Living The Dream in Hondón

Local resident and writer Trudie Le Beau recalls her winter “moving-in” experience into the Hondon Valley many years ago to “live the dream”. She opted for a new build as many did in early 2000’s as Hondón redeveloped itself. Of course new builds have to become homes and that means getting stuck-in! But it’s a happy ending.
Thank you Trudie, here at Hondón Villas we wish you many more happy years in this gorgeous tranquil part of rural Spain.

When in November 2004 my husband and I moved into our villa in Hondon de los Frailes it sat lonely and unadorned in a plot of dirt with not a blade of grass in sight and which, much to our dismay, still represented a building site inside.

Livinf the dream .... relaxing in the Spanish sunshine. Bliss!

Snagging the Property
Fortunately we had one day free before our furniture was due to arrive so, instead of treating ourselves to a celebratory lunch, we hastened along to the Ferretaria in Hondon de las Neives to buy buckets, mops, scouring pads etc and spent the rest of the day sweeping up cement dust, mopping floors, cleaning gunk off windows, scrubbing grout and cement from various surfaces and falling into our camp beds exhausted.

Not the best start but thank goodness our furniture arrived as planned and things soon began to look much more homely once we had somewhere to sit and the fire (of which our builder Paco was very proud) was lit.

Over the next few weeks Paco visited on an almost daily basis to attend to the odd snags that presented themselves, like the radiator leaking, the shower head being put on back to front and the boiler not working. We also had bathroom furniture and wardrobes fitted so for a few weeks the place felt more like Piccadilly Circus than home.

A Pool? It’s all going Swimmingly!
The next thing to organise was the swimming pool and once we had decided where to position it, we set things in motion. Earth was excavated and a frame of re-bar and the pipe work were fitted, and that was when it began to rain. Our dirt patch soon became a sea of mud but, dear old Paco came to our rescue by laying a path of scaffolding boards from the gate to our steps, but unfortunately each time we walked on them they sank a little deeper into the liquid, brown slurry and almost disappeared.

The rain continued relentlessly so naturally we assumed that the pool installation would be put on hold, but how wrong could we be! The next day a cement lorry arrived to pour in the base of the pool, which it managed to do but by which time it had sunk into the mud up to its’ axles; at that point we closed the door, put on the kettle and switched on our VHS recorder (we had no television at that point) in order to drown out the raised voices and what we were sure were Spanish expletives!

Eventually the pool was finished and our plot resembled a stock car racing track but peace reigned. It was February by then and freezing cold, so much so that when the water lorry came to finish filling up the pool the water that was already in it was frozen. Never mind, we were starting a new life and we’d discovered that booze was cheap and the natives were friendly.

Slowly but surely the Hondón summer feels more like the “dream”
Things improved no end through the summer months. We began to plant out the garden (with the aid of a kango hammer) and had plenty of visitors who didn’t seem to be phased by the frequent electricity cuts and days with no water – at least we had the pool. We were able also to have a telephone and wi-fi installed as well as a television – all the creature comforts of home.

New Furry Friends
By this time we had acquired two dogs that needed homes. One was a beautiful Husky that had belonged to the bathroom fitter whose circumstances had changed, making it difficult to look after her and the other, an Alsatian cross who had been abandoned. There seemed to be so many dogs in need of help then but over the years, thanks to the wonderful people at Hovar and Barkinside to name just a few the sad problem of feral dogs has receded.

Hondón is Still a “Gem” all these years later…
If we ever had any doubts about moving to Hondon de los Frailes they didn’t last long. Over the years we have seen the village gradually grow and improve so that at present it has just about everything one could ask for in the way of amenities, yet it still retains the quiet peacefulness that first attracted us to the Hondon Valley.

What could possibly be better than sharing a meal with friends and family whilst watching the sun set on a beautiful summer evening in Hondon de los Frailes?
Can’t think of anything?
No, nor can I.

Copyright 2020. This article was kindly written for Hondon Villas and the Hondón Community by Trudie Le Beau, a member of the Hondon Writing Circle . She has recently published her book “The Petite Chronicles”.

Percy Chattey Books publish ‘Story Telling®, a series of Short Stories and Poems in both digital eBooks & paperback formats available online via Amazon and Kindle.

Published by Percy Chattey Books

Lockdown in the Hondón Valley

The Hondon Valley is a gem of inaudibility nestling amongst the mountains and about an 45 minutes drive from the Costa Blanca coast. And it is where we live and we love it here. No regrets leaving the UK from us! Here local resident and book publisher Percy W Chattey tells us about some of his observations during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Lockdown: Woman in Mask

The Old Way in Hondon…
Nearly two decades ago my wife and I found this Spanish paradise called The Hondon Valley. At that time it was trying to climb out of its farming past and join the twenty first century. I laugh now but there was over a three year wait for a telephone line and the television had two Spanish Stations with the large ‘H’ type of aerial, the kind which decorated thousands roofs of houses in Post War Britain.

Fast Forward to Spring 2020
Everything has changed over those years, and now we are as knowledgeable as most people about the modern wonders that abound us and are sorely needed in this time of Lockdown.

Shop Local #lovelocal
The local village, Hondon de los Frailes, has taken staying at home very seriously and because we are banned from travelling to a decent supermarket, about 12 Kilometres away, we have found the delights of getting our supplies from the local small shops, who have coped very well in this time of crises. Although there is not the choice of items as in the bigger shopping arenas, we are getting used to the change of diet.

Keeping Busy
It has been a wet spring here in the Valley which on the plus side makes it more a Garden of Eden in terms of greenery. But it means staying out of the rain during Lockdown. At least we are in the dry. Now short of climbing up the wall or painting it, we have been trying to find novel ways of keeping busy.

The Hondon Writers Circle members have not being able to meet for their fortnightly get together, so they have built up lengthy poems, by each putting in sequence four lines on the groups WhatsApp page, building something funny and unique which is then published on Facebook.

Ludo is a fascinating game when played with two partners in a group of four and nothing like the way children would play it. But of course, with the present situation it is not possible, especially if you have to be two metres apart. But with all the technical know-how in the Valley and the ability to use Skype, we managed by having a board in each of the two houses one with a camera over, and the game was on. If you would like to know the rules I will happily send them to you.

Behind the Mask
A lovely little story from Karen a member of the Hondon Writers Circle. Having a need to get provisions she decided to make herself one of those no-sew masks. She followed the instructions to the letter, and it worked! Looking great, and it fitted really well. Putting a bit of a coffee filter paper in the pocket at the front, because cotton alone will give about 10% to 20% protection, but add a coffee filter paper and it goes up to a 50% to 60% shield.
So, off to the shop, got everything on the list, and got back in the car, taking the mask off she saw the lower half of her face was blue, lips and all. She looked like she had been dead for a week! Going straight home warning the husband not to laugh at her or else….thank goodness it washed straight off!

Roll on Summer and the “New Normal”
We are all looking forward to the Valley turning back to normal with the sun warm and bright, also being free to wander the streets and to go a bit further to look at other parts of the world. There is also a mountain of work to be done in the garden, weeds two feet tall … perhaps the rain and the Lockdown are not such bad things after all…

Published by Percy Chattey Books

Copyright 2020. This article was kindly written for Hondon Villas and the Hondón Community by Percy Chattey, a member of the local Hondon Writing Circle .

Percy Chattey Books publish ‘Story Telling®, a series of Short Stories and Poems in both digital eBooks & paperback formats available online via Amazon and Kindle.

Our Four-legged Friends in Hondón

She was an active little thing black and white with brown markings. After the loss of one of our family the need for the remaining little male to have company to help with his mourning was real.

Hondon Valley Animal Charities

The steel mesh cages at the home where the strays are housed had about twelve dancing and excited faces running around which came to a stop as we appeared. They clambered over each other to get to the wire, each trying to be the nearest to us, all with sparkling eyes a yapping tongue with tails a wagging.

We were visiting ‘Hovar’ (Hondon Valley Animal Rescue) situated between the two villages of Hondon de los Frailes and Hondon de las Nieves, who, similar to Barkingside rescue abandoned animals and find new homes for them.

We now had a problem … what one to choose? The long-haired ones, sausage type dogs, skinny ones and the opposites all pleading in their own way to be chosen. They were all excited to see us which made us feel sad as we could only take one of them.

There was a little female Jack Russel smarter than the others, she stood on the outside of the crowd quite still and when she knew she had our attention her little face lit up, giving a short bark, turning around and running a little way up the enclosure, turned again and gave another little bark as if she was talking to us and wanted to play.

She was now certain she had our attention and went into a kennel and disappeared. We felt a little disappointed because in our hearts she was exactly what we were looking for and now she had gone. Then her little face appeared around the corner of the opening and looking straight at my wife Jean, as if speaking to her gave a couple of sharp yelps before disappearing again, only to quickly reappear and repeat the process.

Meg had chosen us, joining our family that day and has become a lovely little friend. Like a child she loves company and cuddles and always knows how to get her own way with looks and sulks and different attitudes of expressing herself sometimes with a low woof.

Seven years on and we still do not know how old she is as it was not known when she came into our lives. She understands our way of living and has become very protective of her home and us, in doing so she has developed into a beautiful lovely dear old friend, who sits near and follows us everywhere.

Would you like to help our local Animals?
The Hondon Valley has numerous animal charities always in need of volunteers or donations. They work 24/7 all year, so if you can help you’ll find them on Facebook, or just search Google or Facebook for “Hondon”. Thank you.

Copyright 2020. This article was kindly written for Hondon Villas and the Hondón Community by Percy Chattey, a member of the local Hondon Writing Circle .

Percy Chattey Books publish ‘Story Telling®, a series of Short Stories and Poems in both digital eBooks & paperback formats available online via Amazon and Kindle.

Expats love the Alicante Region

Buying in the Alicante region is a well oiled process now. 50% of property is bought by foreigners. Hondón is 30 minutes from Alicante Airport and well established with Expat Brits, Dutch and many other nationalities. Houses are much better value here than most of northern Europe and of course the Spanish weather and hospitality is a massive factor to move… a lifestyle choice very few regret. “Tranquilo” is the by-word … the other is “Salud”. No stress here unless you bring it with you.

Alicante area has a lot to offer even the most discerning people, from quiet tranquil valleys, steeped in Spanish culture to the hustle bustle of the Costa’s tourist beaches. We think it’s outstanding and urge everyone to have a sense of adventure in discovering the region.

You’ll find all you need here in the Alicante Province:
Great value Spanish property and a buyer’s market.
A wide variety of international entertainment, bars, restaurants
Fiestas, Fiestas, Fiestas and traditional arts !!
Large shopping malls or small artisan shops and markets
Tapas and local cuisine
Sunshine 300+ days per year
Clean air, streets and Blue Flag beaches
Spanish History & Culture Galore!
Water sports, sea-faring and natural parks
Great walking country
Golf courses… and more golf courses
Hobby clubs, community centres and volunteer organisations
… and so much more!

Hondon really refers to an area of villages in the Hondon Valley. The two principal villages of Frailes and Nieves are the main attractions but there are far too many small enclaves to mention. As part of the redevelopment of the area a 400 villa Urbanisation was build 15 years ago to meet demand from foreign investors. This is called La Montanosa and is now well established, very pretty and has a sought-after property market. The villas are regarded as luxury, well built and unbelievable value for money.

Many people use Hondon as a retirement hub and base to discover more of the Alicante region, for others it is a frequent holiday destination. You definitely need a car here as there are few buses or taxis to get you out of the villages but you’ll want to get around and discover the delights of the area at your pace, so factor in a car or you’ll be missing out.

At Hondon Villas we’ve met and helped many many international clients find their dream homes. And we love to do that…. our office is in the central Plaza of Hondón de los Frailes, a typical sleepy Spanish village inland. It’s a friendly place and has most of your day-to-day needs close by…. and it’s SO RELAXING, many retirees come here and happily get by on their pensions and equity. Life is better.

Hondon Villas are the 1st agent in the area to have a central office and with 15 years in the area are best placed to advise you. If you want to know more about the Hondón Valley, property purchase or general Spanish life, JUST ASK! OUR WEBSITE and CONTACT DETAILS::: www.hondonvillas.net

Hondon’s Local Agent for 15 Years!
TEL: +34 622 314 244
OFFICE: Plaza in Frailes (Find Us Here (Map )

Nearby Towns & Villages, Hondon Valley Areas

This map shows the main local towns and villages in which Hondon Villas SL operate. The Hondón Valley is about 30 minutes inland from Alicante Airport.

Our office is situated in the main square of Hondon de los Frailes at Calle Juan Carlos #24 (near the corner restaurant & opposite the Town Hall).

NOTES: Click/Pinch/Mouse to Zoom or view Pin Locations… Google Maps may identify Hondón de las Nieves in it’s old name of “El Fondo de la Neus”.

VIEW SPANISH PROPERTY HERE: We have villas, homes, apartments and fincas for sale in the following Spanish towns and villages: | Abanilla | Albatera | Alenda Golf | Alguena | Alicante | Aspe | Barbarroja | Barinas | Benferri | Canada del la Lena | Canada del Trigo | Crevillente | El Canton | Elche | Fortuna | Hondon de las Nieves | Hondon de los Frailes | La Canalosa | La Matanza | La Romana | Macisvenda | Monforte del Cid | Monovar | Novelda | Pinoso | Salinas | Sax | We are in the Hondon Valley. Spanish Property Agent. Looking for Hondon Villas in Dutch / Nederlands?

And nearby is ….

  • Nearest city is Elche, “the city of palms” and well worth a visit
  • Alicante Airport (30minutes) | Murcia San Javea Airport – 55 minutes
  • Health Clinics and Hospitals in Aspe, Novelda, Elda and Alicante
  • Private Doctors nearby
  • l’Aljub retail malls, food halls and entertainment in Elche (20 minutes)
  • El Corte Ingles (department store) in Elche and Alicante
  • Leisure Centres in Aspe and Hondon de las Nieves
  • Sports gym and fitness groups in Frailes
  • Supermarkets in Nieves, Aspe, Albatera, Elche, Crevillente
  • Cinema & Theatre in Elche
  • Open air markets in abundance – local ones are on Weds & Saturday
  • Coast and Beach 25/30 minutes

Bars / Restaurants in/near Hondon de los Frailes

Novelda Magdalena Church
Novelda Church
  • Veintiocho 28 Restaurant : Plaza, Hondon de los Frailes – Restaurant and bar, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner most days
  • La Buena Vida : International Cuisine Restaurant in Hondon de los Frailes Plaza
  • Bar Caramel : Bar, snacks and music (main road Frailes)
  • Infinity: Restaurant. Avenida Constitucion #8, Hondon de los Frailes
  • El Nuevo Valle : Frailes Plaza, Sports TV bar, lunch, dinner, pizza, snacks
  • Tipsy Terrace : Bar, snacks and meals. Open everyday.
  • Bar Pepin : Frailes, Main road. daily food, drinks, bingo and quiz
  • Punjabi Virsa : Frailes Plaza. Sit-in or takeaway curries and Asian cuisine
  • El Fogon : Barbarroja Bar, restaurant, events and music venue. Private parties catered for
  • Finca El Romana : Barbarroja based restaurant, bar and guest house

Bars / Restaurants in/near Hondon de las Nieves

  • La Finca Montanosa : Hotel and restaurant, on the Hondon urbanization
  • Bocadito Gourmet Restaurant: Spanish menu – Nieves Plaza
  • Texas Ranch : Americana – Nieves Plaza
  • La Font : Nieves Plaza (near the fountain
  • Bombay Indian Restaurant : Nieves Plaza
  • Central Bar : Nieves Plaza bar, restaurant, BBQ, cafe, music and quiz
  • Bodegas Cerda : Wine merchant in Nieves, museum and tasting groups
  • Solo Hazlo : Bar Restaurant in Hondon de las Nieves Plaza
  • Restaurante Polideportivo : Fish restaurant next to the sport centre, Nieves

A Place in the Sun New Series

A Place in the Sun is returning to Channel 4 with a new series!

We’re all in need of a bit of escapism at the moment, so from Monday 11th May these new episodes be transporting you to sunnier climes for an hour each weekday with our all star line-up of presenters!

Tune in to Channel 4 at 3pm every day for four weeks of brand new episodes full of sun, sea and property hunting. The usual APITS crew will be presenting episodes across the globe.

Danni Menzies, Laura Hamilton, Jonnie Irwin, Jasmine Harman, Scarlette Douglas, Ben Hillman and Jean Johansson will be searching for the perfect properties for their househunters across Spain, Portugal, the Canary Islands and France.

And in the first week of episodes we’ll be heading to Costa Almeria, Tenerife, Costa Dorada, Portugal’s Silver Coast and Sucina.
Article : APITS Blog (6th May 2020)

A Quick Guide to the Hondón Valley

ARTICLE COPYRIGHT © Hondon Villas

Peaceful, friendly, warm and surrounded by beauty

The main two villages of Hondon de las Nieves and Hondon de los Frailes nest in the beautiful Hondon Valley. For decades they have grown an abundance of agricultural delights such as Grapes, Almonds and Olives (the main economy).

The Hondon Valley Urb.

Hondón is surrounded by an expanse of stunning mountain views and traditional arid Spanish countryside. These excellent vistas are a delight in all seasons! Take a walk or drive through the country roads and you will just marvel at the changing light, shadows and picturesque skies.

The Hondon Valley is well known for its mild climate and pleasant summer breezes, which is very welcoming in those hot summer months when temperatures rarely fall below 30 degrees. The region enjoys sunshine in excess of 310 days per year, where the air is very clean and the pace of life slow. Hondon offers a very peaceful and stress free life.

Come take a look at the Valley of the Vines, drink the local wine under the bluest of skies and feel the warmth of the Spanish sun on your face … and you’re hooked! We were! We love it!

Hondon’s Grapes & Almonds

The area is well known for its Grape Vines, Wine and Almond Groves. It is sometimes called ‘The Valley of the Vines’. For the ramblers the mountain climb / walks are a superb way of experiencing fresh air, exercise, rural Spain and incredible vistas.

The village of Hondon de las Nieves has a very attractive and newly renovated church on the hill. In the square (plaza) below and surrounding streets there are a number of small bars and restaurants, local bakers, butchers, a medical centre, dentist, iron mongers, chemist, banks, optician, solicitor, hairdressers, shoe shop, supermarkets, electrical goods suppliers, petrol station, a post office, school, and a 24 hour shop … all you need really. There is a general market twice a week and of course a few Wine Bodegas, please try the Bodegas Cerda (Outstanding!) for those very tasty and very inexpensive Spanish wines. The bars/diners are in the main plaza: Hazlo, Bar Central, Bocadito Gourmet, La Font and more.

La Finca Restaurant

Lots of Traditional Spanish Fiestas

Many Fiestas are held in the village and the Spanish love to party, they also know how to do it well. One Fiesta in August which is a brilliant night is the Medieval Markets and Fiestas with costumed characters, music, stalls and games. At the end of the night there is a spectacular firework “Correfocs” display, which should not to be missed. The decorative street competitions take place which are very colourful, not to mention the amazing costumes worn by the whole family of adults and children.

Fiesta del Agua

Hondon & Surrounding Area:

There are many villages and towns to visit too many to list but all within 5 to 20 minutes drive, here are a few to give you a taster of the places to visit around the Hondon Valley.

Hondon de las Frailes is only a 5 minutes drive away, here you can find all local amenities including a private gym, a private Doctor, Physiotherapist, Town hall and a lovely church. Shops include a garden centre, ironmongers (DIY), butcher, grocers, tobacconist and a pet shop/vet + beauty salons. We have many bars and restaurants: Veintiocho (28), El Nuevo Valle, El Romero, Tipsy Terrace, El Charro, Bar Pepin and El Fogon – All recommended for al-fresco Tapas, daily meals and dinner or to just while away the hours!. We hear the breakfasts are excellent too! (which if you are Spanish might be just a strong coffee and a brandy.

Alguena only 15 minutes drive where a local Sunday market is well worth the visit as is the nearby ‘Marble Mountain’ that can be seen from the road into the village and is quite amazing.

Aspe, a larger town is approximately 15 minutes drive away with all main amenities available, a large supermarket and market day here is Tuesday and Thursday. This is a very busy place with quite a lot of buildings with character, a central park, a lovely church square and an indoor food market.

Elche is approximately 20 minutes drive and is known as the City of the Palms. It has lovely parks and as the name suggests 1000′s of palm trees almost everywhere! This is also the area where the shoe shops/outlets are in abundance… so if shoes are your thing you are sure to get some here. There is a large modern shopping centre called Al’ Jub with designer shops, children’s shops, jewellers and accessory shops, household shops, pet shops and of course more shoe shops! The centre houses a large food, electrical, clothes and fancy goods supermarket selling almost anything! If you are in need of a drink or a bite to eat then visit the food mall upstairs where there are with many choices of restaurants, bars and fast food bars + a cinema and bowling alley. So there’s plenty to do nearby.


Property Locations: Rural property for sale in Aspe, Elche, Novelda, Hondon de las Nieves, Hondon de los Frailes, Alicante, Costa Blanca South in Spain. Plus searching for Spanish property on La Montanosa Villas for Sale with a swimming pool and parking. Read the News, Weather, Properties and Holidays in Hondon. Wine Bodega in Hondon. Fiestas such as Medieval Market. HVLaMontanosaUrbValleyShot

Hondon Weather in Hondon de las Nieves

Spain: The weather in the hondon valley is mostly sunshine and warm. There are many properties to buy in hondon de las nieves and villas for rent. The urbanisation is called La Montañosa Hondón. You can view fincas, holiday cottages and luxury villas. There is car hire through Hondon-Rent-A-Car. We are part of the Costa Blanca South with new build and new development. Builders such as Gama, Contrimar, Conchitta Villas and others have property for sale. Many agents are based in the HONDON VALLEY selling homes, houses, villas and fincas.

Ethnographic Museum coming to Hondón Nieves

Hondón de las Nieves completes the remodelling works of its Ethnographic Museum
C2020 Article : https://www.diarioinformacion.com/

The local town hall has invested 400,000 euros in the project between the acquisition of the property and the subsequent adaptation of the facilities to showcase local culture and customs. No completion date is given as yet.
reports Èlia Armero 02/15/2020 | 22:26

c2020 Image c/o Diario Información

Acquisition and Costs: The historian Ramón Santonja who is supervising the projecy says the reformed building will house the new cultural space of the area and was acquired by the Hondón de las Nieves Council a few years ago for an amount of about 200,000 euros. Along with the purchase of the main property, an exterior space annexed to the building was also obtained. In total, the budget dedicated to this project, between the purchase and the renovation works, amounts to more than 400,000 euros.

This large estate is located on Calle San José, in the Rabal area, and is dated from the 1950s. It was an old winery and oil mill that had been closed for many years. With regard to the terraces attached to the building, it should be noted that “it has been used to carry out various events, such as the Fondó Verd, an ecological fair and a children’s cinema. Also, part of that space is already being used as an urban garden.

Work in Progress: The restoration work of this future Museum began “by cleaning the interior and maintaining the original parts of the winery and the oil mill that was inside and that, to this day, remain.” The intention is “to reuse the maximum architectural elements of the original construction,” says Santonja, thus retaining some of it’s original character.

Also, “the roof has been changed and the upper part of the walls have also been reinforced because they were badly deteriorated, as well as the wooden beams, which have all been changed”, so the roof “is completely new.” However, “there are still a few months of work” and, at the moment, there is no date for its inauguration yet A building that will house the history, archaeology, historical and anthropological heritage related to Hondón de las Nieves.

Ethnographic: adjective: ethnographic, ethnographical
Relating to the scientific description of local peoples and cultures with their customs, habits, and mutual differences.