Swapping the Welsh forests for Spanish olive groves – an escape to the country becomes an escape to Andalucia – meet Nikki Channon. Nikki is fearless is her pursuit of a big dream. She invites us to join in her journey to Spain; her next adventure! Read her story.
Why Spain?
We hope to be living in the Axarquia region within the next few months. We are taking the huge step of selling our beautiful home and business of 16+ years, Brechfa Forest Barns – Totally Dog Friendly Escapes, and swapping the Welsh forests for Spanish olive groves.
We’ve always been passionate about creating unforgettable holidays and are taking our other business MudTrek Mountain Bike Breaks (or Mountain Bike Spain as it has been renamed) with us and chasing a brand new dream in Andalucía!
We are now ready for our next big adventure: buying a rural property, learning the Spanish way of life, and building not one but TWO new businesses — mountain biking holidays and cooking & craft retreats.
We have two naughty beagles, Alfie & Dilly, who are, of course, coming too!
We would love you to follow our real-time journey on our Facebook page “Escape to Andalucia” as we sell up, move abroad, renovate, decorate, tackle Spanish red tape, and create a new life under the sun — chaos, laughter, and maybe a few TV cameras included (again)!
We featured on BBC1’s “I Escaped to the Country” previously – you can find it at www.brechfaforestbarns.co.uk – feel free to have a laugh at our expense!
We will be very pleased to meet new contacts and friends so please do get in touch. The adventure starts here!
And will you be based?
We have chosen the Axarquia region for it’s stunning scenery, wonderful way of life, culture and climate plus the proximity to the sea and mountains.
Do you have any advice for Women thinking about making the move?
Do it! We chased our last dream and made it happen so we can do it again!
How do you currently spend your days?
Currently I spend my days marketing Brechfa Forest Barns – Totally Dog Friendly Escapes.
We have built all we have from scratch – we were poorly paid pub singers previously.
We love the hospitality industry and we are bringing our experience with us to sunnier climes.
I love to cook and entertain, Jay loves to mountain bike and we both adore dogs. We spend all of our spare time with friends and the dogs and seem to have a house full pretty much all the time – which we just love.
Over the years though I have been yearning to exercise my creative streak and this move and business plan will allow me to do that whilst keeping a firm hold on what matters most to me.
What is something spectacular you would like to achieve in just one day?
I love to make the people around me happy. If I achieve that on a daily basis it feels pretty spectacular.
Something you have achieved and are grateful for?
Um, how long have you got? I spend time every day practicing gratitude!
Building Brechfa Forest Barns & MudTrek Mountain Breaks from scratch into two award-winning small businesses. Successfully running both with my husband, balancing creativity and practical management.
And now, expanding our entrepreneurial vision into new Spanish ventures. Making the bold decision to move to Andalucía and building a life around adventure, creativity, and sunshine. So many of our guests, friends and family think we’re nuts as we’ve created an incredible life here in Wales. But we are listening to our instinct and following it.
Successfully reducing my alcohol content (it was not ok) by 85% and enjoying the mental clarity, calm, and self-pride it brings. I did NOT want to bring that excessive habit to Spain where wine is so plentiful and inexpensive.
Learning to let go of things (and people) that no longer serve me, opening space for what does. Tough one as I have a narcissistic father and toxic family life but I’m putting me first now.
Turning challenges into opportunities — there have been many!!! Resilience is my middle name these days!
Staying proactive in challenging times – Covid was a nightmare, as it was for many.
Maintaining a very happy marriage – hubby might not agree…
Who would be at your special dinner party?
My circle of friends gets smaller as I get older so it would have to include all those that remain closest to me for all the right reasons. However! I think adding the following to the mix could be fascinating!
Deborah Meaden – for her sharp business mind and no-nonsense yet warm personality.
Nigella Lawson – for her blend of culinary artistry, storytelling charm, and love for hosting. I might be under pressure there though!
Sara Davies – such a down-to-earth businesswoman who’s great at making big ideas happen and keeping them fun.
Ben Fogle – for his travel tales, love of the outdoors, and gentle, encouraging nature.
Joanna Lumley – for her grace, humour and the ability to light up a room.
What’s your secret weapon or accomplishment?
I had to ask my bestie. Eek! “She’s a whirlwind of creativity and energy with a gift for making people — and dogs — feel instantly at home. She’s fearless about chasing big dreams, whether that’s building award-winning businesses from scratch or moving to another country to start all over again. She has this rare mix of warmth, humour, and sharp business sense, so she can charm you over dinner while casually mapping out a killer marketing strategy. She notices the little details that make life beautiful and somehow turns them into thriving ventures. And honestly? She’s unstoppable — in the most inspiring way.”
Blimey! There’s a reason she’s my friend!!!
Do you have a favourite mantra you live by?
“I can, I will, watch me!” I’ll never trod on anyone’s toes to get where I’m going but – those special people who always cheer me on? – I’m taking them with me for the ride! Poor buggers.
One thing you had to bring to Spain and could never give away?
My support network – husband, friends, dogs ❤️
Do you have a favourite film?
“Under The Tuscan Sun” because it mirrors my own story — the courage to start over without a full plan, the joy of transforming something neglected into something beautiful, the romance of Mediterranean life, and the magic of creating a home full of warmth, food, and connection, where unexpected gifts turn out better than your original plan. And
I love Diane Lane – great actress!
As an aside it is my Mum’s favourite film too. I am a mini version of her and have inherited all her loves – food, gardens, beauty, mediterranean life. Sadly she now has dementia so I’m going to live my best life for her.
Something you would tell your younger self?
Don’t let anybody dull your sparkle – ever!
Thank you Nikki Channon where can we connect?
Follow our journeys:-
And our websites:-
