After two decades in Santiago, Mónica traded city life for a remote Asturian village, restoring an abandoned family home and caring for 15 goats. Her days now revolve around nature, animals, and plans for a rural meditation retreat.
When Mónica left Santiago after nearly twenty years, she did not imagine her next chapter would unfold in a tiny Asturian village with just eight families. The move, sparked by a desire for change after the pandemic, led her to a life defined by quiet routines, animal care, and the slow restoration of a long-abandoned family home.
Originally from a region near Chile's Atacama Desert, Mónica grew up far from forests or livestock. Her early years were spent in an arid landscape, followed by two decades in the Chilean capital. The pandemic, however, prompted a reevaluation. She left her job and familiar surroundings, embarking on travels across Europe, India, and Nepal—a decision that surprised those close to her.
It was during a stay at a meditation center in Belgium that Mónica met Sergio, an Asturian native. The pair spent over a year in Belgium before deciding to settle in Asturias, choosing a house that had stood empty for nearly a decade. For Mónica, the lush green landscape and marked seasons of northern Spain offered a constant sense of discovery, a stark contrast to her Chilean roots.
Adapting to Village Life
Each day now brings new challenges and rewards. Mónica helps care for a small herd of 15 goats, learning the rhythms of animal husbandry and the demands of rural living. She admits to moments of uncertainty, but describes the animals as gentle and the work as unexpectedly calming. After finishing other chores, she often finds herself simply watching the goats eat in silence, surrounded by forest—a daily ritual that has become a source of peace.
Despite initial concerns about isolation, Mónica finds the distances manageable. The nearest supermarket, bank, or café is a 15-minute drive—less daunting than she expected, given her experience with Chile's vast geography. While she misses her family and aspects of her former social life, she sees the move as a personal turning point, prompting reflection on what it means to build a life from scratch.
Restoration and New Plans
Restoring the old family house is only part of the couple's vision. Together, Mónica and Sergio are working to renovate former stables on the property, with the goal of launching a small rural tourism project focused on meditation. Drawing on techniques she learned during her travels, Mónica hopes to create a retreat for guests seeking rest and self-connection in a tranquil setting. The project remains in its early stages, but it shapes their daily efforts and future plans.
According to Talent24h, Mónica's mother was initially worried by her daughter's decision to move so far and so radically. Over time, however, she has come to understand and support the new direction her daughter has chosen.
Context: Rural Spain and Newcomers
Stories like Mónica's reflect a broader trend of newcomers revitalizing depopulated rural areas in Spain. While challenges remain—such as limited services and the demands of agricultural life—such moves can breathe new life into villages at risk of disappearing. For many, the appeal lies in the promise of a slower pace, deeper connection to nature, and the chance to shape a new future far from the pressures of city life.
