Media & Press
Our journey restoring an abandoned Spanish cortijo and building a new life in rural Andalusia has been featured in media outlets across the UK, Spain, Germany and Europe.
Our Story in Brief
Jemma and Callum McGlynn are a British family who purchased an abandoned cortijo (farmhouse) in Andalusia, Spain for €40,000 in 2024. The property had no running water, no electricity, and years of abandonment to undo — which made it perfect.
As non-EU citizens, they are subject to Schengen rules and can only spend 90 days in Spain per 180-day period. This constraint became part of their story: when they're not on the farm, they're travelling the world — from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc to Phuket — and exploring the UK in their trusty 7-berth eBay motorhome.
They document everything — authentically and without filter — on YouTube (video) and on this blog (written). The project is named Renacer, meaning "to be reborn" in Spanish.
Featured In
Media Coverage
Our story has been covered by national and international publications across the UK, Spain, Germany and Europe.
"We ditched the UK for a cheap Spanish farmhouse with no mortgage"
A national UK news feature covering our decision to leave the UK and renovate an abandoned Spanish farmhouse surrounded by olive trees while building a slower, family-focused lifestyle in rural Spain.
"Für nur 40.000 Euro: Paar lässt Heimat hinter sich und renoviert ein altes Bauernhaus in Spanien"
(For just €40,000: Couple leaves their homeland to renovate an old farmhouse in Spain)
A German news feature highlighting our move to Spain, the purchase of our abandoned cortijo in Andalusia, and our journey restoring the property while building an off-grid lifestyle surrounded by olive groves.
"La familia británica que se mudó a un cortijo en Almería por 40.000 euros y tiene 100 olivos y luz gratis"
A Spanish national news article covering our move to Almería, purchasing the €40,000 cortijo, installing solar power and creating a more self-sufficient lifestyle surrounded by olive trees.
"Una pareja británica compra un cortijo con 100 olivos en Almería por 40.000 euros y pone placas solares"
This article focuses on our purchase of the cortijo, installing solar panels and beginning the process of restoring the land while creating a self-sufficient lifestyle in rural Spain.
"No mortgage, 100 olive trees and free electricity: British family's life in Spain"
A feature highlighting our off-grid lifestyle, solar power setup and the reality of restoring an abandoned farmhouse surrounded by olive groves in rural Andalusia.
"Brit family move to €40,000 cortijo with 100 olive trees in Andalucia – and have never been happier"
This article explores our move to Cantoria in Almería, restoring a cortijo that had been abandoned for around 20 years and adapting to rural Spanish life while homeschooling our children.
Follow the Journey
Watch and subscribe to follow our full journey restoring Cortijo Renacer and building an off-grid life in Spain — weekly episodes documenting the renovation, restoring the land, and family life in rural Andalusia.
Brand Partnerships
We partner only with brands we genuinely use and believe in. Here are the areas we cover.
Homesteading & Off-Grid Living
Tools, equipment, sustainable tech
Motorhome & Van Life
Accessories, road-trip products, campsites
Sustainable Food & Growing
Seeds, organic products, food storage
Photography & Content
Cameras, editing software, creative tools
Family Travel
Accommodation, experiences, gear
DIY & Renovation
Power tools, materials, home improvement
Press Kit
Quick Facts
- Location: Almería Province, Andalusia, Spain
- Property: Abandoned cortijo surrounded by 100+ olive trees
- Purchase price: €40,000
- Lifestyle: Off-grid renovation and rural family living
- YouTube: Renacer McGlynn
Media Assets
High-resolution photos and video clips are available for media use on request, including:
- The abandoned cortijo before renovation
- Renovation progress and restoration work
- The olive grove and surrounding land
- Family life on the farm
Press & Media Enquiries
If you are a journalist, blogger or publication interested in covering our story, we would love to hear from you. Our press kit includes high-resolution photos, family bios, the farm story, and channel statistics.
Or email: jemma@renacermcglynn.com