A beautiful adaptation that deftly integrates the raw elements of the existing structure with a clean, modern restoration, this vacation home rental in Spain bridges rural old-world charm with modern living. We love the meticulous craftsmanship and detail and the simple, subtle update that honors the original intent of a traditional country home.

Immersed within a vast nature reserve along the Galician coast, this vacation home rental in Spain is located in a secluded and idyllic location surrounded by forests and vineyards where the wild, sparsely inhabited land meets the Atlantic.

Discovered by chance by London-based architect Jamie Fobert and his partner who stumbled upon the property while on holiday, the 19th-century house was in an advanced state of ruin but the couple was struck by its beauty and potential and the peaceful location. Turns out it was a twelve years-long journey....

Completed in 2017, the granite walls anchored the house and served as the perfect starting point for reimagining what a simple country house could be. The roof, which was long gone, was replaced with locally produced tiles and additional granite and locally sourced chestnut wood were used to complete the material construction.

Entering through a Corten steel gate at the side, a flight of granite stairs takes you down to the central courtyard which serves as the heart of the property where the outdoor kitchen and dining and lounge spaces are sheltered and the infinity pool cascades down one wall. From the courtyard, three large Corten shutters slide away to reveal floor-to-ceiling glass entrances into the main house.

The ground floor is a bright open space that was created by burrowing into the hillside and includes a sitting room with a fireplace and a sleek minimalist kitchen with a vernacular barrel-vaulted ceiling made from handcrafted terracotta tiles as well as three of the four ensuite bedrooms. On the upper floor is the master bedroom, which leads out to the pool and gardens with lovely views.  

The rough-hewn granite walls and chestnut ceiling are exposed on the interiors enhancing the simply detailed and meticulously crafted finishes, revealing the building's original rustic design.  

There is a separate dwelling with a mezzanine bedroom and a kitchenette that was originally a small farm storage space but now matches the home's calm and chic aesthetic with room for two.

An appealing and seamless blend of simple rustic living with a creative and respectful modern translation, this is a lovely Galician retreat.

GALICIA'S ALDAN REGION

The Aldan region of Galicia has a unique microclimate and is one of the most temperate in Spain. From the house you can walk to two beautiful uncrowded beaches (Barra is over three kilometers long) through unspoiled nature preserves along the Cabo do Home as well as to the tiny village of Donon with great local markets and just a couple of cafes and bars. 

The northwest region of Galicia is known as the four-leaf clover of Spain due to its four green provinces of Pontevedra, Coruña, Ourense and Lugo and has remained one of the most unspoiled parts of the country. Flanked by beautiful mountains and idyllic Atlantic coastline dotted with islands, it’s a region of great diversity.

The nearby province of Pontevedra, features the lush green beauty of the Miñor Valley with many local vineyards and the spectacular Atlantic Islands National Park, a protected chain that includes the islands of Cies, Ons, Salvora and Cortegada. Just north of Vigo and within ninety minutes from the grand UNESCO capital of the region, Santiago de Compostela, you are also an hour north of the border of Portugal.    

LOCATION

Donon, Galicia, Spain. Nearest Airport: Vigo (30 mins), Porto Airport (1 hr. 45 mins), Santiago (90 mins), La Coruña (2 hrs)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: The weather from June through September is the best while November through March is often rainy, but still great for walks and sitting by the fire.