Mas de l’Om
Mas de l’Om : A Thousand-Year-Old Farmhouse Reimagined for Regenerative Living
Nestled deep within the Alta Garrotxa Natural Park in Catalonia, Mas de l’Om is a historic masia with a legacy spanning over a millennium. Since 1982, this collective farmhouse & mountain refuge has been undergoing a thoughtful transformation, preserving its rich heritage while embracing modern regenerative practices.
A Sanctuary for Nature and Community
Accessible only by a one-hour hike, Mas de l’Om offers a rare opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Surrounded by rugged terrain and lush forests, the property is home to a variety of animals, including goats, donkeys, and a horse, fostering a deep connection to the land and its rhythms.
Embracing Permaculture and Ecological Stewardship
The ongoing renovations prioritize ecological sustainability, integrating permaculture principles to create a self-sustaining environment. Efforts are focused on maintaining the area’s natural beauty and preserving traditional farming methods, ensuring that the land continues to thrive for generations to come.
A Hub for Retreats, Education, and the Arts
Mas de l’Om is evolving into a vibrant platform for various activities that celebrate nature and creativity. The secluded setting makes it an ideal location for retreats focused on mindfulness, wellness, and personal growth. Additionally, the site is becoming a center for wildlife education, offering programs that connect participants with the local ecosystem. Artistic endeavors are also encouraged, with the landscape serving as both inspiration and canvas for creative expression.
A Living Testament to Resilience
The whole village stands as a testament to resilience, having withstood the test of time and the challenges of modern development. Its transformation into a center for regenerative living and cultural enrichment reflects a commitment to honoring the past while cultivating a harmonious future.
Living According to Nature : The Cynic Heritage in a Frugal Way of Life
The modest, self-sufficient, land-rooted lifestyle cultivated at Mas de l’Om. Living close to nature, relying on traditional farming, minimal consumption, and ecological sustainability resonates deeply with the Cynic ideal of living “according to nature.” For Antisthenes, and later Diogenes, virtue and inner freedom came from rejecting wealth, social status, and unnecessary comfort; true happiness required only what was essential, cultivating autonomy and moral integrity rather than chasing external possessions. In this sense, Mas de l’Om’s commitment to simplicity, ecological stewardship, and a communal return to land mirrors the ancient Cynic call to pare down life to its essentials, embrace self-sufficiency, and reject the materialistic values that distance humans from natural and ethical living.
For those seeking an authentic experience rooted in nature and tradition, Mas de l’Om offers a unique sanctuary where history, ecology, and creativity converge.
