Through the Keyhole - Villas Capitana

Pauline and Terry Hewitt first moved to Los Gigantes in Tenerife in 1999.  Being self confessed nomads, their wanderlust had them soon moving again.  They bought their second property in Adeje in 2002, while it was still in construction.

The house sits at the edge of Villas Capitana, a perfectly maintained development which looks over the coastline of Adeje Golf.  Visitors reach the house by way of a video entry phone at the gate, just off the pavement.

Terry meets me at the gate, and introduces me to Pauline.  They are an amiable and relaxed couple, who make me feel immediately welcome.  It is Terry who volunteers to take me on the tour.

We walk from the gate through the front garden, in which Terry has been developing his green fingers.  I am impressed by the mere fact that the plants are alive, as my fingers are more prone to make plants go brown and wither.

A heated pool sits invitingly in a secluded corner, and the garden extends around the side of the house to the rear, where there is an iron gazebo.  This forms a perfect area to dine al fresco and hide from the children who will be splashing about in the pool on the other side of the house.   While on the subject, Terry tells me that there are a further two pools within the development, and a gymnasium is being constructed.  No wonder he does not seem fazed by the imminent onslaught of three grandchildren below the age of eleven.

The tour then takes us inside the house.  I am struck by the sheer quality and attention to detail that has been lavished by the builder.  The joinery has been fitted by a craftsman, as has the marble floor tiling.  Mosquito netting is integral to the shutters and windows throughout the house, as I learn that Pauline's affection for the beasties is less than welcoming.

To the right of the front door is a guest loo, handy for the pool.  To the left is a small dining room, which could also be a fourth bedroom should the inundation of the extended family warrant.  Slightly further along is a well equipped kitchen with wooden units that integrate the microwave, dishwasher and probably a few other machines that I fail to recognise.  The tiling goes all the way up to the ceiling, so no problem when your little angels shake the ketchup bottle without a cap on.

The living room is comfortable with an eclectic mix of furniture.  Pauline's father used to work in the furniture industry and cherry picked interesting pieces for her.  These have now migrated to the island and sit well in the modern room.  The lounge looks out onto the rear garden area.

Terry then leads me down the marble stairs to the basement.  Surprisingly, there are all the makings of a separate apartment down here.  The couple have made this into a family area with richLly  patterned tiles and a larger table for Christmas dinners.  In the summer, this area is a cool haven from the blistering sun.  There is a small kitchen area for last minute preparation, as well as a laundry area.  A door leads to the huge garage, which fits five cars.  This is accessed by a private road, through electric gates and doors.

Our next stop is two flights up, on the first floor.  Terry, a sprightly, energetic individual, stands patiently at the top landing waiting for my laborious progress.  When eventually I catch up with him, he tells me that he and Pauline enjoy a daily walk at dusk which tends to take them into town.  We find common ground discussing the merits of the various excellent restaurants in Adeje, before getting back to the business of the tour. 

The two double bedrooms are fitted with good quality, lined wardrobes and look towards the pool and mountains beyond.  Not that Terry's grandchildren spend any time admiring the view.  Although neat and tidy now, I have a vision of them bouncing on beds, wielding pillows, yelping and squeaking.  Fortunately the doors seem well made and fairly soundproof.  As we pass the bathroom, my host tells me that there is no hot water shortage, even when the house is full to the brim with the family.  The solar water heater is capacious enough to accommodate numerous showers.  I eye him enviously; obviously he is aware of the Tenerife standard of a kettle worth of hot water per three bedrooms and the morning race to the bathroom that the rest of us enjoy.

The master bedroom is really special.  A cathedral ceiling lends a feeling of grandeur and space.  Through the French windows there is a large balcony with views from table top mountain over Adeje Golf.  Terry waxes lyrical about the various coats of lacquer that he has applied, ensuring that the perfect condition of the wood will survive even a nuclear holocaust. The en-suite bathroom contains a corner spa bath and two basins.  Again, tiling is all the way up to the ceiling, so should the grandchildren ever commandeer the bath, the room is safe from the ensuing water fight.

As we rejoin Pauline in the lounge, we talk about where the couple are moving next.  They have secured a villa in the new San Blas Village.  A cunning plan, I think to myself.  Oodles of things for the grandchildren to do and see, and maid service to clean up after them.  Perfect.

Viewings for the villa can be arranged through Tenerife Property Shop 922 714 700 or get further information on the property at www.tenerifepropertyshop.com