Before we dive into the details, could you briefly introduce yourselves?

Jacobien Mansholt (40) and Jan Henk Hazelaar (41), living in Periana, Andalusia. Jacobien is currently expecting their first child.

We’d love to share a bit about you as a person with our customers. Would you like to tell us more about yourselves?

Jacobien always knew she wanted to attend the Hotel Management School and later held various positions in hospitality and event management. With a passion for interiors and coffee, she owned a concept store in the city centre of Groningen for 5 years. She enjoys meeting friends, sitting on a terrace, spending an afternoon at the beach or going on a city trip. Discovering new places inspires her and sparks fresh ideas.

Jan Henk is a senior web developer and works remotely for a Dutch company. Outside of work, he loves cycling and exploring the surroundings. Despite living in Spain, FC Groningen remains his club, and he enjoys watching cycling and Formula 1.

When and in what way did the property come into your life and what motivated you to make it part of your journey?

Besides running a concept store, owning a guesthouse had always been on Jacobien’s bucket list. We both liked the idea of living and working from home, and moving abroad had always been an option. After renovating our house in the north of the Netherlands for five years, we put up a sign in the garden and made the leap to emigrate.

Can you tell us more about the renovation and furnishing process?

We bought a property that had stood "empty" for over 20 years — it had never been completed by the previous owner. It was a concrete shell with exterior and a few interior walls, plus basic water and electricity connections. No windows, broken frames and doors, and not even a layout on the ground floor.

We started with months of clearing debris and demolition work before rebuilding everything with a contractor. Jacobien designed the layout and, within 4.5 months, the shell was completed. Then it took us another 1.5 years of free time to finish the interiors and furnishings: installing the kitchens and bathrooms, laying the terrace, building walls, and bringing everything together in one cohesive style.

What makes your accommodation truly special to you? Any specific memories or moments that make it dear to your heart?

Many people in the area know the building and say: “You bought that property?” Everyone loves seeing what we’ve done with it, and we’re incredibly proud of the result. It took 2.5 years of blood, sweat, and tears — with plenty of setbacks, it could’ve been a great episode of Escape to the Country. The fact that guests now enjoy and appreciate this place is exactly why we did it.

How would you describe the atmosphere and interior of your accommodation?

We chose a calm base with neutral tones, inspired by the surrounding nature: olive green, beige, and the terracotta clay of the region. We combined modern elements like sleek black window frames and concrete floors with natural materials. It has become a place that radiates tranquillity, with an eye for detail and comfort.

Which part of your accommodation do you love the most, and why?

The veranda is a wonderful spot; from there, you can see the La Viñuela reservoir and, in the distance, the sea. It’s sheltered by trees, yet still allows you to enjoy breakfast or a coffee in the sun.

What makes the location of your accommodation unique and special?

It’s the perfect mix of a nature escape with sweeping views of Andalusia, while also offering easy access to the beach or Malaga. Casa Serrana sits on a private hectare of land with 101 ecological olive trees and offers 360-degree views of the surroundings.

Are there any sustainable or eco-friendly applications associated with your property that you are proud of?

We believe it’s important to offer sustainable products and solutions wherever possible. In the bathrooms, guests enjoy Marie-Stella-Maris products — luxurious and impactful, as they support clean water initiatives. By choosing refills, we reduce waste, CO2 emissions, and water usage.

We also use eco-friendly laundry sheets from Mothers Earth for the washing machine and dishwasher — no plastic waste, safe natural ingredients, and they support local causes. Guests are welcome to pick herbs from the garden, we ask them to separate their waste, and we’ve installed water-saving taps. In the near future, we plan to install solar panels to further reduce our footprint.

What motivated or inspired you to rent your property to guests?

We’ve always enjoyed staying at beautiful accommodations where you can feel the love and thought that went into the design. With all the inspiration we gathered — and Jacobien’s background in hospitality — she was eager to create such a place herself.

Can you paint a vivid picture of the overall experience guests can expect during their stay?

We want our guests to have a smooth and enjoyable stay from start to finish. That starts with clear communication in advance and a personal welcome upon arrival. Since our own home is part of Casa Serrana, we’re easily available without being intrusive.

We give our guests space, but we’re happy to help with questions or special requests. The personal contact is often appreciated, and Jacobien enjoys surprising guests with homemade treats or thinking along with them.

There’s a welcome book full of local tips, and we’re always happy to explain things. The guesthouse has a spacious veranda with beautiful views, and guests have private use of the pool. Naturally, we also say a personal goodbye when they leave!

In what ways does your accommodation stand out from others? What unique features make it an unforgettable experience for guests?

It’s the combination of stunning natural surroundings, easy accessibility, the chance to explore the area, stylish interiors with attention to detail, and personal contact. We make a difference by thinking along with our guests and offering thoughtful touches and amenities that enhance their stay.

What is the best compliment you’ve received from a guest?

“Thanks to the warm personalities of Jacobien and Jan Henk, you feel instantly welcome. They are very hospitable, think along with you, and give great tips for exploring the area.”

What do you hope guests will take away or remember most from their stay at your accommodation?

That they enjoyed our accommodation and the surroundings — and that they look back on a truly wonderful and perfect holiday.

Do you have any recommendations for guests to fully enjoy their holiday?

Visit the beautiful cities of Málaga and Granada, book a guided e-mountain bike tour in the village to explore the surroundings, and enjoy a beach day at our favourite beach club — there is so much to discover in this area.