Winter Jobs, Kitchen Renovation [+ Q&A] on our Off-grid Homestead

Hi, we are Harriet and Mauro and in February 2021 we bought an abandoned smallholding in Castellón, Spain. In these videos we shar e our life as we restore and improve our little stone house, learn to grow and preserve our own food, and bring our 4 acres of farmland back to productivity.
If you would like to support us in return for early access, ad-free videos and other perks, you can find us on Patreon:
/ littlespanishfarmstead
Or if you're looking for a way to say a quick one-off thanks for the work that goes into making these videos, you can treat us to a little coffee here 🥰:
ko-fi.com/littlespanishfarmstead
----
Follow us on Instagram: / little.spanish.farmstead
Read our Newsletter: littlespanishfarmstead.substac...
VOLUNTEER/STAY WITH US:
Latest information about staying with us/visiting us is available on our website:
Our website: www.littlespanishfarmstead.co...
---
✉️ GET IN TOUCH ✉️
Want to collaborate on something? Email us at:
[e-mail]
Personal?
Send me a DM on Instagram :)
---
Music in this video:
Coyote Wedding - Martin Klem
Red Hook - Roy Edwin Williams
The River's Gonna Cry When You're Gone (Instrumental Version) - Loving Caliber
Time on Our Side - Ten Towers
On A Clear Morning - Sunfish Grove
Wicked Man - Martin Landstrom
From EpidemicSound

[@naomipretorius]

Today my admiration grew by 200 %. I admire and appreciate people who respect and protect the privacy of their children. Good for you. He does not have a voice to speak for himself yet and needs his parents to love and protect him. Wishing you all the best.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@vickiecrouch6041]

Nobody's business about Santi. He deserves privacy. Good for you respecting his future life.

[@burnieboo9857]

100%! I first started watching LSF to be an observer of setting up the farmstead with all pros & cons because we moved to Spain around the same time. Whilst Santi is an added bonus in the videos, we respect that he isn't the main focus of the channel 😍

[@paulb1951]

People were requested to ask questions. They’re free not to answer questions if they do not wish to. Put your life onto social media it’ll attract questions, not sure why you feel the need to dictate what is who’s business, as it’s not about you.

[@LittleSpanishFarmstead]

I totally understand the questions and curiosity and don't mind at all, of course we expected questions about Santi so it was a good moment to clarify why we share/don't share what we choose to.

[@stacylandis9806]

I agree about your feelings about sharing your son's story. You guys have every right to keep whatever you want private.❤

[@teresaedwards3659]

Harriet, I think your point on your baby's privacy is very well thought out. I totally agree that it's good to remember that "our" babies are actually people and deserve respect. Santio may grow up to be a private person and since he can't tell you how he feels about sharing on the internet, yet, it's very thoughtful of you to protect him.

[@infopubs]

I really respect how you are balancing telling your own story vs. Santi's right to tell his if/when he is ready.

[@suepickert4444]

about the pond, i have created a series of small ponds instead of a big one. the pond liner is much easier to install, less expensive, and the water is closer to where i need it. my ponds are about 3m x2mx 1.5m deep. the overflow goes into the next pond. to aid with suppressing evaporation, i have introduced water lilies, and i am growing fast growing tall grasses and such around the pond, and a tree on the south side.

[@Victory_Gardener]

Great idea!

[@debbibowen]

In the U.S., they are having good results with floating light plastic balls on the surface of the water. It acts like a cover, but goes down on it's own with evaporation,.

[@LittleSpanishFarmstead]

That's got me thinking!!

[@deborahlee8135]

I'm so glad you've chosen to let Santi's story be his own. The long-term ramifications of a lack of privacy many children experience because of their parents' social media is unknown. ❤ you handle it well.

[@ginacrusco234]

You answer even the most trying questions with laudable equanimity. I applaud how you set a boundary between your story to tell and Santi's story. The idea that we're all healthy only temporarily is a sobering one, but how true.

[@vivalaleta]

Everything you've been hurrying to get done before Santo arrived was incredible. I think the person who asked why you didn't properly fix up your home hasn't watched the show much. It's amazing what you've accomplished from where you started.

[@LittleSpanishFarmstead]

Haha thank you, I couldn't even be offended because the house is literally PERFECT for us and I love it, but it does make me laugh to imagine someone else's point of view 😂

[@sgrvtl7183]

AGREE! They have a lot of work prior to baby birth💛💚

[@judithrussell9162]

It amazes me what information people think they're entitled to, and the questions they ask. You both handle everything so well and with such grace.

[@LittleSpanishFarmstead]

Well we did ask for the questions 😂

[@shannonlynne1558]

Why aren’t we talking about how incredibly adorable Santi is? 😍

[@helenvwalker7919]

I couldn't agree more about coffee and book prices in Spain. Hate torrefacto coffee! You have had a tough time. May things become a little more straightforward from now on..😊

[@user-dw7ck9gk4k]

Well done Harriet not sharing what is private to Santi…people are not entitled to ask these questions leave alone expect an answer. Love your videos.

[@kerlyn3582]

Mauro you are such a wonderful father, you are both wonderful parents...Santi is very blessed to have parents like you guys

[@MauroGestoso]

Thank you!

[@deeoh3708]

Good idea to get more water storage. My spring ran dry in 2010 and never came back. Had to put two 13,000 litres tanks in and buy water and collect from roof as well in winter, which also became less rainfall. If you can afford bigger tanks, I would get them. The seasons have gotten drier for sure here.(Australia)

[@inabates8919]

Good for you, you and your husband are the voices of your child/children, until they can make choices for themselves. Bravo ❤ 👍 Well said Harriet.

[@Nightfall123456789]

Soy española y si, después de haber vivido en Guatemala unos años, afirmo que el café en España es horrible jajaja

[@robynclarke5274]

Investing in water is very wise. I love Santi's baby bear outfit. Are you able to have a well dug. Babies are all different. Your fantastic parents. Babies will tell you when it's time to be more independent (i.e. amusing themselves just the world and playing on their tummies.

[@LittleSpanishFarmstead]

You do need permission for a well, it's possible, very expensive. It would be a very final resort, I guess...

[@patriciapadgett4696]

Your little family are a breath of fresh air, and a delight to watch. Santi is absolutely beautiful and definitely making his presence known. Love everything you do & can't understand the personal things people think they need or should know. Carry on doing exactly what your doing, love to you all ❤

[@felicityjacobs9608]

Santi is growing so fast. He is adorable. I followed you from the beginning and you have done alot on your house and it is comfortable. Looking forward to your gardening vlogs. I cannot believe Santi is so gorgeous. Thank you for showing him to us. He is going to have the most interesting life on your farm. Felicity Jacobs, Cape Town, South Africa

[@stefankatomova-nikolova213]

Oh, what a wonderful, big boy Santy has become. Adorable intelligent face he has got!

[@kdclothes]

You are both great parents. You put your child first equally . He can tell his own story. Or not. I admire you both as great parents.

[@normamurray4450]

Santi was looking at his Dad and smiling in such a cute way and then looking at the camera and blowing bubbles, so heart warming. You are such a lovely couple and I wish you continued joy and happiness and know that you don't have to share absolutely everything.

[@denises3933]

We see Sansi in the videos. And that is enough!!!

[@kdclothes]

You two have done a lot in a short time. Your home is welcoming and friendly. Brava. Bravo to you both. I love your home.

[@nonaorbach1]

You are such wonderful parents. Santi is lucky ❤

[@elisanavarrohidalgo2032]

Considero correctísimo reservar las cosas íntimas de Santi. Es una decisión conveniente. Ahora viene buen tiempo para disfrutar del campo y de las tareas de labranza. Ojalá llueva más, a ver si ocurre y puedes obtener aquellas hortalizas enormes que sabes cosechar❤

[@glenyscallaghan1195]

Santa is looking so good he is growing well. ❤❤❤

[@schweizermadel3810]

I used to carry my daughter on my back. Case need with a protecting (integrated) sturdy hood over her head. That gave me much more freedom of movement and I could well do my household with her on my back.

[@LittleSpanishFarmstead]

I will when he reaches the min weight requirement for it! Sooooon! 🤞

[@philipholum4277]

Santi's face in the camera was all I need to know. A really sweet kid! Always like your vlogs. Thanks!

[@user-hd2mt9xh2p]

Santi is looking beautiful with those great big eyes. Good you got your floor grouting

[@ourhighlandhomestead]

Well said re the questions about Santi. I see so many young children on social media and often wonder how they will feel about that when they are older, and you’re right.. Santi may prefer to share his story in his own narrative (or not). I love your channel, and your honesty when you don’t always get something right makes me smile.. real life is full of these moments (in my experience). Keep on doing you 😊

[@sadjaxx]

Santa is so so adorable and bigger and more verbal with every video!

[@annmcnamara8]

I think your kitchen is beautiful guys Sante is a llvely little boy and ye are great parents Best wishes

[@Beth-kg1lz]

Social media is a funny thing. There are people out there who would ask incredibly personal questions and you are quite right to set boundaries of what you choose to share and what to keep private.❤

[@LittleSpanishFarmstead]

I totally understand though and we did ask for questions after all! Just a good opportunity to clarify a few things 🙂

[@MarieMathieson]

I put my babies in a push chair (pram) and placed it where I was working. , prop them slightly up , so they can watch us clean and work. With a pillow.at their back .

[@equilibriorural]

Madre mía, como pasa el tiempo, 3 años ya que llevamos con falta de agua, aquí en Huelva ha caído un poco estos dos últimos meses pero aun estamos lejos de recuperarnos y ahora que nos hemos mudado a la finca y dependemos del pozo estamos igual de preocupados que vosotros, sin duda la idea de tener albercas donde reservar el agua es muy buena, aunque habría que taparlos con algo para evitar la evaporación en verano.

[@rosamarialobatogomez7273]

Entiendo perfectamente vuestra postura con respecto a Santi , así pues contar solamente lo que deseos .Mucha fuerza y un abrazo enorme y especialmente para Mauro ,yo me he operado tres veces de los ojos y se por lo que ha pasado ❤

[@MauroGestoso]

Gracias!

[@juliemcnair5182]

Hi guy's your little man is so placid and content.❤

[@lilykatmoon4508]

I just had to pause and say that it’s beautiful to witness the respect you have for Santi’s personhood and right to autonomy. Many parents think their kids owe them or that the parents have to right to decide everything for their child without consideration for how they’ll feel about those decisions that they weren’t able to be a part of and that were made on their behalf. There’s this other KZbin channel where this family is rebuilding a house in the Italian Alps. Apparently, they’ve been filming their kids since they were infants. The kids are very much a part of the channel. While it’s obvious they love their kids, I can’t help but wonder how growing up constantly on camera since before they can even understand what that means will affect them. It’s awesome that y’all recognize that he has the right to determine for himself what he does or doesn’t share with strangers on social media and that you’re protecting his right to privacy.

[@catherinecarreiro3955]

Balance is the key to everything. And we all discover what works best for our families.. I think you two work together to create the balance your family needs to thrive.

[@maddaslr8827]

loved the video and you outlook on having no regrets. you really inspire me

[@melsparkles]

Boundaries are important and sadly some have no shame and think your business is theirs...it isn't and you are offering great and honest advice about living off grid in Spain which is what most are here for. I enjoy seeing you guys chipping away at your projects and seeing your farm morph into a lovely home. Keep on keeping on.

[@LittleSpanishFarmstead]

Thank you! I do totally understand people being curious tho, since we chose to share certain parts of our lives online. Who knows what we're happy to share unless you ask? Which is why I'm happy to answer these questions to explain!

[@sgrvtl7183]

You have an ADORABLE Baby Boy! 💙~~💙 ❣💙

[@deehalpern8988]

Sorry, when Santi was looking right into the camera I didn’t hear a word you said because I was just watching his cute little facial expressions. 😍. I think he will have the best childhood living in the countryside and learning from you guys and all the nature around him.

[@madhatter909]

I was looking into his eyes

[@NogginsVintage]

Gorgeous little smile from Santi when he was looking at Mauro talking about expensive books

[@SmithsdaleFarm]

“I will die on this hill” 😂 but he’s right

[@FlorencePiPropsandDolls]

I came here just to STRONGLY AGREE with the bad coffee!!! As a Brazilian here, the 'Spanish' coffee is an insult 😂 Luckily people visit us from time to time and bring real coffee 😂

[@pammierae7751]

Thank you so much for sharing with us..your beautiful little family have over came so many challenges and at the same time making great progress in every way :-) Stay encouraged your doing a fantastic job..❤

[@erikslagter3231]

what a beautiful old almond tree!

[@SheriLynNut]

14:30; this question incenses me! Because what they’re really saying is “in my opinion, you should have taken the time to ‘fix up your house perfectly’ *before* you brought a child into it” - and that is so incredibly judgmental and also shows that they aren’t true fans of the channel because if they were, they would know the blood sweat and tears that you put into your home and your property. I’m so sorry that you even had to read such nonsense! We love and respect you both for your dedication and devotion to your son, your family and your homestead.

[@LittleSpanishFarmstead]

Hahah I think if I had some guilt or it was a sore point, maybe I would be offended... but we're sooo happy with the house and what we managed to do that I just loved the question and how it shows different peoples standards 😂

[@SheriLynNut]

@@LittleSpanishFarmstead I loved your response, the true giggles - I’m glad you are secure enough to let questions like this go…. Especially for people who share their lives with people, I’m sure there’s a critic in every crowd. I’ve watched you two since the beginning, and I’m proud of what you have done. Especially in this last year with all the challenges. And I know from first hand experience what it’s like going through a pre-term labor and then having a preemie. It’s EXHAUSTING, but you two were champs. I love your home, and the grounds, and I really am so very happy for your little family. ❤️

[@MrGuffpuff]

just found u guys an its awesome u are living my dream and seeing u with the little one reassures me i could achieve it with my children and one day see the grandchildren grow up with us in nature on our own private farm honestly these videos are great ty

[@deltorres2100]

Y’all have done great with everything all the obstacles that happen you know what the baby being a preemie and you’re not feeling well you’ve done great you’ll get there anyway homesteading is a lifestyle you’re always going to have some type of renovation or upkeep of a house Whether you live in the country or the city and you own a house there’s always housekeeping something has to be done on your roof a deck you know maybe the stairs got rotten there’s always something to do y’all have done great.!!!! 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽🌱💚

[@deltorres2100]

I did a Hard pruning on my 22 year old pear 🍐 tree was the best thing for it 👍🏽👍🏽🌱🍐

[@user-vb3se8hs3b]

Thank you for your video, I watch it before sleep in my dorm and feel a little bit more happier :)

[@pandrew3146]

All the best with your water situation. You are doing so well with everything Santi has 2 loving ❤ parents which is the most important aspect in his healing. Take care of your dear selves and thankyou for sharing. Love ❤

[@izabelasiczek3547]

I must say i like you both even more now xxx❤🎉

[@sello-lawrence]

Water is so precious. We had a drought as well for 2 or three years. This winter it has been raining a lot but now it's getting dry again. Storing water is a good idea. We have also many barrels to collect rainwater.

[@user-jn1ci9yz7d]

You may want to consider coming up with a way to cover your large irrigation tanks to prevent evaporation, or developing under ground cisterns, which I know can be costly.

[@LittleSpanishFarmstead]

Yes we'd love to do that. We wanna rebuild the main one comepletely as it's quite leaky so we would do it at that point!

[@milciacana]

Totally agree with you on the coffee!!!!!

[@susannaprince7438]

Santi is the cutest 💗

[@fatimafernandez8957]

❤ felicidades me alegro mucho, que seáis respetuoso con vuestro hijo.

[@anietahurler4014]

Heute habe ich das erste Mal Santi richtig sehen können ein Wunderbares Kind .Er kommt auf die Mama

[@lilirehak5569]

I've missed a bunch of videos, but seeing the dryness and hearing about the droughts in Spain, etc, makes me worry. Maybe try and get all that tall grass cut down and put in fire breaks of no vegetation. A tall order, but it might be helpful. Santi is adorable!

[@imeldadiaz4164]

Omg Santi's so cute🤩

[@veroavileslugo6031]

El niño está precioso y grande, felicidades !

[@rumblef1sh]

Looks to me like everything happened/is happening in perfect order! :)

[@deltorres2100]

They sell a gallon of sealer that you can put over EC men or everything to give it a little shine. It seal all that grout in and it’s good for cleanup.

[@luisaleonardi666]

Day by day working on the farm ,the three of you now,going around, makes suche a lovely sight..❤

[@anaperez9910]

Lao gan ma for the win! 🌶️🌶️🌶️ I gave a jar to my brother-in-law and he is now obsessed too.

[@user-45xxr57htr]

Вы молодцы! Мадуро- выздоравливайте, и вам огромное терпение в вашем нелегком труде.

[@MauroGestoso]

Thank you!

[@fmvdgeest]

Funny, what I have seen at least in the north of Spain is that every single bar has really good coffee and coffee machines. Been enjoying their espressos a lot..

[@LittleSpanishFarmstead]

Maybe they roast it differently up there! It's the burnt flavour Mauro dislikes

[@maryannknox7158]

Santi is Adorable 🥰 sending Love and Hugs 🤗 and lots of kisses oxox 😘

[@ClaireInTheAire]

I love seeing the pruning! I hope you will have a great harvest later this year!

[@lynnechilton5794]

Maybe there is a mother group in your local town 🌼🌺because you get loads of new ideas from other mums maybe there is an online one 🌼🌺companionship is great when you share your babies growing experiences and support from other newish mums

[@renatabettetini5831]

I totally agree with your keeping Santi condition private. This has nothing to do with your farming and building a nice house for you to live in. All the best from Milano

[@dollyr3577]

omg lao gan ma is the absolute best - we have it on everything!

[@arjanvogel6444]

Thanks for your vid 😇💟💟💟 Love and bless you guys.

[@carolblackler9386]

Hi. I'm wondering if Santiago could be in a baby bouncer while you are working indoors, and a stroller whilst you are outside 😊.

[@wendygillard2133]

I don’t think people mean disrespect when they enquire what is happening with Santi. Many of us feel we have been on a journey with you both since you started sharing your new lifestyle in Spain.

[@LittleSpanishFarmstead]

No I don't think so either and I totally understand and appreciate the questions, because people care!

[@Kikistravels]

I think your doing absolutely amazing welldone

[@deltorres2100]

Always stay POSITIVE 💚✌🏽

[@Clavel688]

Santi está precioso!❤

[@jldisme]

I wish I could afford the newsletter and Patreon, but you in my prayers weekly. You two are amazing!

[@LittleSpanishFarmstead]

The newsletter is free 😁 but just watching the videos here is a big support!! 💗

[@jldisme]

@@LittleSpanishFarmstead I have 4 accounts and run them on all four, just in the background with the volume down low. :)

[@jeanmeyer8194]

Baby getting big

[@LMStevens]

You don’t have to line your pond. You use bentonite and it seals it.

[@sheilakerr-jones4345]

Sweetest little talk from Santi 💙 Happy, sunny days ahead.

[@puma3912]

Love the new kitchen content!

[@Daytona2]

I wasn't aware that it was the third year of drought. Could the water canisters be at risk from theft if water gets really scarce ? They're very visible to anyone using the track. You have a great attitude regarding Santi & KZbin 💯

[@LittleSpanishFarmstead]

I hope they wouldn't be worth anyone's bother! Only €80 and they're a real pain to handle/move.

[@anavidreader277]

My local lake (UK) which is a good 30m across dried up last year in the summer (evaporated), I couldn’t really believe it! I know next to nothing about water conservation but thought that might be useful for you to take into consideration

[@deltorres2100]

Great job on the trimming of the 🌳 TREES..

[@pfolmo]

First of all, congratulations for Ur vlog. Always really looking forward to Ur next episode. Web live on Catalonia, we have an underground deposit. Ours is an already built, only had to dig the hole. Truly recommend it.

[@tildars]

Good Q & A video. Best to your family journey❤

[@lidijafichtner7080]

Thank You for sharing ❤

[@robinsouth8555]

I appreciate you sharing your life, I've enjoyed watching you both growing your skills and taking risks. It's your right as a mother to protect Santi, he is growing so fast that 1st yr goes by the fastest, what a cutie. My question is how is that automatic chicken door working for you. I have one that opens upward, most of the time it works great, but when it's around zero F, it doesn't work well, so I bought a different one as a back up.

[@MauroGestoso]

It's not great. The "channel" where the door runs on gets full of poo/straw/stuff and it gets blocked all the time. I think the kind you have is a better design.

[@robinsouth8555]

@@MauroGestoso thank you.

[@lilykatmoon4508]

Appreciate the update! Y’all have made amazing progress on the homestead so idk what that person was referring to when they asked if you’d wished y’all had taken the time to make the house properly ready. SMH 🤦‍♀️. I’m curious about what’s going on with the goats. If you’ve already said in another video, point me to it, but I’m pretty sure I’m caught up. I really appreciate all the hard work you put into sharing your journey with us as you progress in this life on the homestead. Continued best wishes for both Mauro and Santi’s health issues. Take care.

[@LittleSpanishFarmstead]

The goats are still with the shepherd. They had babies, but at totally the wrong time, not what we planned at all, at the same time as me actually haha so it was just impossible to imagine getting them back, milking them etc at that point. When we have more land and we can put the donkey elsewhere, and get their original goat enclosure back, we will consider getting them back. But the shepherd is perfectly happy to keep them, whilst they are productive!

[@jerryf581]

Same country, similar situation. Lady & The Owl Man on KZbin.

[@anastasiyamemetova3849]

Missed you

[@Acidsophy]

Bra vo!!!!!!!!❤❤❤❤

[@roo9565]

Great video. Funnily enough my husband and I have had lengthy chats about the cost of books in Spain and the quality of bookshops. I think they are expensive as it's always the cover price, but this is outweighed by the quality and quantity of the bookshops available. They put Waterstones to shame! There are rules in place to minimise any discount you can offer on books so large chains can't undercut independent bookshops. I think there's still a real tradition of buying books and thinking about what you're buying rather than grabbing something cheap off Amazon, and even the publishing industry seems pretty healthy still in Spain. Sant Jordi is coming up, so maybe you can treat Mauro to a nice (expensive) book!

[@LittleSpanishFarmstead]

Ahh the tradition of Sant Jordi is so nice, definitely should have mentioned that!! ❤