Meet the people behind the place La Casa de Arcos
La Casa de Arcos is a unique place where tranquility, beauty, and Andalusian charm come together. Located in the picturesque countryside of Arcos de la Frontera, this accommodation offers the perfect balance between nature and comfort. In this interview, we delve deeper into what makes Casa de Arcos so special – from the serene atmosphere and stunning surroundings to the careful interior design and the cherished memories the house holds for its owners, Justine and Emmanuel. We explore how the house came to be, the unique features it offers, and why it’s the ideal destination for guests seeking an authentic experience in the heart of Andalusia.
Can you briefly introduce yourselves before we dive into the details?
We are Justine and Emmanuel, and our two children, Ito and Ninn, are 16 and 13 years old. We’ve been living in Andalusia for nearly 4 years, in Arcos de la Frontera, in the province of Cádiz.
We would like to share something about you as a person with our clients. Could you tell us a bit more about yourselves?
We’ve both loved Andalusia since we were young. Emmanuel is half Spanish and, because of that, has been immersed in Andalusian culture from a young age. Emmanuel is a graphic designer by profession, and I ran a children's store in Belgium for 10 years. We love traveling, decorating, music, and our work: welcoming guests to Casa de Arcos. Our children are passionate about surfing, skateboarding, tennis, and music.
When and how did this property come into your lives, and what motivated you to make it part of your life?
We discovered Casa de Arcos by renting the house every summer for six years for our family vacations. We didn’t know Arcos de la Frontera at all, but it was love at first sight. In 2019, we had the opportunity to buy the house… Initially, Casa de Arcos was only meant to be a holiday home for our family, but then the pandemic happened! We were lucky to be there for renovation work just before the Spanish borders closed. This meant we spent the entire lockdown together as a family at Casa de Arcos. After those months of quarantine in Andalusia, it was difficult to return to our old life in Belgium… So, we decided to move permanently to Spain. That was the beginning of our new life!
Can you tell us more about the renovation and decoration process of your property?
The house was already beautiful by nature. We barely altered the original architecture, but we did make some renovations and decorative changes.
The major works included the installation of the swimming pool, the renovation of the kitchen and one of the bathrooms, and the creation of a play/cinema room.
On a personal level, what makes your property truly special to you? Are there any special memories or moments that have a special place in your hearts?
Casa de Arcos will always hold a special place in our hearts.
We’ve spent unforgettable vacations there with family and friends, and later it became the starting point of our new life. We’ve lived there for two years, and the house is designed and furnished for true living.
Every occasion we celebrate at Casa de Arcos has a magical atmosphere…
How would you describe the atmosphere and interior of your property?
We’ve tried to create a simple and warm atmosphere, paying attention to detail.
Which part of your property do you love the most, and why?
There are many!
The kitchen in winter with its fireplace, the patio for long summer evenings, the mirador with views of the olive grove and the village…
And the pool, the unmistakable heart of Casa!
What makes the location of your accommodation unique and special?
The central location of Casa de Arcos provides an ideal starting point for visiting the "pueblos blancos" (including Arcos de la Frontera) and also for the beautiful beaches of the Costa de la Luz, stretching from Cádiz to Tarifa.
And for those who just want to relax… the Casa is ideally located in the countryside :)
Are there any sustainable or eco-friendly applications connected to your property that you’re proud of?
The house is powered by solar panels.
What motivated or inspired you to rent your property to guests?
The plan to settle permanently in Spain became feasible when we considered renting out Casa de Arcos year-round.
For that, we needed a second project: a house for our family!
We visited many houses in the region, but none of them felt quite right...
Can you paint a vivid picture of the overall experience that someone can expect when staying at your property?
The experience with us varies depending on the seasons...
In autumn, with its beautiful light, the milder temperatures that make it possible to explore the region while enjoying the outdoor spaces of the Casa...
In winter, for evenings by the fireplace, cooking delicious meals, and enjoying the cozy atmosphere...
In spring, as nature comes back to life, enjoying the outdoor spaces with the beautiful temperatures on the way and the longer days...
In summer, for days by the pool, afternoon naps in the mirador, aperitifs at the end of the day, and evenings in the patio under the stars :)
In what ways does your property stand out compared to others? What unique features or qualities make it a unique experience for guests?
There is a special serenity at Casa de Arcos, like an invitation to relax.
The location in the Andalusian countryside, with its wheat fields, sunflowers, and olive trees stretching as far as the eye can see, certainly plays a large role in this…
Can you share the best compliment you've received from a guest?
The best compliment is when people say that the Casa is even more beautiful in real life :)
And that the decor is thoughtfully done, with much attention to detail!
What do you hope guests take away from their stay or remember the most about your accommodation?
We hope they feel at home during their vacation :)
We also give them a few souvenirs so they can take a little bit of Casa de Arcos home with them… like the oil from our olive grove.
Do you have any recommendations for guests to fully enjoy their vacation?
Listen to a good vinyl record, relax, and enjoy the moment to the fullest :)