Your Host
Hi! I'm Carin Steen, and I will be your host at Las Coruxinas. I
am a visual artist who lives and works in the hórreo (traditional
Asturian grain shed) behind the house.
Originally from Holland, I 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 Asturias, the nearby mountains, the many shades of green… 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 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 used to prevent
mice from getting to the grain. Another feature is the staircase attached to the rest of the building, although in the original hórreos, there is a space between the shed and the staircase 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 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 their 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. La Pereda has no shops or bars; it’s quite rural and remote, but I find moving around on my e-bike very easy.
I’ll receive you upon arrival and show you around the house and property. I’ve done my very best to furnish the home to modern standards whilst maintaining its quaint character, along with some of my artwork, inspired by Asturias, on the walls.
Let me know if there is anything I can do to improve your stay. I hope you'll enjoy Las Coruxinas as much as I do!
