From Birmingham to Boutique: A British Couple’s Journey to Hotel Ownership in Spain
A couple from the Midlands took a leap of faith by leaving the UK for a life-changing venture in Spain. Ken Barnsley, 65, and Joanne Greenhalgh, 63, traded their busy Birmingham lifestyle for the tranquil charm of Archidona, a picturesque town in southern Spain.
The couple’s decision came during the first Covid-19 lockdown, sparked by an advert for Almohalla 51, a boutique hotel nestled in the hills of Andalusia. Not only did the pandemic prompt them to reassess their lives, it ignited a spontaneous desire for adventure. As Ms. Greenhalgh explains, “We saw Almohalla 51 in an online advert in August 2020 whilst in the first Covid lockdown, working from home. We had no plans to move to Spain, but the idea was so enticing that we embarked on a life-changing experience from that day on.”
After a swift visit in September 2020, they fell head over heels for the hotel, offering €500,000 (£420,000) to secure their new livelihood. They navigated the challenging waters of financing their dream by utilizing early retirement pensions and exploring various funding options with Spanish banks. In the end, their determination paid off, as they successfully managed to buy the hotel while retaining their UK property as a secure fallback.
“It was not a plan [to buy the hotel]. Lockdown and the pandemic changed everyone’s lives and made us reassess ours,” Ms. Greenhalgh remarks. “Life is too short, and who knows what is around the corner?”
With the pandemic creating uncertainty, they took a considerable risk in purchasing the hotel. Nonetheless, they managed to reopen in June 2021, redefining the space with vibrant decor and thoughtful details. “It was difficult to assess the value in the pandemic, and we had to work hard to restyle it with individual artwork and beautiful textiles,” Ms. Greenhalgh adds.
They now live in a flat attached to the hotel, enjoying a peaceful life surrounded by nature. However, the path to running the hotel was not without challenges. The couple faced various bureaucratic hurdles, including compliance with local regulations on water and fire safety, pest management, and licensing. Their fortuitous purchase of an established hotel meant they received valuable insights from the previous owners, helping them navigate the intricacies of the hospitality industry.
Situated high in the mountains, Archidona is an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, providing easy access to major Spanish cities like Seville and Granada. The couple enjoys their serene lifestyle and engages in culinary delights, yoga, and flamenco events for their guests. Ms. Greenhalgh, a former graphic designer, now relishes preparing meals and creating memorable experiences for visitors.
Despite the long hours that often come with running a hotel, the couple maintains a sense of fulfillment and joy. They praise the low cost of living in Archidona, where dining out is surprisingly affordable: “A meal in a restaurant with wine usually comes to around €20–€25 (£17–£21), and a good bottle of wine is only around €12–€15 (£10–£13).”
“The town of Archidona is beautiful, ancient, and unspoilt, with very welcoming people who have made us feel at home,” remarks Ms. Greenhalgh. “Despite sometimes long working hours, we still feel like we are on a working holiday. Our environment is beautiful, with guaranteed sunshine and sunsets.”
When comparing their life in England to their current residence in Spain, the benefits are clear. “Spain wins every time,” the couple concludes, as they fully embrace their new adventure and the remarkable lifestyle it affords them.
With each passing day, Ken and Joanne continue to create lasting memories in their newfound home, proving that sometimes the most spontaneous decisions lead to the best results.
For more information about relocating and living in Spain, visit resources on Brits Abroad and cost of living.
