Phew! Here it goes. No excuses for the work not being finished to a correct standard. We were assured everything would be ready and we assumed it was. We tried to improve things and came a cropper with timing. Its all finished now. Gas Bottles: One full gas bottle provided immediately, and prior to the agreed arrival time. Second gas bottle provided as soon as I'd convinced local agent of importance of extra heating. The gas bottle could have been switched between appliances for the short time between, it isn't too difficult and you might have to do it occasionally under normal circumstances anyway. It was probably the coldest week of the year for the area (they had snow!) and uncommon for that time of year. Maybe the couple were not prepared for this. After all, they had asked for the pool to be prepared earlier than we recommend. Heating: Cave is 18 deg constant. Thermometer in cave confirms this. Because of this minimum heating is usually required and wood burner rarely needed. There was an electric heater already provided but apparently this was not adequate. We have provided a second electric heater for future use. Wood Burner: Glass was probably broken during work, and no one knew about it. Couldn't fix it till Monday as nobody working over weekend. There were still useable sized logs when we arrived, as well as larger ones, maybe we were lucky! Door: Managed to shut it and lock it when we got there. Admittedly it was stiff so needed a bit of force. We will get it planed if it hasn't already shrunk in the better weather. Bathroom: Looked OK when we got there?and pretty much as pictures? Dehumidifier: There is one in main bedroom. We set it away before guests arrive because the main bedroom is windowless and the cave is locked up,and caves need to breathe. This is why many caves only have curtains and not doors. They get the ventilation when you are living in them. We have put a door on for privacy and so while its locked up we want to keep it in perfect condition for you. Think that's everything.

Thanks for letting us know about the bed. The bed thing is very personal but unless people tip us off mattresses can deteriorate in a few months and, if we haven't been in a while, we won't know.

Can't promise a fiesta every week, but the rest is possible.

Think you just about summed up our own feelings about Cortes. Caves can split opinions a bit. However we hope that people who are adventurous enough to stay will appreciate the quirkiness and this description sums it up well.

I have just arrived at the cave. From below the sink I am counting 1x big pan, 2x medium pans, and 2x small pans. There is also a Paella dish, a wok and a frying pan. No colander but there is a sieve. Lots of knives (of varying sharpness I must admit). As for the size of the property the pictures are honest. I will try to add a few more to avoid confusion. This is a rural cave house not a luxury villa, as is reflected in the price, although the pool and views may encourage grander ideas. Goats, olives and almonds are a way of life here.

Thanks for pool compliments. There are two small supermarkets in the village. There is also a butchers, a bakers and a fishmongers(open fixed days). There is also a chemists a hairdressers and two banks as well as one or two other shops. We have lost one of the main cafe/bars due to retirement recently (business up for sale) but there are at least two more cafe/bars regularly open. Admittedly they are casual and not "restaurants", but they are friendly and do food. Maybe not party town, but it is rural Andalusia.

Boiler flame can sometimes get blown out by wind etc. It is on the outside of the property, presumably for safety. If anybody has problems relighting the pilot light please give Mario a ring. Swimming pool will get dust and debris blown in over the day. There is a net to fish debris out.