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15 Mar 2024
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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
Help with Eco ProjectsGardeningDIY and building projectsFarmstay helpCreating/ Cooking family mealsHelp around the houseGeneral MaintenanceHelp with Computers/ InternetUN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
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
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: IntermediateAccommodation
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 ...
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 stayA little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
Can possibly accept pets
Friendly and well-educated dogs. Not cat-chasers.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (17)
The surrounding are really beautiful and you can take nice walks or visit the towns. I absolutely love the cats and would often cuddle with them.
There were other… read more
Feedback
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The surrounding are really beautiful and you can take nice walks or visit the towns. I absolutely love the cats and would often cuddle with them.
There were other… read more
Every morning we came together and she explained the things she wanted to work on that day.
In the afternoon we had a very good meal together and lots of fun with the other workawayers.… read more
Hanne is a great teacher. I learned alot about farming and solars. She is very welcoming and the house and setting are beautiful. Looking forward coming back one day(for fig season).