You are here: Home / Blog

Asturian Towns – Arriondas – Built on the Sella…

May 10, 2023 by Leave a Comment

Located in the eastern part of the northern Spanish region of Asturias, the small town of Arriondas is a charming and historic destination that is known for its picturesque natural surroundings and unique cultural offerings. Arriondas is in the county of Parres and is the capital of this country ‘concejo’ of rolling hills and rivers. It is nestled in the foothills of the Picos de Europa mountain range, and is situated along the Sella River and is home to a vibrant community of locals who take pride in their region’s rich heritage and traditions.

The town’s name, Arriondas, is derived from the Asturian word “riondas,” which means “river meanders.” This name is fitting, as the town is situated in a picturesque location along the Sella River, which is a popular spot for outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. In fact, the Sella River is famous for its annual canoe race, the Descenso Internacional del Sella, which attracts thousands of participants and spectators each year.

Beyond its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities, Arriondas is also home to a number of historic landmarks and cultural attractions that give visitors a glimpse into the town’s fascinating past. One of the most prominent of these landmarks is the Palace of Valdés-Bazán, which dates back to the 17th century and features a stunning Baroque façade that is a must-see for architecture enthusiasts.

A view of Arriondas with the hills behind

Another notable attraction in Arriondas is the Parish Church of Santa Cruz, which was built in the 18th century and features an impressive stone exterior and intricate interior carvings. This church is a testament to the town’s deep religious roots and is still an active place of worship for the local community.

For those interested in learning more about the region’s history and culture, the town also boasts several museums and cultural centers. One of the most popular of these is the Asturian Museum of Picos de Europa, which showcases the natural and cultural heritage of the region through interactive exhibits and educational programs. The Museum of the Fisherman is also a must-see for those interested in the area’s fishing traditions and includes displays on the history of fishing in the Sella River.

In addition to its cultural and historic attractions, Arriondas is also home to a vibrant culinary scene that is sure to delight foodies of all stripes. The town is famous for its hearty and flavorful Asturian cuisine, which includes dishes like fabada (a hearty bean stew), cachopo (a breaded and fried meat dish), and sidra (a crisp, refreshing apple cider). Many of the local restaurants and bars offer these dishes alongside a range of other regional specialties, making Arriondas a great destination for food lovers.

Of course, no visit to Arriondas would be complete without exploring the surrounding natural beauty of the area. The town is situated in the heart of the Picos de Europa mountain range, which is known for its rugged peaks, verdant forests, and stunning views. Visitors can explore the area through a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and mountain biking to birdwatching and nature photography.

One of the most popular outdoor activities in Arriondas is the aforementioned Descenso Internacional del Sella, which takes place every August and draws participants and spectators from around the world. During this annual canoe race, competitors paddle down the Sella River in colorful kayaks and canoes, racing to the finish line in a festive and adrenaline-fueled atmosphere. But for anyone else the whole year round there’s a dedicated

The annual canoe race at Arriondas

El descenso del Sella – the annual canoe race in Arriondas

And following the canoe race is a huge and very popular music festival Aquasella which simply adds to the summer vibe.

For anyone wanting to live close to Arriondas it’s useful to know that on a more prosaic level there is a wide range of services in the town, from the local town hall that covers the region of Parres to a large hospital as well as schools for all ages and shops, bars, restaurants as well as a huge sports centre. Overall, for anyone living close by it has all the essential services that one would want as well as some delicious non-essentials like the Michelin starred restaurant El Corral de Indianu

The town of Arriondas is a hidden gem in the heart of Asturias that offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in exploring the area’s rich heritage, immersing yourself in its vibrant culinary scene, or simply soaking up the stunning views of the Picos de Europa, Arriondas has something to offer everyone.

Parres, which is the county that surrounds Arriondas is a popular place to live and we have various properties for sale in this area:
Stone-built, semi-detached, fully renovated house with 1850m of land…

20 hectare farm close to Arriondas

High-tech eco home with 25000m2 of land

You can check out the location of Arriondas on the map below…

Filed Under: Asturias, Asturias towns, Life in Asturias

New Testimonial Video – Neil Abbott Uk Client Jan 2023

January 24, 2023 by Leave a Comment

In this video Neil Abbott an English client of Spanish Property North gives a testimonial about working with Mary when he bought his property in Asturias.

We are so grateful for the recommendation and if anyone out there is looking for a house or simply needs help with the purchase process or other relocation services please do get in touch and we will offer you the same level of service that made Neil a very happy client.

The text of the video is below:
‘My name’s Neil, a client of Mary Ryan from Spanish Property North and i just wanted to recommend her if you are thinking of buying a place in Spain, to get away from it all and to live the dream!
I just wanted to say that Mary is a very, very good estate agent who knows how things work here. I couldn’t have got this place without her – she made the impossible happen! So i got this 265m2 house with 5 bedrooms – I’ve renovated the 5th bedroom into a yoga space so now I can offer meditation + yoga retreats breathwork, and cold water bathing. So thanks Mary, it was amazing how you managed to pull all that off during the lockdown.
So I’m really grateful for that, and if anyone’s having thoughts about using Mary, I’d say she’s your best bet, especially if Spanish is not your first language as she knows the system and keeps everything simple and very efficient. I couldn’t have done it without you Mary It was incredible how it all worked out and now I own this place! I have big plans for this place and everyday it’s a joy to get up and do things here!’

Filed Under: Asturias, Moving to Spain, overseas property, testimonial

Winter in Asturias

January 17, 2023 by Leave a Comment

As we enter the second half of January, winter is finally arriving here in northern Spain. Over the weekend, from our home high in the Cordillera Cantábrica mountains of central Asturias, we watched a steady trip-trap of horses being led down from their grazing on the high plateaus, as farmers prepped for the predicted arrival of Storm Gérard. Our house is at 700m above sea level  and we are surrounded by high mountain passes and even higher peaks so it’s a great spot from which to witness the unfurling of winter. 

Given the forecast we decided to undertake the same pilgrimage as our farming neighbours, up onto one of those high plateaus. Our hike up to the Braña of Vicecenturo (approx 1,300m altitude) from the Puerto de Marabio (1,000m alt.) was, however, for pure pleasure; to simply breathe in the fresh mountain air and drink in the spectacular views before Gérard would keep us indoors for a few days. Here’s a selection of snaps from Saturday:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Sure enough, today rain and wind have raged and the rivers are running in full spate, mini waterfalls sprout at the sides of the road that cuts through the steep-sided gorge at the bottom of our valley. On the early morning school run we passed the snow plough heading towards Puerto Ventana, on the border with León, where the snow will already be fast accumulating. 

Our usually spectacular views have been obscured and it’s been a great day for head-down office work, cracking on with all those mundane Monday tasks.  And all the while we are happy in the knowledge that when the rain does stop and the sun comes out it will be to dazzle upon gleaming white-capped peaks.

The excitement is palpable within the large winter and mountain sports community who have had to wait longer than usual for their playground to come into condition. The ski stations are scheduled to open on the weekend and the cross-country skiers and snowshoers will be out in force all over the Cordillera!

P.S. We know that weather and climate is a fascination for anyone with an interest in Asturias. Would you like to see more weather-related posts to get a feel for what the lived experience is? Please put your questions and suggestions below in the comments or email us at info@spanishpropertynorth.com

P.P.S. If you fancy visiting the trails and crags of Teverga for yourself then check out our holiday rental apartment in the heart of San Martín de Teverga

Below are some photos from the last big snow we had, in January 2021 when Storm Filomena passed through and when we got out snowshoeing at Marabio.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Asturias, Life in Asturias, Weather and climate Tagged With: , , ,

Buying a rural property? You could be eligible for reduced purchase tax

January 12, 2023 by

When purchasing property here in Asturias the rule of thumb is to allow 10-12% above the purchase price to cover all extra fees and taxes. The biggest chunk of this is the purchase tax which in the case of second-hand properties (impuesto de transmisiones patrimoniales, ITP) is set at 8%. On new build properties the applicable tax is 10% IVA (VAT).

However, if you are looking to buy a rural property and make it your home then the good news is that you may be eligible for a 25% reduction in that purchase tax, from 8% to 6%.  As an example, on the purchase of a 300,000€ property you would save 6,000€, which is not to be sniffed at.

 

Asturian government document on property tax

This lowering of the ITP tax rate to 6% is a measure that is aimed at combating rural depopulation and is applicable in rural areas that are deemed to be particularly at risk from declining population and as long as the property will be the buyers’ main residence.

In order to qualify for the reduced tax rate you must take up residence in the house within 6 months from the date of purchase and it must be your full-time home for a continuous period of at least 3 years.

However it is understood that the house does not cease to be considered your permanent residence under the following circumstances:

a) In the event of the death of the taxpayer or of other circumstances outside of their control that prevent them taking up residence

b) When the taxpayer has a permanent residence linked to their profession or job, in which case the timeframes indicated start once their contract has ceased.

c) When renovation works need to take place prior to taking up residence. In this case the timeframe within which the buyer must take up residence is within 3 months of completion of the works, with an absolute limit of one year from the date of purchase.

The areas that are considered to be at risk of depopulation have been determined by the government and are listed in the official government bulletin (BOPA 240 15-XII-2020)

Filed Under: Asturias, Asturias property

Latest testimonial – Assistance with property purchase in northern Spain

December 8, 2022 by

One of the services which Spanish Property North offers is a package to assist people, even though they may not have found the property through us, to complete a purchase of a property in Northern Spain. We can ‘hold your hand’ throughout the process – from initial view of the paper work to translating at the signing (and beyond) – to make sure this important, expensive and often tricky process runs as smoothly as possible.

For example, earlier this year we had the pleasure of assisting Frank and Safia from the Netherlands with the purchase of a property in Colunga, Asturias and later advising them on a second purchase that they were also considering. They found the properties via a local agent and they then employed us on a consultancy basis to guide them safely and easily through the whole process; from negotiations through obtaining NIEs, overseeing technical reports, attendance in Notaría and assistance with utiities and bank accounts.

Here you can read their experience in their own words:

Our story:
Mary was introduced to us by a young Dutch woman, who until recently lived in Asturias, somewhere high in the mountains, who had positive experiences with Mary when buying and selling her house in Spain. Mary is originally English, but has lived with her family in Asturias for almost 18 years and is therefore fluent in Spanish.  She knows professionally about all the in/outs/formalities and was willing to guide us through this purchasing process.  You need someone like that.  Point.  Only then can you continue in the purchasing process.

A buying process of a house in Spain requires specific knowledge and is not completed in 1 day.  To avoid surprises and traveling back and forth, we have authorized Mary to do business on our behalf, up to the signing of the purchase contract.  This is formally recorded with a Spanish notary, in Oviedo.  This means that it is not without obligation, and reliable.

There were some minor defects in the house we wanted to buy that needed to be resolved.  All this was neatly laid down in the preliminary purchase contract.  Under the watchful eye of Mary. Anyway, we finally came to a financial agreement with the seller, the required documents were approved by Mother Mary, and on the last day of our stay in Spain we were able to sign the preliminary purchase contract ourselves.

Back in NL we have transferred the deposit, 10% of the purchase amount, with which the ‘object’ is also off the market. Mary started in Spain with the application of the required NIE numbers.  This is a citizen service number for foreign residents  and is requested at a police station. Finally, a few months later, Mary signed the purchase contract in Spain, so we did not have to go to Spain, which saved us time and money!

At a later stage, Mary also helped us with some problems with the bills from the energy company there. Finally, she advised us on the inspection of another house in Asturias, by calling in an architect for an architectural report, as a result of which the purchase of that house (fortunately afterwards) did not go through.

In other words: Mary, thank you very much!
Frank and Safia, the Netherlands (and now Asturias).

A Notary's office

The Notary prepares the deed of purchase and publicly notarises before presenting it to the Land Registry

Filed Under: Asturias, Asturias property, Moving to Spain, overseas property, testimonial

New Digital Nomad Visa

November 24, 2022 by

If you are a remote worker lucky enough to be able to work from anywhere then it just got a whole lot easier for you to move to Spain. Earlier this month Spain’s government passed the long-awaited Startup Law, aimed at attracting talent and investment into the country and making it generally more attractive to entrepreneurs. Within this legislation is the so-called digital nomad visa that will enable remote workers and their spouse/partner and dependent children to live in Spain for up to five years and potentially later providing a route to permanent residency. The law also has tax breaks within it which make it even more favorable.

two people work at laptops in country house

Photo by Manu Prats

While the legislation has been passed and is no longer just speculation  it is due to actually come into force in early 2023. We will let you know when the exact date is confirmed but now is the time to prime yourself with information so you can be ready to get your application in as soon as the gates open! So here are some of the basics that we know already.

The digital nomad visa is primarily aimed at non European Economic area nationals (including Brits of course) as these are the people who will really benefit from an easier route into a working visa. If you’re an EU passport holder living and working in Spain is very straightforward but if not then obtaining a visa that allows you to work here has historically been difficult and a rather arduous process. But no more! As long as you can fulfil certain requirements.

  • You must be a remote worker and you must have worked remotely for at least a year
  • If you are under contract to a company that permits remote working you must have had a professional relationship with them for at least three months
  • You need to be earning the majority of your income from outside Spain and you need to be able to demonstrate that.
  • Your work for Spanish companies must not exceed 20% of your total income
  • If you are freelance you must be able to provide the terms and conditions of your work with at least one company outside Spain

The visa will initially be granted for a year, with a two year extension allowed, followed by another two year extension which will bring it up to a total of five years. It is thought that there may be introduced a route into permanent residency after the five year period but this has yet to be confirmed.

It has not yet been confirmed where you will apply for this visa. In the case of the Non-Lucrative visa for example you must apply from your home country but it is looking more likely that you will be able to apply for the digital nomad visa within the 90 day period of the Schengen visitor allowance as one of the requirements will be to prove an address here.

As more details become known and dates are confirmed we will continue to keep you informed. And when the digital nomad visa is up and running we will be able to assist you with the process, so feel free to get in touch now to get the ball rolling.

Filed Under: Life in Asturias, Moving to Spain, Spanish visas Tagged With: , ,