Tel. +44 (0)1273 600030 (UK)
When we first saw this house and fell in love with it, Antonio the shepherd was living in it. He lived in a very simple way, without running water, a cooker or a toilet, no kitchen or bathroom as we would recognise it. We have tried to keep the cottage exactly as it was, but you can now enjoy both its simple rustic charm and some creature comforts! Some of the floors are still lime plaster, one of the ceilings is painted with ochre coloured earth, the open fire where Antonio cooked has been preserved. It is basically as it was a hundred years ago. We have done the least possible to our ancient houses which have stood the test of time being made of stones and earth or lime cement, with roofs of clay and bamboo.
Solar powered lighting is the biggest boon! There is no street lighting (no streets!) so please bring a torch. There is no mains electricity or water, drainage or rubbish collection. We separate and recycle everything possible and are very conscious of waste products in general. We also maintain the spring fed water supply ourselves and make sure that waste water is put to good use. If in winter we need to use a petrol generator to top up the power, we wash clothes, charge laptops and watch a video and play the electric guitar and use machinery all at the same time so as not to waste energy.
We have facilities locally for recycling bottles, plastic, tetrabriks and we burn all paper and cardboard that has no other uses. Our neighbour Expira has even taught us how to reuse a burst balloon and a holed bucket! There are no shops or bars here (nearest 10mins by car) and our neighbours have been mostly self sufficient for years, but we have to buy a lot more, as do our guests. Living here makes you more aware and you can’t just pop out to the shops, but need to fit shopping into other trips. Use local shops and businesses as much as possible and encourage our guests to do likewise. We buy local fresh produce daily, especially vegetables and fruit.
We try to be good neighbours and fulfil our social obligations, taking an active part in organising fiestas and maintaining communal facilities such as the track and irrigation channels. I work as a volunteer at a charity shop run by the local women’s association, to which we donate all surplus toys books and clothes, and which is a centre for recycling everything from batteries and cooking oil, to old X-rays and mobile phones.
We limit the number of adult guests to four to diminish the impact on the life of the village and on the facilities. We welcome children and find that they (and most of our adult guests) respect and are interested in the local way of life. Speaking Spanish helps, but smiles and friendly gestures go a long way! If you choose to experience a simple traditional way of life you can do so here, in relative comfort.
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same holiday can have different views!
