In the years before 2005 we had built up a small paradise here with a beautiful large vegetable garden, a large number of different animals such as ducks, geese, chickens, turkeys, cats and dogs and two horses. In between there were also some goats and pigs and even ostriches were running around. Those were days of intensive work and beautiful experiences, which we were reluctant to leave to go to Germany.
We wanted to preserve all this and had contacts with people who wanted to live here and take care of the property (without animals). But unfortunately each of these arrangements ended in a disappointment and after a few years the property and house was quite battered.
After all, before it stood empty for a long time and slowly decayed, we decided to sell it. But strangely, these attempts always ended with the same result: there were prospective buyers who even invested money in advance payments and then finally stepped back from the purchase.
It was like a bewitched situation! Nothing moved with this property and house, which once was our paradise. In the meantime, there were several break-ins and practically everything that could be used was taken away: the complete solar power supply, everything metallic including the water taps, partly sturdy wooden constructions, etc. It was a pity! What to do?
Simply give up and “write-off” was not possible for us! And again a Spanish contact came up to us. As a group, young people wanted to use the property as the central point of a kind of “cooperative”. An idea that corresponded with our ideas. A ray of hope! We flew to Spain a few times, talked to the people, discussed and found ways and common ideas how to build some new, interesting and inspiring things. A time full of initiatives, activities and hopes. And besides we had the opportunity to practice our Spanish. Result of this time: except better Spanish – unfortunately none, because the group disintegrated after two years!
Sure! There was a result, a kind of certainty! It was put into words by a wise member of the family: “I think your land and house do not want to let you go. Perhaps you must continue there.”
But how? And with what? Now Christoph’s 65th birthday was approaching (we are all getting a little older and then maybe even wiser) and with that, a (not very big) pension in sight. With this we could live quite well in Spain on a simple level (especially if you don’t have to pay rent).
So this is how the plan came into being, with retirement we will move back to Spain to our house (or what is remained of it) and start all over again.
How everything started
How everything started