Las de Villadiego: An Abandoned Village Full of Life

A 17th-century manor house, seven rural houses, and a medieval tower make up Las de Villadiego, a rural complex located in the village of Villalibado, a hamlet of the abandoned village of Villadiego (Burgos) that has been uninhabited since 1998 and was renovated by Juan Ansótegui and his family.

Ansótegui's challenge began in 2006 when he purchased the village with his family after locating the owners of each house in the village. During Holy Week in 2007, he began the rehabilitation using stone, wood, glass, and corten steel - a type of metal that protects itself from corrosion through oxidation - and in 2013, he inaugurated the first seven rural houses, each accommodating four to five guests, as well as the medieval tower. The inauguration of the 17th-century manor house, featuring a private garden and fenced area, took place last summer.

In addition to these buildings, there is the church of El Salvador, featuring a perfectly preserved Romanesque apse thanks to the local residents, a swimming pool, a gazebo, and common barbecue areas, as well as extensive landscaped areas.

In total, Las de Villadiego can accommodate 50 people and the entire village can be rented, or individual rural houses. Additionally, a rural hotel is expected to be inaugurated next year.