Expat interview – Dave and Bev Townsend

We have recently got to know Dave and Bev Townsend via Facebook and they also advertise their property to rent in Spain. Enjoy finding out more!

When did you move to Spain, and where from?
We bought our house as a second home and rental investment in 2006.  Bev’s parents moved to Spain in 1990 and her Aunt, Uncle and Grandfather moved there in the ’80’s.  Bev has been visiting Spain since the ’60’s. Dave is relatively new having visted for the first time in 1991!

Who came with you?
Choosing the house was a family decision.  We wanted walking distance to the beach and a good range of shops and cafes, overlooking a pool and large enough for all the family to visit at once. Although when we finally make the move permanently it will just be the two of us.

Where in Spain do you live now?
We still live in the UK (Norwich) but our Spanish home is in Playa Flamenca, Orihuela Costa.  We visit as often as possible.

What things (apart from loved ones) do you miss from your country of birth?
Nothing. When we are there we do not miss anything from the UK. We used to miss our cats but have now adopted a neighbour’s (called Princess!) when there!

Do you work? As what?
We run a property finding business, Spanish Dream Property.  We find properties predominantly in southern Costa Blanca and the area of Murcia close to the Mar Menor, but also cover northern Costa Blanca too.  We also have our rental.

How are you with speaking Spanish?
Bev learnt Spanish at school but is planning a top up course starting this autumn.  Dave speaks enough not to go hungry or thirsty!

If you could change one thing about Spain… what would that be?
Bev would knock down all buildings over five stories tall!  High-rise is just not her ‘thing’ which is one reason why we bought where we did.  Dave would change the tax system so it felt easier and fairer.  It’s just too complicated as it stands.

What are the best things about living in Spain?
More relaxed lifestyle, good quality fresh food at reasonable prices, being able to afford to eat out, a much more sociable society as people spend so much more time outside and, of course the sunshine.

What are your favourite Spanish dishes?
We love tapas because of the variety you can eat in one meal.  Sweet tooth means Chocolate y churros whenever possible.  Cerdo en salsa de almendras (pork in almond sauce) is lovely and any paella.

What is the predominant nationality of your friends in Spain?
More English speaking than anything else but the Orihuela Costa is very international.  On our community there are at least 8 nationalities (including Spanish).  Our meetings are held in four languages.

If you won the Euromilliones – would you still live where you currently are? Why? Why not?
We’d live permanently in Spain.  Bev says that although she loves our house she would keep it as a rental investment and buy something in the area with a bigger garden. Dave says as he loves his ‘concrete jungle’ he would stay in the same house as its just sooo convenient for everything!

If a movie was made about your life – who would play you? Why?
Dave would settle for Russell Crowe or Mel Gibson but Bev thinks that he looks like a white version of Shrek!  Bev should be played by Sandra Bullock as she is great at playing slightly scatty but intelligent women!

If you had to describe yourself as a cocktail… what would you be, and why?
Bev would be a Pink Lady because when she sits in the sun for too long that is what she becomes!  Dave would like an Orgasm (?!) because he says he likes the ingredients.

Right – now is the chance to tell us all about your business/website/blog if you have one (or more of course).
Our property finding business is www.spanishdreamproperty.com We offer a free property finding service for anyone looking to invest, relocate or buy a second home in the Costa Blanca or Mar Menor area of the Costa Calida.  www.house-by-the-pool.com is our holiday home rental site.

Elle Draper

Elle, along with Alan, is the owner of Spain Buddy and the busy web design business – Spain Web Design by Gandy-Draper.
Born a “Norverner”, she then spent most of her life “Dann Saff” before moving to Spain in 2006. Elle’s loves are Alan, the internet, dogs, good food, and dry white wine – although not necessarily in that order.