Combining bold visual style with a natural elegance, this holiday home in Barcelona was rehabilitated by ZEST architecture with richly detailed custom finishes and craftsmanship. Originally owned by an artist, the home retains his unique sculptural works in the entry, expanding on his expressive style.

Located in a privileged spot above the city with panoramic views out to the Mediterranean, this large holiday home in Barcelona is a rare find in a city where space is at a premium. Originally built by a famous Catalan artist in 1950 and restored by architect Co Govers of ZEST Architecture, the challenge was to preserve the home’s unique original characteristics while adapting it with modern comforts and A-rated sustainability features. 

Keeping some of the original stonework, the exteriors are now finished in a dramatic slate grey with a panel of windows that open up to the views. Entering through the custom Corten steel gates, the house opens into a unique entry hall designed by the artist, with a golden roof of three-dimensional panels, sculptures of trees directly carved into the walls and a custom stained glass window with a sculpture of Sant Jordi, patron saint of the Catalans.

The interiors have been altered and expanded in some areas, creating an open-plan space that flows throughout the ground floor living areas. The curved fireplace punctuates the space between the sitting and dining areas, with a large kitchen designed by a chef for ease and functionality. Glass doors provide more natural light and open out to the spacious gardens and pool with an outdoor kitchen and bbq (a rarity in this city!).

The original owner’s studio located on the top floor has been transformed into a luxurious master suite with a bathroom and living room with fireplace and a series of large windows illuminating the spaces. There are four additional bedrooms and an office on the second floor and a small terrace from which you can admire the amazing views of the city.

Accessorized with a smart selection of both vintage and contemporary furnishings and detail, the home is expressive and creatively composed. 

AROUND

This quiet suburban neighborhood in Gracia overlooks panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean in the distance. Just a short walk to one of the city’s lovely natural parks, the area is a low-key district with an indie, artsy vibe and great cafes, galleries and shops. 

A seaside town of celebrated artistic, culinary and cultural treasures, Barcelona is home to stunning Gothic, Medieval, Romanesque and Modernist masterpieces all housed along the sparkling Mediterranean with the Collserola Hills as a backdrop. The famous Eixample district is an area that has reinvented itself as one of the premier dining destinations of Barcelona with world class cuisine as well as a colorful and quirky area of shops, bars and cultural spaces in neighboring Raval. 

The Passeig de Gracia and Rambla Catalunya are praised by locals for being one of the nicest in central Barcelona. Sometimes referred to as the Cuadrado de Oro, it's the epicenter for modernism in Barcelona and features the work of modernist architects Antoní Gaudi, Enric Sagnier and Doménech I Muntaner. 

LOCATION

Barcelona, Spain. Nearest airport: Barcelona-El Prat International (17km)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through fall