An increasing number of Spaniards, weary of the frenetic pace and sky-high housing prices in major cities, are turning their attention inland. The appeal lies in a slower lifestyle, closeness to nature, and the chance to own a home without being tied down by a lifetime mortgage. What recently seemed like a choice only for romantics and downshifters has become a full-blown social trend in 2025. Stories like the one experienced by a young woman in Spain are only fueling this growing interest.
The young woman shared her experience online, which to many sounds almost unbelievable. She became the owner of an entire house in a picturesque Galician village, paying just 12,000 euros. An amount that wouldn’t even buy a parking spot in Madrid or Barcelona opened the door to a completely different reality here. She decided to document her journey to her dream, showing everyone that moving from a metropolis to the countryside isn’t running away, but a conscious choice for a better quality of life.
Her new acquisition isn’t a bland new build, but a home with history and soul. In her video diary, she takes viewers on a tour: there’s an old wine cellar with oak barrels and a grape press left by the previous owners. There are also living rooms with massive wooden ceiling beams and antique furniture, all waiting for a caring touch. Of course, the building requires significant investment and hard work—something she doesn’t hide. But she’s brimming with enthusiasm and says she plans to pour all her love into the restoration, confident that the breathtaking views from the windows and the peaceful silence more than make up for any future challenges.
The real treasure is not just the building itself, but its surroundings. The young woman excitedly showcases a traditional Galician laundry area and a kitchen with a wood-burning stove. A walk around the neighborhood becomes its own adventure: winding alleys, stone houses, and paths that lead straight into the forest. Right next to the house is a spring with crystal-clear drinking water. In her view, this is true luxury in today’s world—the chance to step outside and instantly be alone with nature, breathe fresh air, and drink water straight from the source.
This personal story vividly illustrates a wider trend: depopulated villages in northern Spain, especially in Galicia, are getting a second chance. Local authorities and community projects offer programs to attract new residents, including financial assistance and affordable housing. The protagonist of this story proves by example that as soon as you start looking, opportunities will arise. She encourages everyone who dreams of such a life not to be afraid and to explore the options that rural Spain offers for building the life of your dreams.
