Farmhouse in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Andalucia, Spain
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
The farmhouse has been built in compliance with stringent environmental and aesthetic considerations. The owners have regenerated the, previously abandoned, small holding around the farmhouse and planted numerous indigenous trees, thus encouraging birds and other animals back to the land.
The house runs on solar power for the hot water and electricity generation and guests are encouraged to understand the need for modest consumption of electricity and water. Potable water from local springs is provided for drinking, avoiding the need for bottled water. Guests are encouraged to be sparing in their water consumption. Cloth napkins are provided to avoid the need for disposable paper napkins.
Community
The development of responsible rural tourism provides economic benefits to a depopulated area and encourages an alternative development pattern to the intensive poly-tunnel agriculture or golf course tourism, which have affected many parts of Andalucia.
Guests are encouraged to interact positively with the local community and to buy local foods, crafts and wines. The farmhouse was built by a local building company. When it is not rented out, the owners live in the house and are part of the local community, so it is not a ‘second home’.
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