The Cabildo of Fuerteventura, through the Department of Cultural Heritage, has begun work on the first phase of the project to rehabilitate the Casa del Inglés, in the municipality of La Oliva.
These first actions involve an investment of almost 650,000 euros and consist of stabilizing the roof and facade, as an important step in a major project of comprehensive rehabilitation and subsequent use of a building that is one of the most important heritage elements of Fuerteventura, as explained by the president of the Cabildo, Lola Garcia.
The Councilor for Cultural Heritage, Rayco León, pointed out that “this first phase of stabilization of the building is a fundamental step for future interventions in the building”. With an execution period of five months, these first works will guarantee the safety and stability of the building. In addition, he pointed out, the work that will begin next week includes a study to determine the current state of the building and the materials that make up the building.
During the visit to the works, they were accompanied by the mayor of La Oliva, Isaí Blanco, and the councilman of Culture, David Hernández, who thanked the commitment of the Cabildo with the island’s heritage, in this case with an action that will enhance the value of such an important architectural element of the historic center of La Oliva.
Historical significance
La Casa del Inglés is one of the most emblematic buildings of the municipality. A unique building, whose architectural values have served to be declared as an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC).
The house, with a quadrangular floor plan and double height, is articulated around a large courtyard. It is made of good masonry walls, using ashlars in the corners.
The house was built by Mr. Julian Leal Sicilia, whose family (from La Palma) was engaged in agriculture and trade between the Canary Islands and America. Subsequently, it became the property of John Parkinson, an English naturalist dedicated to the study of flora and fauna who spent long periods in Fuerteventura. It is the presence of Parkinson in Fuerteventura which has remained in the memory and even today the house is known as Casa del Inglés.
