A unique 474 hectare ecological estate, with an 18th Century Manor House, 13th Century Castle and abundant rare wildlife species.

18th Century Manor House and ancillary buildings including a spectacular bodega and chapel
13th Century Moorish Castle

Small worker’s cottage
Fully developed, solar-powered water management system
2 huge water deposits and the rights of use of a third
2 fresh water springs
Renewable energy installations
Catalogue of rare flora and fauna
6 hectare Aloe Vera plantation

Domingo Jiménez Beltrán (1944 - 2023) was the first Executive Director of the European Environment Agency and was instrumental in providing a facts-based approach to the pan-European fight against climate change.

This wonderful 474 hectare finca is Beltrán’s legacy. The former industrial engineer and his colleagues formed the Castillo de Chuecos S.L with the vision of turning this historic site into an International Centre for Sustainability. In essence, Domingo wanted to use this centre of biodiversity as his natural laboratory, to prove that you can farm land productively without destroying the environment. Working with local universities, the key principles were exploring solar agriculture, water management in an area renowned for low rainfall, and the circular economy.

Beltrán believed that this part of Spain was one of the “best territories in Europe” and Finca Castillo de Chuecos was his way of proving it.

Now is the time for Beltrán’s legacy to be passed on to a new generation, and this includes all aspects of his work on the estate. Desalinated water is pumped up from nearby Águilas using solar powered installations and a series of high water deposits. Water supply is supplemented by two fresh water springs on the estate, producing 42,258 m3 per year. 6 hectares of the land are leased to a company cultivating Aloe Vera plants. Agreements are in place for the the University of Murcia and the Polytechnic University of Cartagena to use the finca for research, cataloguing of flora and fauna and continued experimentation.

As a destination for eco-tourism, ongoing sustainable agriculture and a centre for reconnecting with nature, this property is unique. There were plans drawn up for the restoration of the 18th Century Manor House, but time sadly ran out. Domingo Jiménez Beltrán died in 2023. This elegant building needs to be brought back to life as befits the importance of the land that surrounds it. The 13th Century castle that sits just above the manor house was built both to protect the fresh water spring below and to provide defence for the Fortress in nearby Lorca.

The Manor House was the family seat of the Conde de San Julián, and the chapel that sits in one corner of the gracious property is dedicated to San Julián.

This property comes with a sense of responsibility and a desire to continue the work of the Castillo de Chuecos Foundation and respect the rich 1,000 year history. It is a breathtakingly beautiful spot, only 30 minutes’ drive from the coast, and yet it feels centuries away from modern life. In this most biodiverse corner of Murcia, located between the arid coastal area of Águilas and the rugged Sierra de Almenara, sustainability, water management and renewable energy are the norms. Olive trees, almond trees, natural wild flower pastures and pine forests are all home to many rare and endangered species including the Spur-thighed Tortoise, Midwife Toads, various birds of prey including Bonelli’s Eagles and Eagle Owls and many other bird species. Accordingly, the finca is part of the ZEPA (Special Protection Area for Birds) and LIC (Site of Community Importance) networks.

The new owner of this unique property will be inheriting both history and the vision of a modern-day pioneer.