Read the judge's green questionnaire on Finca la Herradura

Another place with a story - two Britons, Jeanette and Russell Welham, with barely a word of Spanish between them (him a car wash mechanic, her a house wife emerging from a damaging marriage) high tail it from grey British life to a complete wreck at the end of a perilous 2km track into the Alpujarras mountains in Spain.

Their plan? To create their own little green paradise, where they can try their hand at farming olives, run a little self-catering lodge and escape the bad memories of the past.

They have part-resurrected their little smattering of ancient single storey buildings - still a work in progress - and now have an 'off grid' holiday business that just about allows them to survive out there.

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Everything is done by hand - in seven years they've drafted in a builder only once - and according to the building traditions of the local area. They must have one of the most low impact holiday spots I've come across.

Yes, it's simple. But it's pretty comfortable considering.

What's it like to visit? Is it value for money? I really warmed to this place. It's in an the most epic setting and is like nothing I've stayed at before. The bed was deliciously comfortable, the kitchen very low key and clearly more for summer living (when you spend little time indoors).

Each casita has its own vine-covered verandah with views into that dramatic valley. It's really special. And it's off grid. For £360 a week low season (2 people) and and £540 high season, it's not bad value.

And finally finally.... What is the single most significant achievement it has made regarding local people, the environment and/or conservation? Carving an existence, and a pretty darn green one, out of this arid, unforgiving part of Spain. And sticking doggedly to their principles - and often paying more for them.

NOMINATED BY: I would like to nominate the Finca in Orgiva, Spain. Laherradura as being green, they have no main services, solar powered lighting, and have started to encourage their guests to recycle. Nature is fabulous here with amazing views among the mountains. Set amongst 45 acres. A very peaceful place and all their guests have been very happy. The Finca has also been restored to a high standard - nature watchers, Walkers and Honeymooners are regular visitors, amongst others - Rosalie Ward, Brentwood, Essex

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