In Galicia, there is a man who found a rather original solution to the housing issue. Juan Francisco Lojo Patiño doesn’t rent an apartment or waste time commuting to work. His home is a motorhome, parked just a few steps from the restaurant where he manages the dining area. This lifestyle allows him to stay mobile and free from utility hassles. Even during power outages, he continues his routine undisturbed, barely noticing any inconvenience.
Brasa de Beche, the restaurant where Juan works, is set in a picturesque spot along the Camino Inglés, one of the pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela. The place is famous not only for its cuisine but has also become an example of sustainable tourism. The complex is expanding: tourist cabins, a pool, and a burger bar have been added to the restaurant, and 25 more cottages are soon to be built. All this is surrounded by nature, next to a reservoir and green trails where thousands of travelers pass each year.
Juan is originally from Noia and lived in Santiago de Compostela for 16 years before moving into his motorhome. For the past three years, he has fully embraced life on wheels. His motorhome is more than just a way to get around — it’s a cozy home he takes care of with special attention. He walks to work, and if he needs to go further, he hops on his bicycle. This approach to life and work even surprised the restaurant owners when he applied for the job: they didn’t expect their new employee to show up with a ‘home on wheels.’
Eco-friendly choice and personal challenges
For Juan, it’s not just about convenience—ecology matters too. He takes pride in a lifestyle that minimizes harm to the environment. The complex where he works is located in a biosphere reserve and is committed to sustainable development. Yet not everyone is ready to embrace this way of life. Even participating in a popular dating show didn’t bring him success: his potential match wasn’t impressed with his tattoos or his love for campervans. But Juan doesn’t get discouraged—he considers himself an adventurer and says that he’s finally found his own corner of happiness.
Today, the restaurant and tourist complex in Abegondo (Abegondo, A Coruña) is becoming increasingly popular among travelers and campervan enthusiasts. The site regularly hosts meet-ups for motorhome owners, and its infrastructure is designed with their needs in mind. The place has received several awards for its contribution to ecotourism. As for Juan himself, he could easily be considered the most eco-friendly front-of-house manager in Spain. His story is an example of how work, personal convictions, and a love of nature can be combined—without sacrificing comfort.
