Help us on our finca in the Alpujarra Mountains in Southern Spain

  • Favourited 354 times
  • Last activity: 18 Mar 2024

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    The finca is situated at the upper part of the Cerro Negro heights, approx. 6 km from Orgiva, in the Alpujarra Mountains in Southern Spain, an area where the locals are mixed with people from many countries of whom many have come to settle for a sustainable lifestyle.

    The mountains are dotted with small, white villages and many farms, where a great variety of crops are cultivated on the stone supported terraced slopes, originally created by the moors. The geographic settings, with Sierra Nevada to the north and Sierra de Lujar and La Traviesa in South provides a special micro-climate. There is still plenty of water for irrigation. It´s a very popular region for visitors of all kinds and nationalities, and there are many backpackers and volunteers. The old mule paths provide a lot of possibilities for walks. And it´s a region frequented by people searching peace and quiet.

    The finca was purchased in 2000 , buildings in ruins, the land in a mess, - totally dry, only olive trees, weeds and shrubs had survived. It had been abandoned for more that 10 years. The main house is renovated now. Also the last part of the ruin, the stables, which will be my little space, is now (February 2024) ready for moving in. A new service building and a big terrace with an outdoor kitchen are now being used, but need some white washing with homemade cal + "a finishing touch". On top of the new service building we are establishing a green roof.

    The whole estate is run by solar: electricity, hot water and also the heating except a wood burning stove which serves as back-up system. The internet connection is via WiFi. Not fast.

    The land: Five hectars of sloping land, divided in terraces, providing probably the best views in the area. There is a small wood of pine trees and many small fruit trees. Around a hundred olive trees. Two vegetable gardens, and a vineyard. All crops organic. A big water tank on the top of the land feeds into automatic drip feed systems.

    There is always a lot to do here. inside and outside. On the terraces and in the areas around the buildings. In fields and gardens. And maintenance is always on the list of tasks.

    About myself

    I´m Danish, female, late sixties, teacher of profession, with music, English and Danish language as main subjects. I worked 13 years with younger children and teenagers in Denmark. In 1992 I moved to Costa del Sol in Spain and formed part of a company dealing with heating, cooling and solar energy. I write and speak Spanish fluently, and like to teach it as well, when time allows. Apart from Danish and English I also understand German and speak some.

    Up here, in The Alpujarra Mountains, a new door opens to Real Spain. With my long experience in this country and my interest in language, litterature and history I think, that I´m a sort of bridge-builder between cultures and nationalities. Other things: I have been practicing yoga for many years. I love singing, reading. And to walk in the mountains. The local surroundings are ideal for that.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Help with Eco Projects
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Farmstay help
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
    Help with Computers/ Internet
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Culture/activities/learnings:
    Organic farming
    Cooking
    Solar energy and sustainable construction
    Spanish culture and history.
    Lots of music events in the area, (organized or spotaneous), theatre, dance camps, exibitions, excursions, open gardens etc. etc. Via "Alpujarrahoy" many of the events are announced.
    Exchange of language/culture via other volunteers at Cerro Negro.
    The Thursday-market in Orgiva offers connection with all sorts of people
    Singing and playing together here for those who are interested.
    You can practice your Spanish, or pick up the basics during you stay (or your English!)

  • Help

    Help

    There are many, and very different tasks pendant:

    Whitewashing with home made cal, in- and outside.
    Preparation of cal for rendering and whitewashing
    Rendering of walls with clay-mix.
    Treating of beams, windows and loftbeds with wood protection (resin-based)
    Woodwork. Now, in winter/spring 2024 people with carpenter skills or who could help us restoring furniture would come in very handy
    Maintenance of tools and machinery.
    Moving things around. Re-organizing. Decorating.
    Preparing the soil, removing stones, weeding, sowing and planting in the vegetable garden
    Preparing the soil in two smaller herb gardens, weeding sowing and planting
    Harvesting.
    Clearing around the fruit trees, and fertilizing with manure and organic material
    Pruning
    Grafting
    Firewood: cutting, moving, piling.
    Strimming
    Feeding the hens
    Feeding the cats
    Cooking and washing the dishes
    Cleaning
    Laundry (+ elaboration of soap for machine wash and for hands)

    All task will of course be chosen/adapted according to the actual priorities, the amount of helpers available at any time and of their capabilities.

  • Languages spoken

    Danish: Fluent
    English: Fluent
    Spanish: Fluent
    German: Intermediate

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    The main house, when available. Comprises a porch, a big salon with a wood burning stove, bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom and a utility room.
    A small camper and an old caravan
    Your own camper or camper van.
    Tents, when the weather allows. Matrasses, eiderdowns, sheets etc. are available.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    Transport and communication facilities:

    Pick-up in Orgiva on arrival.
    Walking to Orgiva is downhill. Takes approx. 1 hours and 15 minutes. Very kind and helpful neighbours. When walking down to Orgiva you can often get a lift. We have got a What´s App neighbour group for exchange of things/services
    From Orgiva to Cerro Negro you can take a bus up towards Pampaneira, get off before that, and walk downwards (!) to the finca. (approx. 30-40 min)
    Wi-Fi covers all buildings and the field nearby. Not fast.

    Meals:

    Depend on the number and of the group of volunteers. Some times we cook and eat together and sometimes people just help themselves to the food provided

    Working clothes:
    Some old clothes are available (overalls, shirts, t-shirts, sweaters, (no socks, no footwear) can be borrowed during the stay

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    This host can provide space for campervans.

  • Can possibly accept pets

    Can possibly accept pets

    Friendly and well-educated dogs. Not cat-chasers.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

  • ...

    Hours expected

    Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week

Host ref number: 631372872422

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