This bright and airy two-bedroom apartment is one of three in the same building in central Barcelona. Built around 1900, the building was renovated in 2014 with exquisite attention to detail, conserving original features like high decorative ceilings, striking mosaic tile floors, beautiful etched glass and wooden sliding balcony doors.   Furniture is either vintage or by local designers (Arrels Fundació, Curro Claret, AOO, Santa & Cole and Faro Barcelona). But it has been kept simple, allowing the original design elements – and the views – to speak for themselves.  

The owners of the property are very serious about their eco credentials, having put a great deal of effort into re-using materials and adding VOC-free, recyclable ones when necessary. The kitchen is made from reused pallets and an upcycled countertop by Cosentio.   They have installed recycling bins, as well as smart water and energy-saving devices, use eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning products and provide complimentary filtered tap water. That doesn’t, however, mean that any comfort has been sacrificed. Beds are 100% natural but luxurious, and the kitchen is fully equipped with modern appliances. 

ADDITIONAL FEATURES  

The house is energy efficient, with cooling fans as well as air conditioning and heating. A home automation system switches off the AC/heating if a window is opened. Guests are asked to use the on/off switch in the entrance when leaving the house to switch everything off (except the fridge and kitchen plugs in case something needs charging).   

AROUND  

Guests are encouraged to feel at home and not like tourists – so this is the perfect spot for getting to know the city. And what a city to get to know. The apartment is within easy distance of the Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter), the old city center, much of which dates back to medieval times.   The city is of course famous for its Catalan modernista architecture, developed between 1885 and 1950, which can be found all over the city. This includes the famous work of architect Antoni Gaudí, the best known of which is the still-unfinished church Sagrada Família. The city also contains countless municipal parks, several of which are close to the apartment. Parc de la Ciutadella houses the Parliament building, Barcelona Zoo and several museums including the Museum of Natural Science.   And don’t miss Barcelona beach, which was chosen as the best city beach in the world by National Geographic and Discovery Channel. The city actually has seven, covering a total of three miles.  

LOCATION  

Barcelona, Spain. Nearest airport: Barcelona International (12km).  

BEST TIME TO VISIT : Winter is less touristy. May and June are great for cultural events. July and August is when the locals are away, making it perfect for the beach. And it’s pretty hard to beat autumn.

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