L’Arbreda is an old 17th century farmhouse that has renewed its agricultural and livestock life in recent years. Their sustainable management is beginning to bear fruit: artisanal products that boast top quality and an unforgettable seal called L’Amant.
When Isaac Parés set foot on this estate surrounded by cliffs, he fell in love. The manager of Gosbi, a company specializing in gourmet food for animals, thought it was the ideal place to open the dog shelter he had long dreamed of. However, that initial idea quickly evolved into something more appropriate to the environment: a refuge for native Catalan species in danger of extinction and a sustainably managed farm where agriculture and livestock form two parts of a whole.
Raquel Mora is responsible for the farmhouse and is delighted with the transformation of the landscape: from the disorder and the brush to the orderly mosaic of olive trees, truffles, the orchard, and the pens for its illustrious inhabitants. “We have specimens of Albera, Bruna, and Pallaresa cows... Aranese, Ripollesa, and Chisqueta sheep... Rasquera goat... Pyrenean horse... and Catalan donkey. And Empordà, flor d’ametller, and Penedès hens and the meadow. And Empordà geese too.” When agriculture and livestock go hand in hand, purchasing many external resources that are already obtained naturally can be avoided, and “waste becomes resources.”
Olive trees and sheep. “We’ve left more space between the olive trees so the flocks of sheep can pass through, eat grass, and fertilize the soil with their manure.”
The forest and the Albera cow. This fabulous breed helps them manage 50 hectares of forest around the estate and reduce the risk of fire since their natural habitat is mountains, not meadows.
The organic orchard and the hens. “We have mobile chicken coops that we keep moving around when the orchard is at full capacity. The hens move with them, deworming and fertilizing.”
The water cycle. All the water from the farm goes to an ecological treatment plant and then to a small pond, “and this is the water we use to irrigate.”
Meaningful artisanal products
It was evident that L’Arbreda would take the form of small artisanal delicacies. Now they sell L’olivina extra virgin olive oil, L’aubreda raw cow and goat milk cheeses, L’atrevida beef, L’anhel honey, L’antull marmalade, and more. L’Amant is the seal that embodies them all, even things not made here yet also seeking excellence in the same way by respecting natural cycles and rhythms.
The future of the farmhouse
We wrap up the visit in front of the old farmhouse and barn. They are being worked on and we can glimpse the future. “There is a vast distance between the urban and rural worlds and we want to shorten it with the hotel, restaurant, and many experiences.” Awareness to appreciate, appreciation to love.
We leave L’Arbreda with half a dozen freshly harvested artichokes. They are firm, glistening, and well-rounded, like this project that feeds a love for asphalt-free territory. We didn’t miss our screens, and we would have liked to ask more questions and look around more. We’re ready for the hotel and restaurant to return and close the perfect circle drawn by L’Arbreda and L’Amant.
