A Shift Towards the Good Simple Life
Note: La Infinita Rural Boutique and El Molino were transferred at the end of 2024. Stay tuned for updates on their transformation.
The story of Lucia and Fernando is timeless and still worth discovering. Their journey and the spaces they’ve created are a testament to their vision, and you’ll want to know how it all began. Keep reading to learn more about their inspiring path.
Have you ever considered making a radical 360-degree turn in your life? That’s exactly what the owners of today’s feature did.
Although La Infinita Rural Boutique has now closed, I was fortunate to visit Carmona, Cantabria, in the past to learn about the project and discover the inspiration behind it.
Lucia and Fernando have created two spaces so cozy and full of soul that they’ve become the kind of project where you can’t help but want to know the backstory and how it all began. I also visited La Infinita and El Molino to assess their potential for hosting events. As many of you know, I’m deeply involved in location scouting, group gatherings, and events.
Here’s a brief overview of this couple’s journey, based on a conversation I had with Fernando.
All the photos in this report © La Infinita Rural Boutique except those expressly indicated.
From City Hustle to Rural Harmony: The Story of La Infinita Rural Boutique
Fernando and Lucía, a couple from Madrid, made the bold decision to leave the fast-paced life behind and embrace “the good, simple life.” Seeking peace away from the stress of city living, they found themselves in Carmona, a picturesque village nestled between the sea and the mountains, known for being one of the most beautiful in Cantabria.
In this idyllic setting, they restored a stunning 18th-century stone house, typical of mountain architecture, with four rooms. They named it La Infinita Rural Boutique, a place that would soon become a retreat for those seeking tranquility and connection with nature.
Not long after, they brought to life El Molino de La Infinita Rural Boutique, a charming retreat set in an old restored mill. This peaceful hideaway boasted a private garden with a river running through it, offering a serene and intimate escape for all who visited.
While La Infinita Rural Boutique and El Molino are no longer open, their legacy of simplicity, beauty, and connection with nature continues to inspire.
The Serendipitous Beginning of La Infinita Rural Boutique
La Infinita Rural Boutique was a project that came about unexpectedly. Fernando often says that it wasn’t them who found the house, but rather the house that found them. Initially, they never planned to open a business like this. Both lived and worked in Madrid, and their goal was simply to spend weekends away in a peaceful spot. They visited the area and immediately fell in love with the village.
Back in Madrid on Monday, they started browsing rental platforms, looking for a place to visit on weekends, a simple escape from the city. But when they came across the house that would eventually become La Infinita, they were captivated. The owners revealed that it had once been a hotel and still had the license to operate, though the space had been closed for a decade. That’s when things started to click for Fernando and Lucía. They began doing the math, and soon after, they decided to transform the space into the charming boutique hotel that many of us came to know.
A Life-Changing Decision: Leaving Behind Security for a New Future
It’s hard not to fall in love with a place like this, don’t you think? Fernando was a manager at a large insurance company, with a promising career ahead. Lucía worked in Marketing and Communications at the same firm. Despite their financial success, they weren’t happy. Their careers, though secure, left them feeling unfulfilled.
Even though their professional lives were solid, they both knew something had to change. Fernando couldn’t imagine himself in the same job at 50. The thought of it felt depressing, and he feared he would regret not making a bold decision sooner.
In the end, the excitement of change outweighed the fear of the unknown.
Overcoming the Challenges of Rural Integration
One of the biggest challenges Fernando and Lucía faced after leaving their jobs and moving to Carmona was adjusting to life in a rural area and integrating with the local community.
Initially, the locals were hesitant. They were a close-knit group, and it’s natural for them to be cautious when a new project comes into their quiet town. It’s easy to imagine their concerns—what would a young couple from the city be doing in a peaceful, rural setting?
For the first year, it wasn’t easy. At times, the locals would turn their heads or avoid eye contact. But over time, things changed. Today, Fernando and Lucía are fully integrated into the village. The people of Carmona are now not only welcoming but genuinely happy for them. Their daughter is now the “granddaughter” of the whole town.
The Transformative Benefits of a Simpler Life
The change that Lucía and Fernando made in their lives brought them countless benefits. They reconnected with the true essence of life in a way that city living simply couldn’t offer. The closeness to nature provides something urban life never could.
Though La Infinita Rural Boutique was never a planned venture, it became a turning point in their lives. Through this project, they found the life change they so desperately needed. They realized that life didn’t need to be filled with constant consumption. While rural life still involves some level of consumption, it’s far less than the overwhelming pace of city life.
What they were truly seeking was a more coherent, simpler, and quieter life. In Carmona, there are no stores, and the nearest town is several kilometers away. This natural distance helped reduce consumption, but more importantly, they discovered the joy of living with less—and how, in doing so, life became richer.
Rural Life: A Simple Yet Rewarding Choice
In the rural world, opportunities may seem fewer at first glance. However, Lucía and Fernando believe that raising their children in an environment so closely connected to nature is a priceless reward. What might initially appear to be a disadvantage ends up becoming an advantage when compared to life in a city.
For instance, rural schools are small, with fewer students, allowing for a closer, more personalized, and protective environment. Medical centers are more accessible, where you can call in the morning and get an appointment the same day. While some might argue that this comes at the expense of specialization or access to more tailored education, Lucía and Fernando have found that it’s a trade-off worth making. In the end, they believe it’s actually quite fortunate.
In line with its motto, “the good simple life,” La Infinita Rural Boutique emphasizes that while rural areas may lack certain infrastructures, they often offer something equally valuable: simplicity. And for Lucía and Fernando, the relative solitude and less dense population have become one of the greatest advantages of all.
Embracing Independence and Nature
Lucía and Fernando have embarked on both a personal and professional journey that has allowed them to become their own bosses, free from external pressures. This independence has enabled them to pour even more care and attention into their project, compensating for some of the things they might have missed by leaving the city behind.
Their decision to make a radical change was particularly significant because they had lived in the heart of Madrid, a city teeming with leisure and cultural offerings. They do miss those elements. They also miss their family and friends. However, the closeness to nature has made up for it all, and in the process, they’ve found a spirituality they hadn’t realized they were missing when they lived in the city. Fernando emphasizes that there’s a world of difference between doing things by choice versus out of obligation. In the past, Madrid felt more like an obligation, but now, it’s a choice—something they look forward to with fresh eyes. Living in a big city often puts you on autopilot, causing you to lose the excitement and appreciation for the things around you. So now, whenever this family returns to Madrid for a few days, they fully embrace the city and make the most of it.
Raising Children in Nature
Lucía and Fernando wouldn’t change the fact that they can give their children the opportunity to grow up in such a rich and authentic environment. Especially now, with the world moving toward total virtualization, their children get to witness life as it truly is—like watching a cow calve or graze. This real-life experience provides them with a tangible understanding of where humans come from and what reality truly means. And while their children will eventually decide which model of life they want to pursue in the future, Lucía and Fernando believe this connection to nature gives them an invaluable foundation for those choices.
La Infinita Rural Boutique: A Journey That’s Now Part of the Past
La Infinita Rural Boutique was located in a breathtaking valley. The air smelled of wood and grass. The sounds of cows and birds could be heard all around. It was the perfect place to disconnect and return feeling refreshed. With its four beautifully decorated rooms, a charming garden, and a cozy living room with a fireplace, it was the ideal spot to disconnect and recharge.
El Molino de la Infinita, an old mill that once ground corn flour for the entire valley and even generated electricity for the village, was another special space that became part of the project. Guests could stay in this beautiful cottage, surrounded by serene gardens offering total privacy. It was the perfect location for families, friends, or couples seeking tranquility, and ideal for hosting events, shoots, and photoshoots.
Although La Infinita and El Molino are no longer operating, their memories of peaceful retreats and unforgettable experiences remain in the hearts of all who visited.
A New Chapter: The Legacy of La Infinita Rural Boutique
A huge thank you to Fernando and Lucía for their hospitality and for allowing me to experience their beautiful spaces. After my weekend at La Infinita Rural Boutique, I left feeling rejuvenated. If you’re ever looking for a place to truly disconnect, I highly recommend visiting Carmona. The warm, personal service, the unique atmosphere, and the stunning surroundings made it an unforgettable experience.
Although La Infinita and El Molino are no longer operational, their legacy continues to inspire those who have stayed there. Today, Fernando and Lucía are taking a break to redesign their lives and offer an even more exceptional experience when they return. Their mission remains to create a space that inspires and adds something special to every moment.
As they share:
“We’re taking a moment to refresh and renew, so we can offer you even more of the unique experiences you love. We can’t wait to welcome you back soon, with even more of what makes La Infinita special.”
They appreciate your patience during this period of transformation and will keep you updated through their social media channels so you don’t miss out on any exciting news.
Now, I leave you with a few questions:
What did you think of Lucía and Fernando’s story?
How do you feel about their life change?
Has their journey inspired you to rethink your own situation or take a leap of your own?
Would you ever consider making a similar change, or does it feel too daunting?
Feel free to share your thoughts with me on Instagram, where I’m always posting fresh content.
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