Spanish Seductions
Sunny Spain charms with its rugged inland valleys and mountains, offering landscapes as vibrant as its people. From arid desert getaways to historic rural inns to strikingly modern architectural gems, we’ve got all kinds of inspiring spots to lay your head.
- Category
- Trendspotting
- Written by
- Veronique Lievre
- Published
- March 1, 2022
CASA SOLO PEZO, CRETAS, ARAGON
An avant-garde masterpiece, this concrete and glass installation occupies a nine-acre National Park tract, and a book’s cover. It commands attention as a startlingly unique contrast to its wild, rugged location.
CASA DE LAS FLORES, LUGO, GALICIA
At over 100 years old, this rural refuge stands in celebration of good bones. Massive chestnut timbers and old stones were attentively preserved during its makeover and are offset by serene white walls and eclectic furnishings.
CASA 1413, ULLASTRET, CATALONIA
Strong, Brutalist design was the inspiration for this Catalonian home, where old stones were moved outside, and polished concrete and huge operable windows combine inside, to contain the sleek living spaces now sheltered within.
LA HERMANDAD DE VILLALBA, EXTREMADURA
Inside the imposing doors of this 18th-century landmark, vaulted ceilings soar over intentionally unfussy décor. Formerly a noble family’s home, the historic gem recalls the meticulous essence of an ancient, aristocratic manor.
Perched on a hillside at the base of the Pyrenees, this chic transformation features stately rustic stones and a delightfully eclectic interior inspired by the owners’ travels. It’s a country home reimagined as hip, modern retreat.
PUIG CASTELLAR, EL BRULL, BARCELONA
An extra-large, newly built mountain chalet in a biosphere park north of Barcelona, this spot is perfect for a crowd. There’s a pool, tennis court, central stone hearth, and three stories to contain you, plus wraparound views for miles.
CASA COVA BLANCA, TIVENYS, CATALONIA
Built in homage to Catalonian caves, this remote home is at one with the landscape, a modern version of the area’s primitive cave dwellings. It’s off grid and solar powered, with an enveloping interior of soft lines and curved volumes.
ERMITA DEL CARMEN, CARCABUEY, ANDALUSIA
A deliberately simple modern makeover defines this 15th-century hermitage on the foundations of a 500-year-old Roman temple. There’s a massive, windowed wall as an update, but this home is about rusticity preserved.
For more homes and small hotels in mainland Spain, browse our collection here.
