Amanda and Alan swap Italy for Spain in their boldest renovation yet

Following the completion of two restoration projects on dilapidated properties in Sicily and Tuscany, you both opted for a change, moving towards renovation opportunities in Spain. Was there something about Italy that prompted this decision, or was it simply time to explore new horizons?

AMANDA No, we’d just drunk them dry! Basically, they ran out of Aperol so we had to leave.

ALAN Weren’t we smitten with the spot on our first day of shooting? We stepped off the plane and headed directly to an orange grove, and by six in the evening, we were climbing ladders to pick oranges. You had to shove them into your clothes, so I resembled Dolly Parton or Cupid Stunt [a character from Kenny Everett’s TV show].

 

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The remodeling project you’re tackling seems rather formidable. In the initial episode, Amanda refers to it as “Spacious yet manageable, much like Alan.

 

ALAN Oh, that stayed in the cut, did it?

As a die-hard cinephile, I must admit, we’ve taken storytelling to new heights with this series! Instead of just one house, we’ve expanded the scope to a grander mansion. To add an interesting twist, we transformed it into a cozy Bed & Breakfast, making it more than just a residence, but a thriving business venture.

 

Who will be responsible for making the beds and preparing the bacon and eggs once Casa Al-Amanda welcomes its initial visitors?

 

ALAN Amanda has a rich background in bed and breakfast (B&B) management, having come from a family that previously owned one, and she even served as a chambermaid. She truly enjoys tasks such as organizing linens and fluffing pillows. I, on the other hand, would be more suited to front desk duties, similar to Basil Fawlty’s role, greeting guests with warm “Hello’s” and “Bonjours”.

 

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AMANDA [Passable Prunella Scales voice] Ooh, I know!

 

How did the two of you spend your time off?

 

AMANDA Alan was seeking a house for personal purchase in that location as an additional endeavor. The area is captivating due to its proximity to various attractions: Moclín is not far from the coast or mountains, approximately 30 minutes from Granada, and just a drive away from the airport. Seville lies a few hours distant, offering an opportunity to catch a ferry to Morocco, and there are picturesque whitewashed villages nearby. The beaches are stunning, with vast expanses that resemble the lunar landscape. We visited one, Tarifa, which I consider the most beautiful beach I’ve ever experienced.

ALAN On some occasions, we also enjoyed karaoke evenings in Malaga – I preferred singing Wuthering Heights or Stayin’ Alive, while Amanda chose Don’t Cry for Me Argentina. Despite the city’s reputation for having an overabundance of Brits, we managed to discover some tranquil hidden spots. There was a small, family-run beachside restaurant where you pay based on the number of dishes you consume, and he had to install a concrete floor because customers were secretly burying the plates in the sand! This place was truly a gem waiting to be discovered.

 

So, would you go back? Perhaps holiday there together?

 

ALAN We do holiday together! Last year we shared a villa on Corfu.

AMANDA We recently hung out with Sydnie Christmas, the winner of Britain’s Got Talent 2024, and we tried a fun activity called “donutting” on water. Unfortunately, Alan wasn’t able to fit into his donut. This video has garnered an impressive 17 million views!

AMANDA Previously, we’ve returned to Moclín, not just once, but twice – this time for filming our upcoming Christmas special. We enjoyed it so much that we invited our loved ones along: my spouse, children, and parents all joined us. Intriguingly, my parents even had a fun night out with Alan’s parents! The place was simply beautiful, and it was heartening to find that everything we’d set up in the house was still intact!

 

Take a look at our holidays to Spain and follow in the footsteps of Amanda & Alan yourself!

 

Amanda and Alan’s Spanish Job
Friday 8.00pm BBC1

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2025-01-14 09:33