Mixed smallholding, always trying new things.
Asturias
---The farm and me:
Help I bought a farm in Asturias.
We are Simon (38, guy) and Sofie (13, dog).
I’m a playwright from The Netherlands, with some experience as a volunteer myself. (In Ireland, Mongolia, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Spain…)
I found a farm with land, and both farm and land need a lot of work! I would love to be a host, to work and learn together, and make this little finca as self-sufficient as can be.
From digging a fish pond and making nest boxes, to setting up a greenhouse with aquaponics system, I want to do every fun project there is. I am open to new ideas and experiments.
First things first though: as I have only just moved in, it is all about starting up right now.
Sorting out and fixing up the old farm buildings, inventory, cleaning, terracing to stop erosion, making the veg patch, nursing old fruit trees back to health… Oh y practicar un poco de Español.
Check in with me and we’ll talk about what’s on the agenda.
Tell me what skills you have, or want to develop, and we’ll figure something out.
(The other cool thing about starting up is that there is some room for you to bring your own experiments/plans along if you like.)
---Workday:
We generally work from 10.00-14.00 and 15.00-17.00. (Or in the evenings if it’s too hot, in summer.)
There is no such thing as a typical day. Sometimes the work is hard, sometimes it’s light. Sometimes it rains, sometimes it’s sunny.
I will work with you as much as possible.
I expect you to work. You can expect me to protect your free time.
If something is unclear, just ask.
If I ever do forget the time and make you work too long, tell me.
If you ever feel unsafe or uncomfortable, tell me. I’ve been in your shoes. I’ll understand.
--Activities:
There is everything to do, from fixing up the barns and sheds to planting trees and setting up the vegetable garden. Terracing the hillside to make it workable, and improving the soil.
And improving the farmhouses, and the traditional hórreo (granary) using bio-construction methods, working with straw-clay insulation etc, etc.
First though: treasure hunting! We need to sort through all the stuff the previous owners left behind. Let’s sort some tools and see which ones still work. Let’s cut and restack some firewood.
I’m truly just starting up, so there is a lot of room for input! Do bring your own ideas/projects!
(And your banjo and paint brush —where my artists at? Teach me something!)
There are chickens and my dog Sofie (who will require about 8hrs of non stop cuddles every day).
And NOT YET, but in time, with your help, there will be fruit, nuts, vegetables, quail, geese, ducks, rabbits, goats…
Over time, a million activities like:
Building a polytunnel
Building a fish pond
Gathering and cutting firewood
Trimming trees
Making tree hay and normal hay
Making pathways and terraces for watermanagement and to stop erosion
Composting
Tending to the garden: weeding, planting, watering, etc.
Building bird houses and nest boxes
Putting up fences
Foraging and inventory of the local flora and fauna
Taking care of the animals (chickens, dog and more coming!)
Working on primitive / off grid solutions like a cycling-powered washing machine and dryer, dry toilet, outdoor shower, solar cooker, etc.
Building, repairing, maintaining and cleaning chicken coop, rabbit run, quail hatch…
And of course harvesting, cooking and eating together.
---Accomodation.
I am fixing the house up. It’s getting better every day, but currently there is not a lot of luxury! (Think: matras on the floor, electric blankets, getting upstairs with a ladder in stead of stairs.) We can also set up a tent if you prefer a space that is truly your own. You will have the best views in Asturias.
---Meals:
Freedom is important so if you ever want to have a meal on your own let me know.
Mainly, I intend to eat together and share cooking duties.
As a Notherner, I have my dinner early by Spanish standards. ; )
Meals will typically be vegetarian, although I do eat animals from my farm --and sometimes when my neighbours gift me meat. Fair warning: sometimes this means there is meat on the table even if we hadn't planned for it, although of course you won't have to eat it. Vegan is no problem.
---The area / free time:
The farm is in the middle of nowhere, on a hill with some scattered neighbours, about 30min from Oviedo. It’s about 10 minutes driving from a train station (Vega D’Anzo) where I will happily pick you up or drop you off if you ever want to get out into the world.
Of course I can give you a ride if you ever want to take a hike in the area or in the mountains. There is also lovely hiking in the area (including a part of El Camino Primitivo).
We are not far from El Mandala, a much more established permaculture farm where you can do all kinds of courses.
But let me stress: this is truly a rural area. If you don’t have a car, getting around will be tough. (Again: I will gladly give you some rides, but I might not always have time!)
---Duration:
I prefer a minimum stay of two weeks, with the first week being a trial period for both of us.
However, I am flexible. It’s all developing now so let’s find out together!
---Languages:
I speak Dutch and English, y estoy practicando mi español. Pero tengo que practicar un poco mas! ; )
---Kids/pets:
I can’t accept children or pets for now, I’m afraid the facilities aren’t quite there yet.
---Response time:
Sorry if I am slow to respond! I am on my own, so sometimes work comes first. I will respond!
Read more
Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Fruit or nut farming
Poultry farming
Raising of other farm animals
Wild foraging
Meat processing
Green Building
Methods or systems
Biological pest control
Host type
Self-sufficiency property
Former WWOOFer
1
Hectares
|
2.5
Acres
Simon
Member since 2017
Languages spoken:
Dutch, English
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Response rate: 86%
Response time: typically within 4 days
Asturias
Trainstation Vega D’Anzo, bus stops in Grado
My past WWOOFers
Karen
April 2026
•
Hamburg, Germany
