One of the most common criteria for overseas buyers of Spanish property is the need for an open (or uncovered) terrace, ideally facing south-west……to soak up as much sun as possible….until as late as possibly in the day – phew, makes me hot just thinking about it!

Of course, it’s completely understandable in one sense – one of the main reasons to purchase a property in Spain for most of these buyers is to escape the harsh British and Northern European climate. But do these buyers really know what they are letting themselves in for?

Having lived in Spain for many years, I couldn’t think of anything worse than being baked alive on terracotta tiles in 40 degree heat, with no escape until 10pm on an August evening. But my British friends think I’m mad. However, I did manage to have the last laugh when my best friend rented a nearby duplex penthouse at La Quinta Golf & Country Club for 4 weeks last August. Looking forward to his evening gin and tonics on the open west-facing terrace, my friend managed about 30 minutes on the first evening, before realising that the heat and sunlight was simply too intense. Instead of the terrace providing a relaxing space to while away the summer evenings, his daily routine soon included rolling down the window shutters each evening at 6pm, to ensure the living area of his rental penthouse remained cool to some extent.

Personally, I prefer closed terraces and a south-easterly orientation, but then I’m a fan of light sunny mornings and cool, shady evenings. There are also plenty of Spaniards who prefer to be facing north – the cooler the better!

At least this means that there is something to please everyone!