyle, especially during the warmer months or when we have guests over.

Having an outdoor kitchen makes entertaining a breeze. I couldn’t imagine life without it now. Paelleros are usually equipped with everything you need—a sink, cupboards, and, of course, ample cooking space. It beats having to shuffle the party indoors any day!

7. A shaded garden is an oasis during the summer

Summers in Valencia can really crank up the heat. In July and August, temperatures can soar to a blistering 45ºC, making it essential to find ways to keep cool and comfortable. While staying indoors during the hottest part of the day is a smart move, if you’re like me and enjoy outdoor time in the afternoon or evening, having ample shade in your garden can be a game-changer.

Consider installing a toldo (awning), setting up a gazebo, or planting some large trees to provide natural shade. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of Valencia’s scorching summers, so I prefer to bask in the outdoors during the cooler evening hours. However, if you’re someone who loves spending all day outside, I highly recommend either choosing a home with plenty of existing shaded areas or planning to create your own oasis of coolness. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when you have a comfortable spot to beat the heat.

8. Having a pool is hard work but worth it

Valencia is certainly not lacking when it comes to water parks and swimming pools. Whether you reside in an apartment or a house, you’ll likely find a sports centre nearby with an outdoor pool for your enjoyment. However, if you’re considering purchasing a home with a pool of your own, it’s crucial to be aware of the maintenance it entails each year. 

For years, maintaining our pool was a time-consuming task, especially in the sweltering heat. We used to spend countless hours manually cleaning it, which wasn’t the most enjoyable chore. However, everything changed when we invested in a robot pool cleaner—it’s been a complete game-changer for us. Of course, you also have the option to hire a pool maintenance service, but this comes at a cost that can add up significantly over the years.

During the summer months, you’ll find yourself needing to give your pool extra attention, ensuring it’s treated regularly and that the filters are running at least 3-4 times a day to maintain cleanliness. This year, we’ve encountered a few issues with our pool, such as tiles coming loose and algae buildup in between. We’ve received a quote for cleaning and re-grouting, which is estimated to cost between €2,000 to €4,000.

Having a pool in a Spanish house can bring endless joy and relaxation, but it’s important to factor in the ongoing maintenance costs and occasional repairs to keep it in top condition for your enjoyment.

9. Learning how to tolerate creepy crawlies

In Spain, most insects won’t pose any real threat to you. However, if you reside in an old Spanish home or live in the countryside, encountering spiders, cockroaches, mosquitoes, and ants is quite common. Every summer, we face a recurring battle with cockroaches and ants, no matter how hard we try to keep them at bay. After eight years, we’ve learned to coexist with them.

It’s all about being prepared when the season rolls around, stocking up on natural pesticides, citronella, and mosquito nets. While dealing with these pests isn’t pleasant, it’s just part and parcel of life in a Spanish home. With the right precautions and a bit of perseverance, we manage to keep them under control.

10. Lack of drains and guttering

While Valencia enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year, we certainly do experience rainfall, particularly during the rainy seasons in April/May and September/October. And when it rains, it pours! Some areas of Valencia are prone to flooding, including well-kept urbanisation like ours.

Unfortunately, drainage issues can be a challenge. In our case, despite living in a well-maintained urbanisation, we’ve encountered problems due to insufficient drainage and the absence of guttering around the house. This has led to flooding in our garage on two occasions, resulting in damage to some of our belongings.

Despite lodging complaints with the council, we haven’t seen any improvements. It seems like it’s up to us to take matters into our own hands and ensure that the drains are clear and accessible, especially during the rainy season. It’s a reminder that even in sunny Valencia, we need to be prepared for the occasional downpour.

The bottom line…

Like many expats living in Spain, we didn’t dwell too much on the finer details before making the move. As the saying goes, “you live and learn,” and that’s been our experience. Sure, there are times when I miss the comfort of carpets, the sleekness of smooth walls, the convenience of drinking water straight from the tap, and not having to deal with those pesky cockroaches. But hey, we can’t have it all, right?

If you’re currently residing in a Spanish home, I’m sure you can relate to these sentiments. And if you’re considering living in Valencia, it’s good to keep these things in mind. They’re not the end of the world; it’s just a matter of knowing what to expect and adapting accordingly. After all, every place comes with its quirks and challenges, but it’s all part of the adventure of living in Spain. 

Don’t forget to explore my recommended products for your Spanish home and garden as well. It’s a curated list of items that I’ve found particularly useful for life in Spain, designed to enhance your comfort and enjoyment of your Spanish home.