Ourense – for and against

Here are some observations to consider if you are contemplating buying a house in rural Ourense province.

For (why you might want to buy in Ourense)

• Ourense province and especially the south eastern areas are probably the most remote in Galicia - but equally they are probably the most beautiful. With Galicia you are always talking about different scales of natural beauty, but for us Ourense just edges the other 3 provinces – its mountainous areas are the most mountainous and its river valleys are breathtaking.
• Ourense actually sees Galicia's highest summer temperatures and the region has the Ribeira wine, one of Spain’s top sellers, as a major economic mainstay. Vineyards and bodegas fill parts of this beautiful province.
• Ourense has just one city, its self named capital, but it has many villages and towns of all sizes and some, like Ribadavia and Allariz really are stunning – if somewhat remote.
• There is no question that Ourense has a large number of typically rustic and rural houses. Many of these houses are very cheap and if you want a refurbishment or rebuild project there will be plenty of ideal properties from which to select.

Although, like Lugo, the majority of Galician’s consider Ourense somewhat remote, there is a triangular area of Ourense (bordered by Pontevedra and the southern tip of Lugo) which is easily accessible, close to motorways and main roads and still very rural.

• Many would argue that Ourense offers the truest representation of Galicia. Its economy remains almost totally agricultural and if you want to make an escape from the outside world Ourense will allow you to forget about the twenty first century.
• With the exception of Ourense city and a couple of big towns, this province sees few apartments, little in the way of new housing development and it retains all of its intrinsic rustic charm.

Ourense has long since had a reputation for being isolated and remote with much of its eastern border being mountainous (and once impassable), but this contributes to the province’s beauty. Foreigners (and this term includes non Galician Spaniards) are seen as a real novelty in many parts of Ourense where the welcome is always a warm one.

Against (really just some considerations to be aware of)

• With the exception of a few northern districts, Ourense has one major drawback - its geographical isolation. It is not so much distance that causes the problem, but the lack of a good road and motorway system. These road networks are present in la Coruna and Pontevedra, but absent in much of Ourense and parts of Lugo.

• Short (as the bird flies) distances on a map can take a lifetime to reach by car in Ourense. If you live close to a major town then this is not a problem, but if that is not the case isolation will be a serious issue and more so in the winter.

• Many of the more remote rural houses have no possibility of mains electricity connections or phone lines and water supply can also be a problem. Do though be aware that generators, springs and mobile phones are all workable alternatives and accepted as the norm by the native population.
• As with the isolated parts of all four provinces you need to think carefully about buying a house in the most rural of Ourense’s countryside. Getting away from everything for 2 or 3 weeks a year is one thing, but spending 12 months a year is somewhat different.

Ourense is beautiful, untouched and completely rural, but do not confuse freedom and open spaces with complete isolation. Remember that when isolated rural houses are “dirt cheap” they are so for a reason. These properties are perfect for a certain type of house buyer, but think about future lifestyle implications carefully before considering this kind of investment.

Quick reference summaries of the other 3 provinces

Buying a house in Lugo Reasons for and against.

Buying a house in la Coruna Reasons for and against.

Buying a house in Pontevedra Reasons for and against.