Casa Banderas

[jujubery]

Hi all, I am presently on CF. we went to Casa Banderas in Vilacha, just before Portmarin because we read about it on the best albergue download. Unfortunately it has closed . According to a local, they said it was due to the owner having health problems. Just wanted to forewarn anyone look g for a place off the regular stops.

 

[Cayou]

Sorry to hear, we left him a California flag back in 2015

 

[Cayou]

Casa Banderas munchies - Sept

• Cayou
• Mar 16, 2016
• 2

 

[Rebekah Scott]

Yes, Gordon Bell, the boistrous South African hospi, has had his heart bypassed so many times it's a wonder it's still in there. He worked for years to make his albergue dream come true, and now the whole achievement is for sale: lock, stock, and barrel.

 

[MargLav]

Oh that is very sad news. I hope he is OK. We had Casa Banderas all to ourselves when we passed through last year and Gordon was an amazing host - it was very nice stopping just before Portomarin after the shock of all the pilgrims starting at Sarria.

 

[sillydoll]

Gordon had a triple heart bypass in Cape Town in January. Shortly after he had a stroke. He has decided to sell his home, Casa Banderas, and buy something small close to the ocean.

He recently posted on Facebook:
"Thinking about starting your own albergue - you can buy ours. Enough space for a dozen more pilgrims - could be really wonderful. Go to www.casabanderas.com
We would love to sell to some keen pilgrims.

 

[Gareth Griffith]

I stayed at Casa Banderas last year. It is a lovely hostel in a very old house. It's only drawback (and we all worked round it) was there was only one shower and toilet between all the guests. Gordon was a great host and the advice he gave regarding the following dates route was excellent. He also recommended the Paso de Formigas as a a good albergue and was kind enough to phone and book it for us. The Paso de Formigas is now on the list of recommended albergues. I wish him well in retirement.
I hope that someone can continue his work, I believe his place in the only place in that vicinity. A couple of pilgrims knocked at the door whilst we were eating. He had to turn a couple away as he only had one bed spare and a single pilgrim turned him down as we'd almost finished eating and he would have only a bed but no food.

 

[sillydoll]

Walked through Vilacha yesterday. Sad to see the for sale sign on the door.