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From duct tape to determination

We survived the kitchen. Literally. There was a shower head taped to the tap. The cupboard doors were hanging wonky like a drunk flamenco dancer and the cooker made noises that suggested it might be living its very last day. But it kept going. And so did we.

Plumber? Tiler? Just Feiko

Feiko is not a plumber, not a carpenter and definitely not a tiler. So he did everything himself. For the first time. And – surprisingly – really well. Water pipes rerouted? Check. Tiled splashback? Check. Worktop built from a sheet of wood? Check. And from the leftovers he made a table. I watched, thought along, chose colours and turned IKEA screws as if my life depended on it.

Reuse as a starting point

No marble worktop, no golden taps. Just a Leroy Merlin kitchen. But one that feels right. Because we built it together. And you can see that – in every corner, every quirk, every tile that’s just a little bit off. I love that.

We’ve reused almost everything: the floor, the ceilings with beams. The old kitchen unit? Now a sideboard in the bedroom. The cupboards? A workbench in the cellar. The bathroom tiles? We simply painted over them. Only the toilets and sinks were beyond saving — at some point you have to draw the line.

Why start with the kitchen?

Simple. We still commute, we’re renovating a lot, and every now and then you need somewhere to sit without finding cement in your coffee. That’s the place of calm we wanted to create first. For ourselves. Because when you’re living in the middle of a building site, a bit of quiet isn’t a luxury, it’s a basic need.

From kitchen to rooms

Now we’re moving on. To the guest rooms. To a place with charm and soul. Not too polished, not a hotel you could just as easily find in Berlin or Brussels. Our rooms are getting character. Each with its own atmosphere, inspired by the provinces of Andalusia. Authentic, warm.

Outdoor living with character

And outside? Terraces with a touch of Ibiza style – but without the party noise. Linen curtains, weathered wooden benches, views over cork oaks.

Building as a way of slowing down

Pinterest is full of our plans: mood boards for each room. Everything well thought through, but not over-designed. Because building, for us, is not a race. It’s about creating a place step by step where you feel at home – even if it’s your first time here.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Why did you start with the kitchen?
Because during a renovation you need one space where you can catch your breath. Without cement in your coffee, silence tastes better.

What exactly are you reusing?
Almost everything: floors, beams, cupboards, tiles. Only the toilets and sinks didn’t make it to the finish line.

How will the guest rooms get their atmosphere?
Each room will have its own style, based on an Andalusian province. With natural materials, warm colours and details that give it character.

We started with a kitchen full of duct tape, crooked cupboards and a cooker on its last legs. Now we’re building, step by step, a cortijo full of calm, character and charm – with a hint of humour in every tile.

Fijn dat je tot hier las — dat betekent veel. Wil je vaker meelezen? Een ♡ of gratis abonnement is altijd welkom.

Hasta luego vanuit Andalusië,
Daniëlle | Cortijo La Vista