Off grid electricity systems
Rain water harvesting
Composting toilets
Principles of Permaculture
Building your home
Developing income streams
Budget planer
Frugal shopping
Growing your food
Keeping chickens
Homestead
maintenance
Carbon offsetting
Heating
Composting
Grey-water re-cycling
Swap shop
Favor Bank
Rain water harvesting
Composting toilets
Principles of Permaculture
Building your home
Developing income streams
Budget planer
Frugal shopping
Growing your food
Keeping chickens
Homestead
maintenance
Carbon offsetting
Heating
Composting
Grey-water re-cycling
Swap shop
Favor Bank
No Bills, Carbon neutral, Organic food, Free-range eggs, Free heat, Free water, No waste No stress, No debt.
If this sounds like your dream, come and visit us. We live it every day, and we can help you to do it too!
If this sounds like your dream, come and visit us. We live it every day, and we can help you to do it too!
Last year we ran our Homestead -
Food, Electricity Gas, Heat, Car, Phones, ....Everything
- For 8,500 Euro!
Food, Electricity Gas, Heat, Car, Phones, ....Everything
- For 8,500 Euro!
To find out what our courses are all about visit The Experience page.
Covering:
The Homestead Experience
©2009 www.thehomesteadexperience.com
Residential Homesteading Courses in Malaga, Spain Tel: 00 34 651082731
Residential Homesteading Courses in Malaga, Spain Tel: 00 34 651082731
The Experience
To ensure individual attention, we take a maximum of 6 participants on each experience.
The price does not include Flights or airport transfers. This link will take you to the - book a flight page.
The price does include:
Pick up from Marbella
3 days and 2/3 nights, bed and board, (with all drinks!)
1 B-B-Q night (weather permitting)
3 days of instruction, demonstrations, roundtable Q&A sessions, and one to one Planning Sessions.
We also provide handouts, VA's, checklists and budget planners, and use of our library and resources.
We are also available for advice by email & phone, after you go home.
Please note: Accommodation is priced for 2 people sharing,
The Experience
The Experience is a 3-day long, total immersion in the Homestead lifestyle.
It starts with an orientation tour with explanations for the choices we have made. We then ask each participant to outline their own plans and current situation. Using this information, we look at the realities of implementing the plans, and what it will take.
We look at the selection criteria for choosing a location for the new homestead - if applicable - and the financial and skills commitment needed.
We then take the participants around the homestead again, and encourage each individual or couple, to compile a list of the amenities and systems they would want to include in their own lifestyle. This list is used as the basis of the skills development portion of the experience.
These lists can cover anything from designing an off grid electricity supply to building a home from scratch, to choosing livestock, and everything in between.
All Experiences include what we have determined to be core issues and skills, as well as the specifics of your list.
Each evening after dinner, we devote time to discussion of what we have covered that day, and we timetable one-to-one planning and advice sessions for each individual or couple. By the end of the Experience, you will have a detailed plan for your homestead and all of its needs. In addition, you will have developed some skills, and compiled a list of the skills you still need to develop.
Here is a broad list of the topics we cover - this is neither an exhaustive list of what we can cover, nor is it a list of what we will cover. Each Experience is tailored to the needs of the group.
Homesteading dreams and the reality of the lifestyle
Choosing a location for your homestead
Rational prioritisation of needs and wants
The basic principles of Permaculture and how it effects design desicions
Homesteading economics
Planning the detail of a move to homesteading
The practicalities of, and the knowledge and tools you will need for your new life
Research and resources available to you.
Record keeping-what to record, how to record it and how to use it to save time and money
Wealth through control of overhead
Time, money and effort management
Risk to reward ratios
Choosing the most effective and economical types of: transport, shelter, water, sewage, heating, cooking, electricity, communications, places to plant, foods to grow, livestock to keep, foodstuffs to store, work to do, income to generate, tools to buy, safety to invest in, machinery to buy, skills to develop, eco-choices to make, and lots more ..
Seasonal and annual planning and budgeting
The use of checklists and tables
Eco-myths Vs the real, short, mid and long term effects
The sustainable exploitation of natural resources
How to develop income streams
How to cope with mistakes and failures
The benefits to children, of living a self-sufficient lifestyle
Coping with growing old on the homestead
Investing in The Favor Bank, and developing skills networks
Barter, skills trading, and redefining value
Planning for the future
On our Homestead we have examples of; water harvesting, grey water recycling, water conservation, sewage composting, organic waste composting, solar cooking, non-electric refrigeration, - solar, wind and diesel electricity generation, - battery bank electricity storage, 12Vdc and 240Vac electrical systems, homestead businesses, small-scale farming, organic kitchen gardening, intensive small space food growing, solar-water pre-heating, solar food drying, wood fuelled heating, self building- for comfort-sustainability and functionality, free range hen keeping, reusing, recycling, reclaiming, renewing, preserving, conserving, maintaining, .the list is always growing!
Things you need to know before booking your experience
Accommodation is based on 2 people sharing - we can accommodate couples - lone participants will usually be required to share with another- same-sex participant
Bathrooms are shared
We use dry composting toilets - these are of the waste separating type, and contrary to what you may have heard, they do not smell - you will not be required to empty them!
Water is precious to us and we ask that you limit showers to 3 minutes - we do not have a bath.
Meals provided are: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - Alcohol is provided during and after Dinner only
The minimum age we take is 18
We have no upper age limit - but you must be fit enough to cope with our very steep driveway and rough terrain
Trips and falls are always a possibility. If you suffer from osteoporosis or have any physical limitations, we would ask that you contact us before booking
Due to the rough terrain we do not consider our Homestead to be wheelchair accessible
If you are allergic to Dogs, Cats, Chickens or Pollen you may find the Experience too uncomfortable - call us before booking
In the event of an emergency, we can organise transfers to the airport at short notice
The nearest Doctor and A&E clinic are 20 minutes away
Direct bus links to Marbella are available outside the arrivals area in Malaga airport - transfers take 45-60 minutes
We pick up from outside the bus station in Marbella - transfer to the Homestead takes 20-30 minutes
If you are traveling by car, we recommend leaving it in the village car park, we can pick you up from there - our access road is only suitable for 4x4s
Smoking is only allowed outdoors and use of an ashtray is a must, as the risk of fire is very high at some times of the year
No recreational drugs of any type are allowed on the Homestead
We do not tolerate any abuse, either verbal or physical, of ourselves, our guests, or our animals
Each individual is considered an adult and to be responsible for their own alcohol consumption, and subsequent behavior
We do not have a land line but we do have WiFi internet access, skype and voip. This is available to you for 3 hours each evening.
The village does have a Pharmacy and Post office
The nearest ATM is 20Km away
The Spanish currency is the Euro
Our voltage is 240v ac @ 50 Hertz, and 12v dc
We require a deposit of 50 to be paid through paypal at the time of booking
The balance of the payment - 200, is required on arrival, and must be in Euro
We will do everything we can to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible, but please bear in mind that this is a remote homestead and the facilities reflect this.
We expect everyone to enjoy their time with us and encourage each individual to be themselves.
We are often loud, (occasionally) profane, quite opinionated, and tend to laugh a lot.
We consider ourselves to be open-minded and tolerant, and expect our guests to be the same
.
Weigh up the risks, and balance them against the benefits of a fantastic few days of self- exploration, learning and fun. Then just go ahead and book your Homestead Experience, and get ready for your new life!
Available dates and Booking page.
We don't just teach it, we live it!
Before you dismiss the idea of a homesteading lifestyle out of hand, or jump into it with both feet, try it on for size.
Things to pack for your Experience
Tough boots
3-4 layers of light clothing
Socks and underwear
Indoor shoes
Pullover and warm coat - for night-time
Rain gear - if it does rain it will be torrential!
Gardening gloves
Sun block
Sun glasses
Toiletries - phosphate free only, please
Spare eyeglasses or contact lenses
Mosquito repellent, and insect bite and sting salve
Any medications you will need to take
Pain killers - we have first aid supplies on site, but are not allowed by law to dispense medicines.
A printed list of any allergies, medical conditions, or special dietary needs you may have.
A folder for A4 sheets
A current E111 card for medical treatment abroad, or accident and medical insurance.
A charger for your mobile phone - we have UK to Spanish plug adapters here.
A contact list in case of emergency
Passport
Return tickets
Your completed information and disclaimer form
The balance of your payment in Euro
A sense of humor and an open mind
A commitment to enjoying your time with us - we are definitely committed to enjoying our time with you!
Available dates and Booking page.
To ensure individual attention, we take a maximum of 6 participants on each experience.
The price does not include Flights or airport transfers. This link will take you to the - book a flight page.
The price does include:
Pick up from Marbella
3 days and 2/3 nights, bed and board, (with all drinks!)
1 B-B-Q night (weather permitting)
3 days of instruction, demonstrations, roundtable Q&A sessions, and one to one Planning Sessions.
We also provide handouts, VA's, checklists and budget planners, and use of our library and resources.
We are also available for advice by email & phone, after you go home.
Please note: Accommodation is priced for 2 people sharing,
The Experience
The Experience is a 3-day long, total immersion in the Homestead lifestyle.
It starts with an orientation tour with explanations for the choices we have made. We then ask each participant to outline their own plans and current situation. Using this information, we look at the realities of implementing the plans, and what it will take.
We look at the selection criteria for choosing a location for the new homestead - if applicable - and the financial and skills commitment needed.
We then take the participants around the homestead again, and encourage each individual or couple, to compile a list of the amenities and systems they would want to include in their own lifestyle. This list is used as the basis of the skills development portion of the experience.
These lists can cover anything from designing an off grid electricity supply to building a home from scratch, to choosing livestock, and everything in between.
All Experiences include what we have determined to be core issues and skills, as well as the specifics of your list.
Each evening after dinner, we devote time to discussion of what we have covered that day, and we timetable one-to-one planning and advice sessions for each individual or couple. By the end of the Experience, you will have a detailed plan for your homestead and all of its needs. In addition, you will have developed some skills, and compiled a list of the skills you still need to develop.
Here is a broad list of the topics we cover - this is neither an exhaustive list of what we can cover, nor is it a list of what we will cover. Each Experience is tailored to the needs of the group.
Homesteading dreams and the reality of the lifestyle
Choosing a location for your homestead
Rational prioritisation of needs and wants
The basic principles of Permaculture and how it effects design desicions
Homesteading economics
Planning the detail of a move to homesteading
The practicalities of, and the knowledge and tools you will need for your new life
Research and resources available to you.
Record keeping-what to record, how to record it and how to use it to save time and money
Wealth through control of overhead
Time, money and effort management
Risk to reward ratios
Choosing the most effective and economical types of: transport, shelter, water, sewage, heating, cooking, electricity, communications, places to plant, foods to grow, livestock to keep, foodstuffs to store, work to do, income to generate, tools to buy, safety to invest in, machinery to buy, skills to develop, eco-choices to make, and lots more ..
Seasonal and annual planning and budgeting
The use of checklists and tables
Eco-myths Vs the real, short, mid and long term effects
The sustainable exploitation of natural resources
How to develop income streams
How to cope with mistakes and failures
The benefits to children, of living a self-sufficient lifestyle
Coping with growing old on the homestead
Investing in The Favor Bank, and developing skills networks
Barter, skills trading, and redefining value
Planning for the future
On our Homestead we have examples of; water harvesting, grey water recycling, water conservation, sewage composting, organic waste composting, solar cooking, non-electric refrigeration, - solar, wind and diesel electricity generation, - battery bank electricity storage, 12Vdc and 240Vac electrical systems, homestead businesses, small-scale farming, organic kitchen gardening, intensive small space food growing, solar-water pre-heating, solar food drying, wood fuelled heating, self building- for comfort-sustainability and functionality, free range hen keeping, reusing, recycling, reclaiming, renewing, preserving, conserving, maintaining, .the list is always growing!
Things you need to know before booking your experience
Accommodation is based on 2 people sharing - we can accommodate couples - lone participants will usually be required to share with another- same-sex participant
Bathrooms are shared
We use dry composting toilets - these are of the waste separating type, and contrary to what you may have heard, they do not smell - you will not be required to empty them!
Water is precious to us and we ask that you limit showers to 3 minutes - we do not have a bath.
Meals provided are: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - Alcohol is provided during and after Dinner only
The minimum age we take is 18
We have no upper age limit - but you must be fit enough to cope with our very steep driveway and rough terrain
Trips and falls are always a possibility. If you suffer from osteoporosis or have any physical limitations, we would ask that you contact us before booking
Due to the rough terrain we do not consider our Homestead to be wheelchair accessible
If you are allergic to Dogs, Cats, Chickens or Pollen you may find the Experience too uncomfortable - call us before booking
In the event of an emergency, we can organise transfers to the airport at short notice
The nearest Doctor and A&E clinic are 20 minutes away
Direct bus links to Marbella are available outside the arrivals area in Malaga airport - transfers take 45-60 minutes
We pick up from outside the bus station in Marbella - transfer to the Homestead takes 20-30 minutes
If you are traveling by car, we recommend leaving it in the village car park, we can pick you up from there - our access road is only suitable for 4x4s
Smoking is only allowed outdoors and use of an ashtray is a must, as the risk of fire is very high at some times of the year
No recreational drugs of any type are allowed on the Homestead
We do not tolerate any abuse, either verbal or physical, of ourselves, our guests, or our animals
Each individual is considered an adult and to be responsible for their own alcohol consumption, and subsequent behavior
We do not have a land line but we do have WiFi internet access, skype and voip. This is available to you for 3 hours each evening.
The village does have a Pharmacy and Post office
The nearest ATM is 20Km away
The Spanish currency is the Euro
Our voltage is 240v ac @ 50 Hertz, and 12v dc
We require a deposit of 50 to be paid through paypal at the time of booking
The balance of the payment - 200, is required on arrival, and must be in Euro
We will do everything we can to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible, but please bear in mind that this is a remote homestead and the facilities reflect this.
We expect everyone to enjoy their time with us and encourage each individual to be themselves.
We are often loud, (occasionally) profane, quite opinionated, and tend to laugh a lot.
We consider ourselves to be open-minded and tolerant, and expect our guests to be the same
.
Weigh up the risks, and balance them against the benefits of a fantastic few days of self- exploration, learning and fun. Then just go ahead and book your Homestead Experience, and get ready for your new life!
Available dates and Booking page.
We don't just teach it, we live it!
Before you dismiss the idea of a homesteading lifestyle out of hand, or jump into it with both feet, try it on for size.
Things to pack for your Experience
Tough boots
3-4 layers of light clothing
Socks and underwear
Indoor shoes
Pullover and warm coat - for night-time
Rain gear - if it does rain it will be torrential!
Gardening gloves
Sun block
Sun glasses
Toiletries - phosphate free only, please
Spare eyeglasses or contact lenses
Mosquito repellent, and insect bite and sting salve
Any medications you will need to take
Pain killers - we have first aid supplies on site, but are not allowed by law to dispense medicines.
A printed list of any allergies, medical conditions, or special dietary needs you may have.
A folder for A4 sheets
A current E111 card for medical treatment abroad, or accident and medical insurance.
A charger for your mobile phone - we have UK to Spanish plug adapters here.
A contact list in case of emergency
Passport
Return tickets
Your completed information and disclaimer form
The balance of your payment in Euro
A sense of humor and an open mind
A commitment to enjoying your time with us - we are definitely committed to enjoying our time with you!
Available dates and Booking page.
Our courses cost 250 per person, for 3 days & 4 nights, and include all meals and drinks.
A Residential, Self Reliance, Downshifting, & Permaculture Course
Try before you buy, into it! 3 day residential courses.
The Bar
Take stock
Sun downers on the terrace!
Where is that beer?
Mark's homemade bread
Lia, the chicken dog!
Jake the rake!
.