It is a meeting place where Nature, art, and sustainability converge, a creative hub where the landscape itself serves as inspiration, blending ancient traditions with modern innovation.

This space was born from the vision of Simon and Donna Beckmann, two British artists who, in 2006, left city life behind to breathe new life into an abandoned cortijo. With patience and dedication, they transformed five rural buildings into a self-sufficient center, designed to host artists, travelers, and sustainability enthusiasts.

Natural Off-Grid Architecture

Cortijada Los Gázquez has been restored with deep respect for Andalusian architectural tradition. White stone walls, clay floors, and wooden beam ceilings tell the story of a time when human dwellings were in harmony with their surroundings.

Mud bricks, reclaimed wood, and natural plasters allow the buildings to "breathe," regulating humidity and maintaining an ideal indoor temperature without the need for artificial cooling systems. Here, the architecture itself becomes part of the ecosystem, achieving a perfect balance between tradition and innovation.

And it doesn’t stop there—the entire complex has been designed to be off-grid, meaning it is completely independent of conventional energy and water infrastructure.

Circular Innovation and Self-Sufficiency

At Los Gázquez, sustainability is not just a concept—it is a way of life, deeply integrated into every aspect of daily existence. The project is built around a self-sufficient circular system, where nothing is wasted, and every resource is part of a continuous cycle.

Water, a precious element in this semi-arid region, is carefully harvested from rainfall and stored for daily use. Once used, it passes through a reed-bed filtration system, which naturally purifies it before returning it to the land without contamination.

Energy follows the same principle. Solar panels and wind turbines provide electricity, while biomass boilers and solar collectors convert organic waste into heat during the winter months.

Here, dependency on fossil fuels is a distant memory. The entire system is designed to operate autonomously, proving that living off-grid is not only possible but also incredibly efficient, comfortable, and cost-effective.

Joya: AiR – An Artistic Retreat in Nature

At the heart of the project is Joya: AiR (Artist in Residence), an artistic residency program that welcomes creatives from all over the world. Here, in a setting of rejuvenating isolation, painters, writers, musicians, and photographers can immerse themselves in the beauty of the Sierra María-Los Vélez and find inspiration in its landscapes.

Art at Los Gázquez is not just personal expression—it is a bridge between the individual and the land. The residency provides not only space to create but also the opportunity to experience life in a completely sustainable environment.

Throughout their stay, participants reflect on themes of sustainability, ecology, and the deep connection between humans and nature, weaving these ideas into their work.

A Self-Sufficient and Collaborative Economy

Los Gázquez is also a model of sustainable economics, where collaboration and self-production play a crucial role. Much of the food comes from the onsite vegetable gardens and local farms, while the project finances itself through the artist residency, workshops, and eco-tourism.

Here, an economy based on fair exchange thrives, reducing dependence on conventional economic systems and reinforcing the relationship between production and conscious consumption.

In a Nutshell

Cortijada Los Gázquez is a living example of how art and sustainability can intertwine to create a more harmonious way of life in sync with nature. It is a place for those seeking inspiration, for those eager to immerse themselves in an artistic experience, and for those wanting to rediscover self-sufficient living.

In this off-grid village in the heart of Andalusia, innovation is not measured in cutting-edge technology but in the ability to live with less, regenerate resources, and leave a light footprint on the planet.