2700 Eco Cortijo, Organic Land

A large cortijo of 200 m2, currently arranged as two four-bedroom dwellings set in well maintained land consisting of olive groves and cork oaks.

The cortijo, constructed in 2002, consists of a single storey building divided down the middle. On each side there is a large lounge/kitchen with two bedrooms on either side of a central corridor together with a family bathroom. One bedroom also has a toilet and wash basin. All bedrooms have built-in wardrobes with curtain closures.

In addition to the main building, there are:

• A large outbuilding of 85 m2 currently used to house sheep
• A stone built toolshed of 36 m2
• A building to house the energy controls and batteries together with a back-up generator and fuel deposit
• A laundry room with water heaters

The property is self sufficient in both energy and water.

Energy is supplied by solar panels and a wind turbine. Both are situated out of sight at the top of the property. In case the battery levels drop too low there is a back-up generator with automatic cut-in. This is housed in a building well away from the cortijo.

Water is supplied from three sources. There is a brook that trickles constantly into a water deposit which is also fed by one of two wells. A solar powered pump, drives the water from the well whenever the level in the 40.000 litre deposit drops below a certain level. The process is automatic. There is a second well, used only for irrigation. The water from all sources is of drinking quality.

The land is very well maintained and despite being on a hillside, there are tracks enabling access to all parts of the property. The views are of thickly wooded hillsides, mostly of oak trees. Travelling along the excellent quiet road to access the property, the landscape is redolent of parkland in southern England with individual trees standing in green grasslands.

The property has approximately 800 olive trees, of picual, manzanillo, temprano and lechín varieties. Currently the land produces approximately 30.000 kilos of organic (certified) olives annually and approximately 60 kilos of cork every nine years, which sells at +/- €130 per kilo. The organic olives attract a premium of +/- 10% - 12% above the price of non-organic olives.

The property would suit anyone wishing to live off-grid but not totally isolated from the rest of the world. There are no near neighbours but the nearest small town (very attractive) with basic facilities is only a few minutes drive away. The lovely town of Constantina with all facilities is twenty minutes away.

This property could be retained with its present configuration of two side-by-side dwellings or it could be opened out to provide greater living space for a family with large lounge, dining room, kitchen, study and (say) 3/4 bedrooms all en-suite. It has great possibilities and the change would not involve great cost as the structure, roof etc. are all in excellent condition.

Videos of both houses are available on request as well as several videos of the land, swimming pool, track, etc.