Striking a lovely balance between old and new, this beautifully crafted former farmhouse has been given a chic modern update that showcases the meticulous craftsmanship and artful use of contrasting materials. We love the simple, understated design that allows the elemental beauty of the house and the knockout views to take center stage.

Read more about Villa CP's corten-steel raindrop doors in our Journal here.

Set on a hilltop with breathtaking views across the Gavarres mountains and out to the Mediterranean in the distance, this ancient farmhouse was rescued from ruin by Catalan firm Zest Architecture and restored with a vivid and stylish new personality. Surrounded by over 60 acres of private forest and thousands of hectares of protected park land, it's secluded and very peaceful. 

The structure's original rustic appearance was required by Catalan law to be maintained and has been seamlessly restored with it's traditional character intact. Set on a slope, the two story structure's stone façade is punctuated with protruding oversized rusted steel-framed windows that capture the incredible views over the landscape that stretches for miles.

Designed as a sustainable modern family home, the architects used Corten steel, wood, and hypo-allergenic clay instead of plaster as well as cork from the land for insulation, geothermal temperature control and natural water catchment and reed filtration in the restoration. Significantly enlarging and brightening the interiors, the upper floor now includes the open plan gourmet kitchen and dining area with bi-fold doors that open out to the massive upper terrace and gardens and the main living room with a fireplace overlooking the views. Cool and modern, the polished concrete, lofty beamed ceilings, striking steel stairway and minimalist style is paired with vivid textiles and classic mid-century furniture and fixtures that bring it to life.

The five bedrooms are located on the lower level, which is partially sunk into the hill's slope keeping them cool on hot summer days and sleep up to eight. All of the bathrooms are fitted with exquisite Bisazza tiles and there's a unique outdoor wet room, lit by punctuated steel doors that open out to the gardens. 

The lush grounds are meticulously maintained with native Mediterranean plants and areas for lounging in the hammocks with a shaded alfresco dining and BBQ area next to the pool overlooking the spectacular views. This chic holiday home pairs stylish modern luxury with traditional Catalonian charm in an unforgettable setting.  

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Wifi throughout with computer for guest use, TV with DVD-Player with DVD collection for kids and adults, stereo audio system, telephone, a Google map for mobile phones with the best restaurants in the region to make reservations, get driving directions, etc. Coco-Mat "Emperor" bed (2m wide!) in the master suite and high quality new latex mattresses in all other rooms with hypo-allergenic duvets, linens and pillows. AC and climate control with underfloor heating, laundry facilities. There's a piano, a large trampoline, table tennis, table football, four mountain bikes, board games and chess and a charcoal grill BBQ. Disabled access to most parts of the house and gardens with property-wide security system.  

AROUND

Set within thousands of hectares of Gavarres national park land in Catalonia, there are hundreds of paths to discover in the surrounding forest just outside of the property for hiking, cycling and exploring. A mix of thousand year old cork and pine forest, the area is home to Catalonia's highest peak Puig d'Arques, as well as the Mare de Déu dels Àngels and Santa Pellaia.

The Costa Brava's beaches and nearby Girona are under 30 minutes drive from the property. A stylish medieval city with fabulous restaurants, shops, bars and  cafes, historic Girona sits along the River Onyar and features beautiful medieval architecture and the walled Old Quarter (Barri Vell) with Roman remains of the Força Vella fortress. Perpignan is an attractive French market town just ninety minutes north and the medieval town of Vic is an hour west along the breathtaking (c25) road. Andorra in the Pyrenees is two hours northwest and  Barcelona is an hour south. There are several charming villages around the estate with farmers' markets, shops and cafes ten minutes away.  

LOCATION

Girona, Spain Nearest Airport: Girona-Costa Brava Airport (30 minutes)  

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through Fall for the best weather