Situated in the quaint village of Seva, an hour from Barcelona and Girona and just outside Montseny National Park, stands the stone-surfaced marvel that is Montseny Villa. Originally built in the 1960s, this villa for rent in Catalonia was fully restored in 2013 with great respect to its original bones. A palette of materials – oak, walnut and copper – were introduced, while a portfolio of furniture – a Patricia Urquiola armchair here, lamps of Isamo Noguchi or Ingo Maurer there – play well with the home’s otherwise humble nature.  

“The capture of natural light and the interaction with the exterior is very important, we created ambiguous spaces between interior and exterior to enjoy the calm, the sun, the shadow and the air,” says owner David, and that indoor-outdoor ethos is evident throughout, especially where the jacuzzi looks out onto a verdant frame of nature: this, and the numerous skylights, call up the work of James Turrell. 

The living area is a study in grays, with a giant sectional sofa and suspended stovepipe fireplace, leading openly into a rustic dining room with seating for 12 and stunning wood beams overhead. Outside, the L-shaped pool is surrounded by trees and manicured grounds that span 7300 m2.

Meals can be arranged in the sleek, fully-equipped kitchen, showcasing the best of a Mediterranean diet, and pairing well with a visit to the wine cellar. There is also a bar and small discoteque.

When stimulation calls, you can watch some film noir in the home’s spectacular ink-black cinema: it seats up to 20 people. Or, challenge one of your friends or family members to table tennis, or a game the Playstation 3.

A sauna, private gym and tennis court top off the ways this home puts wellness in utmost regard. 

Montseny Villa is the perfect villa for rent in Catalonia for family and friends. With six bedrooms (five have en-suite bathrooms, one has a bathroom down the hall) and plenty of space to gather or be alone, it allows intimacy or introspection. For connection to the outside world (or a space to journal), each room has a desk, while the house also has an office with exposed stone and vaulted ceilings.  

The living room, kitchen and three bedrooms are air-conditioned, while the other three bedrooms have fans. An outdoor barbecue, fireplace and plenty of lounge space make this a haven for relaxation, along with the spectacular L-shaped pool.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

This property has air conditioning and heating, plus an indoor fireplace for colder nights. Tech includes internet and TV. There is a kitchen and washer/dryer, a fully-equipped gym and cinema. There is also a buzzer/wireless intercom and elevator in the building. The family-friendly villa includes a pool, free parking on premises, and is wheelchair accessible. Smoking is permitted, and a fire extinguisher is included.

AROUND

The village of Seva has a market, bakery and butcher, while the nearby Montseny National Park is a must for nature lovers. Designated by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve in 1978, it spans 30,000 acres full of oak and pine forests, rivers, gorges and the Montseny mountain range. Explore the area or trails on bike or foot, sharing the area with boars, birds and salamanders. You can also arrange to play golf within the reserve, at the 18-hole Montanyà Golf Club.

Montseny Villa is near all of the charming towns of Catalonia, such as Vic, which is known for its gastronomy – dry-cured meats in particular – and Romanesque-style cathedrals and temples.

LOCATION

Seva, Spain. Nearest airport: Barcelona el Prat Airport.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Fall, for pleasant weather and less crowds.