When we bought this house in a village in Ourense, we knew it wouldn’t be perfect. No house is, but what we didn’t expect was that living there would leave us with so many mixed feelings: excitement, frustration, lessons learned, and a lot of patience.
After months of living, fixing, dealing with and enjoying it, I want to tell you honestly what we like most, what has been difficult for us and what is still testing us. Because buying in rural Galicia has its charm, but also its dark side, and for those who dream of something similar, here is the whole truth.
The good
The first thing to note is the price. At the time we bought it, it was the most affordable we found and the best value for money of everything we saw while looking for a house in Spain, without being too far from Porto. Yes, the house needs a lot of work, but the package of the three plots of land, the house, and the ruin has a value and potential that would be unthinkable in Porto.
A legal framework that, at least, works. In Spain, or at least in Ourense, you don’t have to go to court for someone to take responsibility for a problem. If someone sells you a house with a hidden defect, all you have to do is complain and they usually take responsibility. In Portugal, from experience, that’s unthinkable: they always disappear or threaten you. Here, the law is respected a little more.
Neighbors who are worth their weight in gold. We have Julieta and Ricardo, wonderful neighbors who have helped us with the house, recommended professionals, and are always willing to chat and laugh with us. In a village where we didn’t know anyone, they are a gift.
A stone house. After living in Porto, I was very clear that I didn’t want drywall. This house has stone walls almost two meters thick: solid structure, personality, and resistance. Of course, installing utilities requires more work, but we prefer that to a house made of paper.
The ruin: a potential treasure. With the purchase also came a ruin right next door. It has enormous potential to expand the house and increase the future value of the property.
Three plots of land of our own. In addition to the house, we bought three fields that could be used for farming, projects, or simply to have more space and options.
A giant garage (with plans for a gym). The garage is huge and fits our car with room to spare. I also want to set up a small indoor gym there, something impossible in Porto. Functional covered space is a luxury.
Serious and accessible professionals for the work. Finding builders, carpenters, and other professionals here is much easier and more serious than in Porto. They send you quotes with VAT, give deadlines, and communicate well. That makes renovations much more bearable.
Cheaper work and friendly people. In addition, the prices are much more reasonable. In Porto, they charged us five or six times more for the same thing. Here, when dealing with local people, the costs are realistic.
The downside
Hidden defects (and the wear and tear they cause). We encountered leaks, water damage, and a plague of carpenter bees. Although the former owner paid for these repairs, it was physically and psychologically exhausting to find solutions to problems that should not have existed.
The neighbor who came with the package… Margarita, a troublesome neighbor, is complaining about dampness that she has been complaining about to the previous owners for years. She has not yet submitted an expert report, but the problem is causing tension and wear and tear. The cost will also fall on the original seller.
Stone also has its challenges. Thick stone walls make installations or renovations complicated. From running cables to installing air conditioning, everything is more difficult and expensive than in a standard house.
A studio. The house has no interior divisions: it is one large space. It’s fine for two people, but I miss having separate rooms and a closed kitchen.
Wooden floors. Another thing I dislike is wooden floors, especially since the floor in our room in Porto is wooden. In the house in Ourense, the entire house, including the bathroom, has wooden floors, which I find uncomfortable to walk on and unstable; it also complicates any renovation work.
No garden. Although we have three fields, there is no private, accessible garden next to the house.
A beautiful house, but with extra maintenance. The wooden finishes on the ceiling are beautiful, but they require constant maintenance to prevent damage and pests, such as carpenter bees.
Permits, paperwork, and a complicated local government. The house is in a historic heritage area, which means requesting permission for everything, paying for licenses, and dealing with a slow and inefficient local government.
More extreme weather than we expected. The climate in Ourense is much more extreme than in Porto. In summer it can reach 40 degrees (or more) and in winter it is colder. The house is well insulated, but you have to be prepared for very marked temperature fluctuations.
Buying this house in Ourense has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions, expectations, and learning. Within its stone walls and spacious grounds, we found a refuge full of potential, yes, but also challenges. It’s not the typical story of the perfect country house; it’s the reality of committing to a change of lifestyle that requires effort and patience.
But if we have learned anything, it is that it is worth it for the peace and connection with nature.
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