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The story of Casa Rodriguillo
History and restoration
We are Tom and Danielle van Leeuwen, a dutch couple behind Casa Rodriguillo.
In 2018, we decided to follow our passion for Spain, sold our home in the Netherlands, and we moved to Alicante with our lovely australian labradoodle, Donja. In 2020, we discovered Casa Rodriguillo, a neglected old house, and immediately saw its potential to become a warm and sustainable place for guests to stay.
Tom and Danielle
We grew up in Nieuw-Vennep, near Amsterdam, where we also built our working lives in industrial automation and retail. Two very different fields, but both practical and entrepreneurial – something that turned out to be very useful later on.
We have always loved travelling. During various trips across Europe, we kept coming back to Spain. The atmosphere, the climate, and especially the way of life immediately appealed to us. It felt more relaxed and simply more enjoyable.
In 2014, we took the step of buying a small holiday home in Hondón de las Nieves. At first, it was mainly a place for us to unwind, but soon we started doing more with it. We organised sculpture workshops and cooking workshops, which was a great way to combine creativity with the outdoor lifestyle and surroundings.
We also launched a Dutch-language magazine focused on the Alicante and Murcia regions, aimed at informing and inspiring other Dutch-speaking people in the area.
Over the years, Spain became more than just a holiday destination. It grew into a place where we truly feel at home.
We have always loved travelling. During various trips across Europe, we kept coming back to Spain. The atmosphere, the climate, and especially the way of life immediately appealed to us. It felt more relaxed and simply more enjoyable.
In 2014, we took the step of buying a small holiday home in Hondón de las Nieves. At first, it was mainly a place for us to unwind, but soon we started doing more with it. We organised sculpture workshops and cooking workshops, which was a great way to combine creativity with the outdoor lifestyle and surroundings.
We also launched a Dutch-language magazine focused on the Alicante and Murcia regions, aimed at informing and inspiring other Dutch-speaking people in the area.
Over the years, Spain became more than just a holiday destination. It grew into a place where we truly feel at home.
The Renovation
We’re proud to have brought Casa Rodriguillo back to life. What was once a neglected country house, with an almost forgotten bodega, has been transformed into a place where history and modern comfort come together. After three years of hands-on renovation, it has become a space full of character and ease.
To make this possible, we started a fundraising campaign. Friends and family believed in our plans and supported us along the way. Thanks to them, we were able to buy the house and begin the renovation, using sustainable materials and energy-efficient solutions wherever possible.
Since June 2023, we’ve been welcoming guests and doing everything we can to make them feel at home. Casa Rodriguillo is a peaceful place to relax, recharge, and unwind, just as we imagined.
Come and visit our unique, award-winning casa rural – the perfect spot to slow down and enjoy your stay. We’re here to make your visit comfortable and memorable.
To make this possible, we started a fundraising campaign. Friends and family believed in our plans and supported us along the way. Thanks to them, we were able to buy the house and begin the renovation, using sustainable materials and energy-efficient solutions wherever possible.
Since June 2023, we’ve been welcoming guests and doing everything we can to make them feel at home. Casa Rodriguillo is a peaceful place to relax, recharge, and unwind, just as we imagined.
Come and visit our unique, award-winning casa rural – the perfect spot to slow down and enjoy your stay. We’re here to make your visit comfortable and memorable.
Donja
Our lovely dog Donja is a 13-year-old Australian Labradoodle and a true part of Casa Rodriguillo. She’s known for her calm and gentle nature. Donja enjoys being around people, but she never pushes herself forward. She has a good sense of when someone wants attention or prefers some quiet time.
Thanks to her hypoallergenic coat, she doesn’t shed and is comfortable for most guests to be around. She rarely barks, which fits perfectly with the peaceful atmosphere we aim to create here.
Each morning, Donja starts her day in her own relaxed way before greeting our guests with a wagging tail. She has her own way of saying hello and especially enjoys a bit of attention or a cuddle. That’s why we like to call her our “animation team,” in a light-hearted way.
Even at her age, she’s still curious and present, just at a slower and easy-going pace. Donja truly belongs here and adds to the warm, homely feeling that Casa Rodriguillo is all about.
Thanks to her hypoallergenic coat, she doesn’t shed and is comfortable for most guests to be around. She rarely barks, which fits perfectly with the peaceful atmosphere we aim to create here.
Each morning, Donja starts her day in her own relaxed way before greeting our guests with a wagging tail. She has her own way of saying hello and especially enjoys a bit of attention or a cuddle. That’s why we like to call her our “animation team,” in a light-hearted way.
Even at her age, she’s still curious and present, just at a slower and easy-going pace. Donja truly belongs here and adds to the warm, homely feeling that Casa Rodriguillo is all about.
Sustainable
At Casa Rodriguillo, we try to be mindful of how we use energy, without taking away from your comfort. It’s important to us that guests can fully relax and enjoy their stay, while we make smart choices behind the scenes to reduce our energy use.
We make use of solar power and have installed systems that help us use energy more efficiently. This includes smart solutions for lighting, heating, and water use. Everything is set up to avoid unnecessary waste, without you really noticing it as a guest.
We also pay attention to the smaller details. By making conscious choices in everyday use, we continue to improve step by step. Nothing complicated or over the top, just practical and sensible.
In this way, we combine comfort with responsibility. You can enjoy your stay as usual, knowing that we’re also taking care of the environment.
We make use of solar power and have installed systems that help us use energy more efficiently. This includes smart solutions for lighting, heating, and water use. Everything is set up to avoid unnecessary waste, without you really noticing it as a guest.
We also pay attention to the smaller details. By making conscious choices in everyday use, we continue to improve step by step. Nothing complicated or over the top, just practical and sensible.
In this way, we combine comfort with responsibility. You can enjoy your stay as usual, knowing that we’re also taking care of the environment.
Our goal is to make every guest feel truly welcome and at home
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