This off-grid cortijo in the peaceful Alpujarra offers the perfect balance of sustainable living, natural beauty, and history. The 1.3 hectares of terraced land include 70 olive trees, reliable water sources, and space for self-sufficiency. The 99m² house is solar-powered and includes a yurt for extra living or workspace. Adding to its charm, the cortijo sits above an ancient Bronze Age fort, currently being studied by the University of Granada. A rare find for anyone seeking tranquility and connection to the land.
The house is within 15 minutes walk from the town of Yegen where there is a good primary school, 2 shops, 3 bars, doctor surgery, ayuntamiento town office, pharmacy, cash point, and a bus stop with direct link to Granada.
House:
•Size: 99m²
•Walls: 30 cm wide x 40 cm long terracotta “termoarcillas” bricks (with air holes for insulation), lined with hand-polished traditional plaster inside and stone on the outside.
•Floor: Terracotta tiles over an insulating layer of “arlita” (small terracotta balls) with a damp-proof membrane underneath.
•Ceiling: Wooden beams with tongue-and-groove wood, “arlita” insulation, waterproof membrane, and local clay (“launa”) on top.
•Style: Traditional for the region.
Solar Power System:
•Panels: 6 x 165W + 2 x 445W solar panels.
•Inverter: Outback FX (2.4 kW).
•Batteries: 6 Exide “Classic Solar” batteries (in an outside brick shed).
•Controller: Outback Mate (inside the house).
•Backup: 2.5 kW petrol generator (rarely needed).
Hot Water:
•Tank: 195-liter solar-heated water tank.
•Backup: Gas-fired boiler (in a brick shed).
Heating:
•Wood burner: Large wood burner with an integrated oven, heats the whole house.
•Firewood: Collected from the land or nearby forests (free and legal to collect what forest workers cut down).
Water Supply:
•Irrigation: 23 hours of village water (via acequia) every 7-11 days and 36 hours from a spring every 2 weeks. Spring water is sufficient for the garden and trees.
•Storage: 2 large water deposits (40,000L + 15,000L capacity).
Yurt: Mongolian style, 5.5m diameter, wood stove
Land:
•Size: 1.3 hectares of mainly terraced land (about 25 terraces, some wide).
•Altitude: 900m – suitable for olives, nuts, citrus, and fruit trees.
•Trees: 80 olive trees, 12 almond trees, figs, vines, quince, other fruit trees, wild fennel, and asparagus.
•Vegetable Growing: 3 terraces currently in use, potential for more.
Location:
•Proximity: 12 minutes by car from the village, 15-minute walk uphill on the GR7 walking route (or less downhill).
•Village: Has a doctor, postal service, supermarket, bakery, pharmacy, bank, ham shop, church, and several bars.
•Towns: Ugíjar and Cádiar (both 20 minutes by car) have larger medical centers, shops, and other services.
•Airport: 2.5hrs to Malaga; 2hrs to Granada; 1.5hrs to Almeria
•Historical Interest: The cortijo is above an ancient fort, inhabited since the Bronze age, subject to an ongoing archeologic investigation by the University of Granada
Community:
•Sustainability: Many locals interested in permaculture and organic farming.
•Group: La Colmena Facebook group for workshops, seed swaps, and organic produce orders.
Interior Layout:
•Current rooms: 1 bedroom, food storage room, large bathroom.
•Potential: Space to create 3 reasonably sized bedrooms.
Taxes:
•IBI (property tax): €140/year.
•Water charge: €112.70/year.
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