In the small village of Valdepiélagos back in 1995, a group of visionaries planted the seed of a dream: to live lightly on Earth, reduce environmental impact, and build authentic connections.

It all began with a simple yet powerful question:

“Can we live without compromising the planet?”

The answer came through a courageous action: a cooperative, a plot of land, and a shared vision. That is how 30 bioclimatic houses were built, using ecological materials and carefully oriented to welcome sunlight and stay protected from the cold.

After years of planning, bureaucratic hurdles, and challenges, the first families finally settled here in 2008. As they took root, the community itself blossomed, breathing new life into the village.

Today, the Ecoaldea of Valdepiélagos is an experiment in shared living, a model of sustainability, and a meeting place for anyone who believes there’s another way to inhabit this world.

Bringing a Village Back to Life

When the eco-village began, Valdepiélagos was experiencing a slow but steady decline in population. The arrival of 30 families reversed this trend, infusing local streets, schools, and businesses with fresh energy. Children now play in the plazas, shopkeepers have new customers, and the local economy has gained renewed momentum.

Thanks to this project, the town has turned the tide on rural depopulation, becoming a model for other communities in need of revitalization.

What Is Cohousing?

The Ecoaldea of Valdepiélagos is a perfect example of cohousing, a housing model based on shared spaces and resources.

Each family has its own private home, but there are also communal areas like gardens, meeting rooms, workshops, and recreational spaces. This approach helps lower costs, fosters deeper social relationships, and creates a more sustainable way of life.

Here, it’s not just about living next to other people—it’s about building an active, collaborative community. Relationships are cultivated, and lives intertwine. Communal spaces and shared gardens form the beating heart of the community, because true sustainability isn’t just about the environment—it’s social as well.

Houses That Breathe With Nature

In Valdepiélagos, every home in the eco-village is in constant conversation with its surroundings. Windows face south to capture the winter sun, while thick, eco-built walls protect from the summer heat.

On the rooftops, photovoltaic panels and solar collectors harness Spain’s generous sunlight, supplying electricity and hot water sustainably—essentially eliminating energy bills.

And that’s not all: every drop of water is precious, so gray water from sinks and showers is filtered and reused to irrigate gardens or orchards. The result? A virtuous microcosm where everything essential is close at hand and daily life naturally becomes more mindful.

In the Ecoaldea of Valdepiélagos, it’s not just about ecological constructions; it’s a genuine invitation to slow down and rediscover the pleasure of living. Spaces here nurture the soul, helping people find a new rhythm—one that’s closer to the Earth and its non-human inhabitants.

A Village on the Move

Today, the Ecoaldea of Valdepiélagos is a living organism, constantly evolving and experimenting. From energy self-sufficiency projects to creating common areas, each day brings new possibilities.

Monthly community meetings, permaculture workshops, craft labs, and seasonal celebrations are commonplace. The village streets fill with laughter and lively exchanges, while evenings come alive with film screenings, shared dinners, and music under the stars.

Balancing Freedom and Responsibility

Choosing to live in an eco-village means rewriting the concept of everyday life. Decisions are made collectively, communal spaces are managed together, and relationships are nurtured with respect and trust.

There are no rigid rules—just a delicate balance between individual freedom and collective well-being. Everyone chooses their own pace and lifestyle, while respecting one another’s choices and remembering they’re part of something bigger.

A Model for the Future

The Ecoaldea of Valdepiélagos proves that another path is possible—one where sustainability is both built and lived daily, and where community spirit is strong yet never stifling. Life here is slower, simpler, and infinitely richer.

Its impact reaches beyond the village itself: it has revitalized Valdepiélagos, drawn new families, and stimulated the local economy. It’s living proof that inhabiting this planet responsibly isn’t a pipe dream but a collective choice—one that’s achievable and profoundly rewarding.

In a Nutshell

Just 50 km from Madrid, the Ecoaldea of Valdepiélagos is a living laboratory of change and holistic sustainability. Here, thirty families share a community-focused, eco-friendly way of life, forging a new balance between humanity and Nature.