Our Journey to Spain: A Dream Turned Reality
The decision to move to a small village in Spain grew out of a desire for a better quality of life, deeper cultural experiences, and a slower, more intentional way of living. What began as curiosity and hours of research gradually became something real, shaped by time spent here and the everyday moments that confirmed we were on the right path.
Over time, it became clear we wanted something more meaningful — not just to live in a village, but to contribute to keeping one alive. In many rural areas of Spain, small communities are shrinking. The idea of investing our time, energy, and daily life into a place that values tradition and connection felt important to us.
After two trips to Spain and hiking the Camino de Santiago for a second time, we knew this was where we wanted to retire and begin our next chapter. There was something about the rhythm of life, the sense of history, and the way daily routines felt grounded and human.
We focused our search entirely on homes along the Camino, exploring villages across central and northern Spain. After seeing several places, we came across a village near the Montes de León where the pace of life felt right. Quiet, welcoming, and deeply rooted in tradition, it felt like somewhere we could truly settle — and where we could play a small part of sustaining the life of the village for years to come.
Finding Our Place
The first time we arrived, we saw the large green carriageway doors along a small road — the main entrance to an old ruin. It wasn’t polished or easy to imagine at first — the ceilings were low, the rooms were dark, and time had clearly left its mark. Still, we knew that the house had a story, and we wanted to be part of what came next.
From the beginning, we knew we wanted to buy a home along the Camino de Santiago, but choosing the right location meant thinking beyond the path itself. We considered practical details like distance to an airport, year-round weather, village size, and easy access to shopping, groceries, and restaurants. Using Idealista, a Spanish real estate site, we searched for properties along the Camino and scheduled viewings across different regions.
We chose to do all of our viewings in July, which made it easy to see which areas truly suited us and which didn’t.. The high humidity in parts of northern Spain ruled out some areas for us, while the intense summer heat in the south confirmed it wasn’t the right fit either. Experiencing these places at their warmest helped us narrow our focus, and eventually led us to a spot where the climate, surroundings, and daily lifestyle felt exactly right.
The carriageway entrance — a signature feature of Maragato homes, originally built for carts and carriages. Walking through it, you can feel the history of the house and the generations who once moved through these walls.
The incredible work detail required for a stone home renovation is a testament to the enduring craftsmanship of the past and the dedication of those who strive to preserve it for future generations to enjoy.
The Renovation Journey
Once the house was ours, the real work began. Renovating a historic home can feel overwhelming, but we were fortunate to find the right people early on. We connected with our architect through Houzz, and from our first meeting, we knew he understood both the structure of the house and our vision for it. He guided us through each step and introduced us to contractors who respected the character of the building while helping us make it livable.
Equally important were the friends we made here, who had already renovated a ruin of their own. Their experience, advice, and steady reassurance helped us navigate decisions both big and small. From meeting with contractors to talking through options late into the evening, their support made all the difference.
Our goal was simple: preserve the soul of the house while making it comfortable year-round. Winters in this area can be cold, so we chose underfloor heating powered by aerothermia, an energy-efficient system that uses air to generate heat.
The kitchen — centered around the original wood-burning oven, a timeless feature that connects the space to its history and the pantry, which was once the dining room.
The living room — a once-dark, quiet space now full of life and character. Restoring the beams and the stone walls has brought the room to life, making it a place where we can imagine long conversations, wine with friends, and cozy evenings.
The bedroom — once a simple, quiet space with uneven floors and old stone walls that felt cold and dark — has slowly transformed. With careful repairs and natural light now pouring through the windows, it’s become a warm, peaceful retreat. We wake each morning to views of the mountains in the distance, a reminder of why we chose this place.
Expanding Beyond the Main House
Once the main house was livable, we turned our attention to the barn and outdoor areas. The barn, which had long stood empty, immediately sparked our imagination. With its open layout, we could see it becoming a multipurpose space for gatherings — enjoying wine with friends, cozy nights by the fireplace, or simply relaxing in a space that feels both rustic and welcoming.
Outside, the possibilities felt endless. We began planning an outdoor kitchen to take full advantage of Spain’s warm days, envisioning meals shared with friends under the open sky. A garden and a pool are still future projects, but even imagining them has become part of the joy of settling in — dreaming alongside the tangible progress we’re making each week.
The barn — once empty and neglected, it’s now a space full of possibilities. With its stone walls and open layout, it reflects the rustic charm of the property, and we can already imagine gatherings, movie nights, and sunny afternoons spent here with friends.
Looking Ahead
This ruin has slowly transformed into a home — a place full of history, character, and life. Every beam we’ve restored, every wall we’ve repaired, and every corner we’ve cleared tells a story of the past while shaping our future.
There’s still work to do — the garden, the pool, and finishing touches — but that’s part of the joy. Renovating here has taught us patience, creativity, and the magic of bringing history back to life and we are so excited to call it home.
Stay tuned!
