Building a Tiny Home on Rustic Land in Spain – Brian’s Story and How Eco Vida Homes Made It Possible

A Dream Born in Unusual Times

“I got stuck here during COVID,” Brian laughed, standing on a stunning piece of rustic land outside Benimantell. “And I decided I didn’t want to leave.”

For many of us, the pandemic changed how we think about home, space, and lifestyle. For Brian, it sparked the vision of a small, sustainable home nestled in the Spanish countryside; private, peaceful, and entirely self-sufficient.

But building on rustic land in Spain isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s notoriously complex, with strict regulations and layers of bureaucracy. As John from Eco Vida Homes explained in the interview, “Rustic land projects can be done, but you need to tread carefully and do your homework first.”

And that’s exactly what Brian did.

Finding the Perfect Plot

Brian’s land is 22,000 square metres of terraced hillsides, fruit trees, and expansive views. “It’s private and self-contained,” he said, “safe and secure because you can’t even access it from the main road.”

That remoteness is part of its charm. The terraces stretch from north to south, about 30 metres from top to bottom, creating natural layers that lend themselves beautifully to permaculture – a concept close to Brian’s heart.

“We’ve planted about 60 trees now, lemon, cherry, fig, ash, maple…” he listed. “I want to be able to walk out of the house and forage for my own food.”

It’s a slice of sustainable heaven, and proof that with the right advice, even rustic plots can become something truly special.

A Tiny House with Big Ideas

The house itself might be small, just 80 square metres, but it’s big on imagination. Designed with Eco Vida Homes, it features a lofty five-metre ceiling and two mezzanine levels for sleeping areas.

“The entire wall will be lined with books,” Brian said, gesturing towards where the library will sit. “It’s a tiny house, but it’s going to feel huge.”

There’ll be both indoor and outdoor bathrooms and a large deck for guests. “People can park their camper vans, pitch a tent, and still have access to proper facilities,” he explained.

John smiled as he recalled their design meetings. “We’re incorporating materials that don’t harm the land. No bulldozing, no unnecessary disruption, just fitting the building into its natural environment.”

That’s a key principle at Eco Vida Homes, designing energy-efficient, low-impact villas that harmonise with their surroundings rather than fight against them.

The Challenges of Building on Rustic Land (and How to Overcome Them)

Rustic land, known in Spanish as suelo rústico, can be tricky. It’s generally not zoned for residential development, meaning you often need to demonstrate agricultural or ecological value to obtain a building licence.

“When Brian approached us, we told him to be cautious,” John recalled. “We conducted a thorough due diligence process – assessing access, water supply, and planning viability.”

That diligence paid off. With Eco Vida Homes guiding him through the bureaucracy, Brian secured the all-important licence to build – a rare achievement on rustic land.

And he’s not alone. John explains that, with careful planning, many of their clients have successfully built eco-friendly homes in rural areas. “It’s about understanding the regulations, respecting the land, and presenting the right case to the authorities.”

Eco Vida Homes’ decades of experience navigating Spanish bureaucracy mean they handle the red tape – so clients can focus on the fun parts, like design and lifestyle choices.

Why Brian Chose Eco Vida Homes

When asked what convinced him to work with Eco Vida Homes, Brian didn’t hesitate:

“I saw your YouTube video,” he told John, “and it was informative, professional, and in English — which helps a lot when you don’t speak Spanish.”

It wasn’t just about communication, though. “The sustainability focus, the reliability, the fact that you’ve been doing this for years… it just made sense,” he added.

At Eco Vida Homes, we understand that building abroad can be daunting. That’s why we’ve built a team of English-speaking architects, surveyors, and contractors – all carefully vetted for professionalism and reliability. Our clients know that when they work with us, their project is in expert hands from start to finish.

Sustainable Living: Small Footprint, Big Impact

Brian’s project reflects a growing trend: people rethinking what they really need from a home.

A compact home uses fewer materials, consumes less energy, and encourages a simpler, more intentional lifestyle. Combine that with Passive House principles – high insulation, airtightness, and renewable energy systems, and you get a home that’s not only eco-friendly but also incredibly comfortable year-round.

As John often says, “An energy-efficient villa is warmer in winter, cooler in summer, cheaper to run, and worth more when you sell it.”

In other words, sustainability isn’t just ethical – it’s good business.

A Model for Modern Rural Living

With the design finalised and the execution project underway, Brian’s dream is becoming reality. The land he bought four years ago has already tripled in value – proof that sustainable, well-planned projects don’t just enrich lives; they’re sound investments.

“I wanted something hidden but accessible,” he said, glancing over the terraces. “Something that feels like a secret.”

Brian’s project is a brilliant example of how passion, patience, and professional guidance can turn even the most challenging plot into a thriving, sustainable home.

If you’re thinking about building your own villa in Spain, whether on rustic or urban land, don’t miss the full conversation with Brian and John on our YouTube channel.

Watch the full interview here:

You’ll learn what it takes to:

• Secure a building licence on rustic land

• Design an energy-efficient home tailored to your lifestyle

• Avoid the common pitfalls foreigners face when building in Spain

At Eco Vida Homes, we believe every plot has potential — it just needs the right vision and the right team behind it. Whether your dream is a grand villa or a tiny off-grid haven, we’re here to help you make it happen, sustainably and smoothly.

“Building a villa is easy,” John likes to say. “The tricky part is finding good people. After decades in the industry, we’ve assembled the best team to bring your vision to life.”

Planning your dream villa in Spain?

Whether you’ve already got a plot or you’re just starting to explore the possibilities, a call with John, our founder and British Chartered Surveyor, is the perfect place to begin. No pressure – just expert guidance from someone who’s been helping people build in Spain for over 30 years.

👉 [Book Your Free Discovery Call]

Let’s explore how your dream home could take shape.