WHERE ARE THEY NOW........
On a recent trip to North West Spain we called into see our friends Robin and Deborah Winterhalder. Many of you will remember them and may be interested to hear about their new life.
Two years ago local businessman Robin Winterhalder from Alderwasley decided that the time was right to get away from it all and fulfil his dreams. Sadly this meant closing down his company Agriplan which many local farmers will remember. His wife Deborah, at this time was teaching English at Lady Manners School in Bakewell, and agreed with him. Their children had flown the nest and the urge to “do something different” became stronger. It was at this time and after another fabulous holiday in their favourite spot Galicia, north-west Spain, that they planned their escape to the sun.
Life has been one great adventure since then with the purchase of Finca Rio Miņo (finca is Spanish for small farm), in Galicia. The finca also has three self- catering cottages set in beautiful grounds overlooking the Rio Miņo (which borders Spain and Portugal). The swimming pool in the grounds completes the idyllic setting for a holiday destination.
This area of Spain is still relatively undiscovered by the British but has many wonderful attractions including its Celtic History, Archaeological Remains (Iron Age Settlements), Religious Art – Monasteries & Cathedrals, and Monuments. Being so close to Portugal there is even more to explore in the Hills, Valleys, Beaches and the Atlantic Ocean. This is the perfect base to discover the delights of the Baixo Miņo of South Galicia and the Alto Minho of Portugal.
Wine tours and gastronomy delights are a huge treat of this area, as are the local festivals: from the Floral Carpets every June to the week long Mountain Festival in August.
And so much more: the following activities are all very close to hand – Water sports, fishing, horse riding, walking, mountain biking, cycling, canoeing, bird watching. Robin said “This area has so much to offer, with the beauty and variation of Celtic Britain but much better weather, fabulous local wines and activities to suit all tastes. The locals (Gallegos) are welcoming and helpful, and the pace of life here is a tonic. I am far from retired having started a small property business together with the rural tourism, but working somehow seems different here as the less stressful environment seems to rub off.’ And finally the weather – mild winters, good spring/autumn, exceptional summers – no wonder they are happy in their new life!!
In a recent article about “How to Flee the Crowds” in The Independent, Sarah Barrell wrote “La Coruna in Galicia is one of Spain’s most laid-back destinations with wild secluded coastline backed by forests of oak, pine and eucalyptus. Enjoy some of the least explored parts of rural and coastal Spain.”
So where exactly is this retreat and how can you book a holiday with Robin and Deborah? See their website for full details on www.fincariomino.com or telephone on 0034 986 621107 and ask them for Special rates for Derbyshire visitors out of season.
