A stone cottage with good weather: PROS AND CONS OF LIVING IN SPAIN

A stone cottage with good weather

The house, which has been run as a smallholding in Spain, is in southern Galicia about forty miles from Portugal. Built in 1691, it has been described by an estate agent as 'a unique stone farmhouse in Spain,' and by another as 'almost paradise'. There are, of course, lots of other farmhouses modernised to a high standard but in the Spanish manner - yuk!.

This one has been renovated with all it's character intact like an old cottage in UK - beams, stone walls etc. It's heated by wood-burning stoves, but also has constant gas hot water, UK television, plenty of electric power, and telephone with ADSL and wifi. The renovations have made it possible to divide the two floors so as to make a separate flat for letting. But it also makes a wonderful retirement home in Spain - I know because I'm retired.

The finca (field) is currently used partly as a vegetable plot (including a polytunnel), and partly as an orchard and garden. It has water, power and a brick workshop. There are other Brits around for support, but not overwhelmingly so. Most are into eco-farming on organic smallholdings with chickens, pigs, rabbits etc. Our neighbours are great.

There are five other houses in the hamlet, four minutes walk from the village, which has banks, bars, shops, school, a Post Office, garage, clinic, petrol station, swimming pool, and a 12th century monastery. 8 kilometers away is the local town which has everything, including a castle, four supermarkets, schools, hospital etc. From there you can get buses or trains to anywhere. The nearest airport is Santiago de Compostela.

There is a beach 15 minutes drive away. The area has mountains (skiing), rivers, trees, cows etc. It's like UK 50 years ago. There's almost no traffic or crime, no pollution, no nasty council tax (around 100 euros pa.). If you're looking for good weather, it can get hot, but the winters are mild - you can often sit outside in Jan and Feb. jhbottrill@gmail.com Price £92,000

Monday 12 August 2013

PROS AND CONS OF LIVING IN SPAIN

LIVING IN NORTHERN SPAIN

Advantages of living in Galicia, Asturias and Cantabria

The cost of living in Spain is less,
The Spanish are incredibly warm and helpful.
The health service in Asturias, Cantabria and Galicia is better than UK, and you are entitled to free health care.
Air travel from UK is cheap, or there are 2 ferry services which aren't.
There's plenty of work for builders who want to invest in their own property.
Property is cheaper than on the Costas, and much cheaper than in UK.
Unlike the nightmare of the Costas, there's not much traffic on the roads.
Booze is very cheap. Petrol and diesel are much cheaper.
The weather is much better. The costas are semi-deserts. Here it rains, there are rivers and cows, and everything is green - just like UK, but sunnier and drier. Gardening is no problem.
The quality of life is better. There are no bullfights.
Here in Galicia, Asturias, and Cantabria we've found no corruption, no land grabs.

Disadvantages

You will find lots of property agents advertising.   It's a very profitable activity - you should be careful of all of them, including British ones.   None of them are there for your benefit - just their own.   That doesn't mean you shouldn't use them - just make sure you have a good lawyer to look after your interests.   Get as much advice as you can.
Inland from the Costas, you may find it impossible to get a proper telephone; in Galicia, Asturias, and Cantabria you won't find the same problem.   Mobiles work, depending on reception, and you can even access the internet with them.   Don't use your British one, buy in Spain - you'll get a better deal.
It takes forever to do anything in Spain.   Spanish officials, even Spanish businessmen, are incredibly slow.   It's frustrating, but you just have to learn patience.   And the bureaucracy..........
It's difficult to buy tea, Marmite, marmalade, Cheddar cheese, self-raising flour, currants etc.
All your friends and relations will come and visit, and visit, and visit.
It's difficult to get a job in Spain or work here anymore.
You have to learn Spanish for living in Spain - you need to.   Very few people speak English- they don't need to. If you don't want Spanish lessons, then you must go to the costas. They're not Spain - more like Clacton with sun and traffic.

A stone cottage with good weather