Then they see the perfect property for Lisa’s mum, Iris,… and buy it on the spot.

Now the clock is ticking to turn a derelict cottage into a show home for this most discerning of 83-year-old ladies. Once Iris decides to move to Galicia, she wants to move now! This time, Lisa and S have a secret weapon; a veritable rainbow army of Workaway volunteers to help with the renovations. And at least this time, they are ready for the quirks of Spanish bureaucracy… or are they?


Have you ever wanted to leave the rat race, move abroad and live the good life somewhere green and bountiful?


In 2007 Lisa and her partner, the enigmatic S, left their jobs as newt catchers, and their native English shores, for beautiful green Galicia, in the remote northwest of Spain – a place of mystery and mists, Celtic legends and bagpipes, and a language of its very own. There, they set to work to self-renovate a derelict farmhouse, whilst trying to become self-sufficient and learn more about this untamed part of the Iberian Peninsula.


“We first saw A Casa do Campo on a rainswept November morning. Mists were rising and water dripped onto the rusted kitchen range from gaping holes in the roof. There were birds’ nests in the bedrooms and bats in the hallway. Bare, dead looking trees surrounded the property which the Spanish estate agent enthusiastically promised us would be laden with fruit come August. It was love at first sight.”


Plum, Courgette & Green Bean Tarttold the story of that first 12 months living la vida dulce, The Good Life, in this beautiful green part of mainland Spain, Galicia or Galiza in its own language.


Having started to create a real home for themselves in this wild land, in 2009 Lisa and S decided to get married in Galicia. Tomato, Fig & Pumpkin Jelly, the second book in the writing home series followed our intrepid duo through yet more quicksand in the form of a fire-breathing dragon at the local Justice of the Peace office.

Lisa and S never intended to battle any more bureaucracy. They never intended to buy another house, never mind another ruin – but after four years, memories must be fading as they set to work with gusto on their latest project.

This third book in the acclaimed Writing Home series is in two bumper parts; a final year to write home aboutcharts another glorious year of renovations, recipes and relationships whilst, and mother makes 3 in Galiciashows that age is no barrier to moving abroad and living life to the full.

There are more genuine Galician recipes including a chestnut, cherry and kiwi fruit sponge to make (that was an easy one!), and a free photo album to follow as the story unfolds.