Your Host
Hi! I'm Carin Steen and I will be your host at Las Coruxinas. I
am a visual artist and live and work in the hórreo (traditional
Asturian grain shed) behind the house.
Originally from Holland, I have lived for years in Central America (Honduras
and Guatemala) before making the jump back to Europe. I fell in love with the
rugged coastline of the area, the nearby mountains, the many shades of greens… I
have lived in the Llanes area since 2019, although I regularly travel to
Guatemala to teach art and paint big community murals.
I have my studio and apartment in the hórreo, at the
back of the property with a garden that is separated from Las Coruxinas by a shallow ditch. The hórreo is not an original one, it was built in 2007, and except for the apartment on the ground floor, it is built just
like a traditional Asturian grain shed with topped off stone pillars that prevent
mice from getting to the grain. Another feature is the staircase is
attached to the rest of the building while in original hórreos there is
a space between the shed and staircase, again, to prevent mice from entering. I
must say, it makes a lovely art studio! If you stay at the house, you’re
welcome to visit!
For me, Las Coruxinas is a dream come true. I love being
surrounded by nature. It’s such a pleasure to wake up to the majestic sight
of the Sierra El Cuera and then step out the door for a morning hike on the trail
that starts at our garden gate. Even in high season, this corner of La Pereda is
always quiet and peaceful.
Of course there are downsides too. The mountain range often stops the clouds in
its tracks, making them hover over La Pereda whereas the coastline looks clear
as day. It rains quite often and the humidity is very high. But that’s also why
this part of Spain is so forested, lush and green. There are no shops or bars
in La Pereda, it’s quite rural and remote, but I find moving around on
my e-bike very easy to do.
I’ll receive you upon arrival and show you around the house and
property. I’ve done my very best to furnish the house to modern standards
whilst maintaining its quaint character along with some of my artwork, inspired by
Asturias, on the walls.
If there is anything I can do for you to improve your stay, just let me know.
I hope you’ll enjoy Las Coruxinas as much as I do!