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El Caracol
Lledo, Spain
El Caracol
Lledo, Spain
An Off-Grid Home In Catalonia Redefines Structural Boundaries
Designed and built by the owners as a partially off-grid family homestead, this vacation home for rent in Spain sits in a magnificent and private landscape on eight acres of Mediterranean pine forest and orchards, with limestone terraces leading down to two intersecting rivers.
Constructed of steel, wood, and concrete, the structure is partially subterranean, with the central dome serving as the primary shelter space, and a massive cantilevered aperture at the center. The angular, outward-facing walls of glass focus the views on the stunning scenery and serve to ventilate the whole house.
The ground floor entrance hall is submerged and opens up to the floor above to the open plan living, kitchen, and dining areas with unique V-shaped steel supports that are both functional and structurally dramatic.
The upper level includes an ensuite master bedroom with a convex wall and forest views, and an additional en suite double bedroom, and a central bedroom that's well designed for kids.
The dome extends out over the terraces providing shady indoor/outdoor spaces to grill, fire up the pizza oven, and dine on something special poolside while you admire the amazing views.
AT THE BORDER OF CATALONIA & ARAGON
The relatively undiscovered area along the border of Catalonia, Aragon, and Valencia is a spectacularly beautiful and biodiverse region that allows for vast exploration without the crowds. Bordering the Els Ports Nature Park, the area is characterized by dramatic limestone massifs and was once home to prehistoric settlements, where you'll encounter fascinating remains of paved pathways, chalk ovens, ice wells, and charcoal stores.
The nearby village of Horta de San Joan is a short bicycle ride away and although long a charming rural outpost, it was put on the map by Picasso's visits early in his life. The 16th-century central square is an atmospheric beauty where the town gathers in the evenings and life moves at a slow pace.
Just a short ride from the house, the Via Verde cycle route runs to Balneario de Font Calda, a gorgeous limestone gorge with deep natural swimming pools and there are several ancient hilltop villages dating back to the 12th century within a short drive that provide a glimpse into a bygone era of rural life. They come alive each summer with parties featuring traditional music, dance and dress, and colorful markets.
Once known primarily for olive oil, the region is now a big wine producer and the village of Lledò will welcome you with a tasting at Bodegas Crial and the dramatic "Cathedral of Wine" in Pinell de Brai.
LOCATION
Lledo, Catalonia, Spain. Nearest Airport: The nearest local airports are Reus and Castellon (75 mins) and Zaragoza (90 mins). Valencia and Barcelona Prat (2.5 hrs)
BEST TIME TO VISIT:
May to September to make the best use of the mild weather, the stunning scenery, and the river swimming opportunities
