It's rare to find in the do, do, do of our modern world,                  a place where the muse still resides.

The Finca is a historic and restorative jewel, a one of a kind place to unwind, nurture your creative soul,  break away from the modern world, and really connect with your surroundings and the people you are with. Call it ley lines, feng shui, or simply the fantastic view . . . there is magic here. Now that John Rigge has passed on and Pat is in her sunset years the next generation is invited to step forth to care for this amazing place. This is where we come in, and invite you. 

Our vision is to create a one of a kind retreat, group venue, or personal getaway. We started this project last Spring and have taken it as far as we can by ourselves.  We put $50,000 into new rooves, beams, and other repairs, and successfully ran our first 10-day writers retreat. Hosting this group and twenty or so other guests over the summer gave us a very clear list of what was working and what still needed to be done.

Currently the Finca can house 7 guests and 4 family/staff. We need to be able to accomodate 15 guests and 5 famly/staff for the business model to be financially sustainable. The operation will be able to pay its own way by the second year but we need this jump-start to get there.

We plan to transform 3 existing out-buildings into guest quarters, upgrade the plumbing and heating, purchase a vehicle for transportation of guests, and bring the pool area back to life. All modifications will be done in the historic and aesthetic style of the Finca, using the same local builders that have been working with the property for the last 40 years, keeping the rugged, rural feel that has been its signature.

The Finca and Locale

One hour from Madrid, the Finca sits in the middle of hundreds of acres of olive trees, almond groves, and natural forest. The gentle slope overlooks a breathtaking valley with a 400 mile view. The original buildings, part of a brickworks,  date back 250 years. There is evidence of habitation on the site going back to Roman times. Three natural springs are the lifeblood of the property. There are 7 buildings, a pigeon house, and a spring fed pool - all connected by meandering footpaths, creating a campus feel. 

The Great Hall serves as a central meeting area and is ideal for concerts and large groups. The Casita is a casual sitting room. The Tenar is a large open lean-to for dining, hanging out, or escaping the heat of the late summer sun. There are private quarters, and numerous places to be by yourself or with small groups. A central kitchen serves the whole property. There are smaller kitchens in two buildings. Numerous hiking trails venture to the forrest.  Ancient footpaths lead to nearby villages. The surrounding locale is rich with thousands of years of vibrant history and culture.  Within a half hour of the Finca there are 4 large castles, one the home of the famous El Cid. We are also on the route of Don Quixote - Man of La-Mancha and near the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, the famous ancient pilgrimage.

What's at stake?

The honest fact is that unless we create this retreat and guest center, the Finca will have to be sold. Nothing would stop a new owner from bulldozing the buildings and putting in a modern villa. This is our chance to ensure that doesn't happen, and it has to happen now.

Our gift to you.

With your help we will make sure that the Finca is here for you and others to visit, and for a future where places like the Finca are rapidly disappearing. We can help you get here by offering substantial discounts and time at the Finca.  If you are not the traveling type then you will get a piece of the Finca sent to you – whether a photo, painting, postcard or Finca adventures via the Friends of the Finca newsletter. The Finca and its layers of history will be a part of your world, or at least on your refrigerator or your wall. 

What you can do. 

1. Contribute what you can. 
2. Email a link to this page to all your friends you think would like the Finca. Download some photos from the gallery and send them along.
3. Post us on your Facebook, and link to this page.
4. Also go to the Friends of the Finca Fan Page for a whole bunch of photos. Make sure to 'like' it.
5. Then start looking at your calendar to plan your visit to the Finca!

How these funds will be spent.

 Total Renovation & First Year Budget     $160,000

• Infrastructure Improvements          $  57,900
  
• General Maintenance and Repair    $  14,200  
  
• One time costs                             $  29,200  
  
• Operating costs (partial)                $  53,700
  
• Fees & Contingency                      $   5,000