Country houses · Salt air · Second homes
Renovating fincas and country houses on the land behind Calpe, where sea air, strong sun and long periods of absence all affect the choice of materials.
Calpe is a coastal town of apartment blocks, sea-facing homes and hillside villas, all under the shape of the Peñón de Ifach. Away from the front, though, there is rural land with older stone houses, and these are the fincas we are asked to look at. They are close enough to the sea to feel its influence, and far enough from town to be quiet.
That combination is the interesting part of renovating in Calpe. The salt that drifts inland on the wind, the sun on stone and timber, and the fact that many of these houses are second homes left empty for part of the year all push the choice of materials and finishes in a particular direction.
Dragon Reforms has worked in the area since 1999. This page sets out what that means for a finca here.
Salt and sun
Even a mile or two from the shore, salt in the air shortens the life of unsuitable materials. Plain steel rusts, cheap paint chalks and blisters, and exposed timber greys and splits faster than it would inland. On a finca with a pool and a south-facing terrace, those effects are easy to see after a few seasons.
We choose finishes accordingly. External ironwork is specified and protected for a coastal environment, timber shutters and doors are treated and finished for sun, and render and paint are matched to the stone beneath. None of this is exotic, but it is the difference between a finca that needs repainting every other year and one that does not.
Interiors are different. Thick stone stays cool in summer, and a good finish inside makes the most of that.
Second homes
Many of the country houses around Calpe are visited for a few weeks at a time. A shut-up stone house gathers damp, insects and stale air, and a small roof leak can go unnoticed for months. Planning a renovation around that pattern is a practical matter.
We pay close attention to the roof, gutters and any place water can get in. Ventilation is built into the design, with window and door details that allow air through when the house is closed. Services such as electrics and plumbing are installed so that a house can be isolated and left safely.
If you are abroad, we send updates and photographs through the job and can arrange for the property to be left ready for your arrival.
Outside living
In Calpe’s climate, the outdoor spaces are used for more of the year than in northern Europe. A finca’s terrace, covered porch and pool area are as important as any room, and they take the harshest wear from sun, rain and salt.
We build and repair terraces with proper falls and waterproofing, particularly where there is a room beneath. Surfaces are chosen to stay cool underfoot and safe when wet, and edges, steps and walls are finished to match the house.
Rebuilding an old terrace, with a before and after that shows the difference, is among the most satisfying parts of finca work.
How it works
We start with a visit to see the house and hear what you need. A written quotation follows, free of charge, covering the scope of the work.
The trades are coordinated by us, and you receive updates by phone and photographs if you are away. The work is guaranteed, with the scope set out in the quotation.
Questions
It can. Salt carried on the wind affects ironwork, paint and exposed timber, so we choose finishes suited to a coastal setting even for houses some distance from the shore.
Yes. Many of our clients do exactly that. We plan around the property being empty for periods, with attention to roofs, ventilation and services.
Yes. We build and repair terraces, porches and pool surrounds, including falls, drainage and waterproofing.
Contact us with a short description of the property. We visit, discuss the work and send a written quotation, which is free.
Across the area
Calpe is one of the towns with its own finca renovations page. The main Finca Renovations Costa Blanca page covers the whole service in full.
Hillside fincas and terraced stone houses above the coast, with steep plots and narrow tracks.
View Altea →Older rural houses and farm buildings among La Nucía’s hillside villas and urbanisations.
View La Nucía →Stone houses on the slopes below Puig Campana, with water and drainage at the heart of the work.
View Finestrat →Old village houses and country fincas, often renovated in stages, around a small inland village.
View Polop →Finca Renovations in Benissa and the surrounding area.
View Benissa →Finca Renovations in Alfaz del Pi & Albir and the surrounding area.
View Alfaz del Pi & Albir →Get in touch
Tell us about the house and how you use it, and we will arrange to visit.
You will receive a clear written quotation, free of charge.
Customer reviews
Genuine Google reviews from Dragon Reforms customers.
Professional Collaboration & Complete House Renovation – Calpe
“We have been collaborating for many years on projects both large and small, with excellent results. Our latest collaboration was the complete renovation of a house in Calpe. Thanks to their professionalism and reliability, they were able to handle all phases of the project. We hope to continue working together for many years to come.”
Apartment Renovation
Original Spanish review
“Hace poco reformó el apartamento. Ha quedado espectacular. Además sin imprevistos, cumpliendo los plazos y muy formal.”
English translation
“They recently renovated the apartment. It looks spectacular. What's more, there were no unexpected problems, the agreed timescales were met, and they were very professional.”
More from Dragon Reforms
Everything Dragon Reforms does in Calpe, each with its own page.
Get a quote
Describe the finca and the work you have in mind, and we will arrange a visit and send a written quotation.
