Basque Villa

Architects SaizVerdoux & Designers Gakoak Studios Restore A Stately Manor In An Ode To Elegance

A grand residence in the old world tradition, this luxury villa in Spain's Basque country was restored to balance its historic elegance with contemporary refinement in a seamless transition. We love the meticulous craftsmanship and detail and the graceful sense of style. 

Located in the heart of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve in Basque country, this luxury villa in Spain is an ode to elegance and old-world charm. Originally a 19th-century farmhouse, the structure has undergone several transformations along the way to its current incarnation as a stately manor house. 

Perfecting the grace and character of a bygone era with a modern sense of refinement, Barcelona-based architects SaizVerdoux gently updated the structure to showcase its lovely features while staying true to the spirit of the era. Collaborating with Bilbao-based designers Gakoak Studios, the interiors are luminous and expertly crafted with oak and tile floors, vibrant wallpapers and color blocking, and spectacular friezes and ornate detailing.

Set on three floors, the villa's ground floor houses two sitting rooms with fireplaces, a formal dining room and a gallery space as well as a sleek modern kitchen. There are a total of eight bedrooms above (seven en suite), and an office as well as an old chapel that has been converted into a library.  Combining contemporary brands such as Treku, Stua and Punt Mobles, Gakoak oversaw the restoration of many valuable antiques that refer back to the home's past.

The grounds and gardens are beautifully maintained with a large pool and lounging areas among the grassy lawns. 

Graciously designed and spacious enough for family and friends, this is a unique and elegant way to experience the Basque country.  

BASQUE COUNTRY BIOSPHERE

Made up of lush forests and valleys, soaring cliffs, and wild beaches and marshes, the UNESCO designated Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve is an area of outstanding natural beauty in Basque country. There are fantastic hiking trails within minutes of the villa and the nearby islet of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and the magical Oma forest are not to be missed. Laga and Laida, two of the region's finest beaches are just minutes away with the best surf in the country. Indulge in traditional Basque cuisine and pintxos (small bites similar to tapas) in the neighboring bars and cafes and tour some of the finest vineyards and wineries in Rioja and the Cantabria region to try the txakolí which is unique to the northern areas. 

Nearby Gernika, almost entirely lost to the tragic events of 1937 and immortalized in Picasso's famous painting of the same name, is the cradle of Basque identity and a vibrant town that hosts the best market in the region (Mondays).

The industrial port city of Bilbao is considered the heart and capital of Basque country and is just under thirty minutes by car. Most famous for the stunning titanium-clad Frank Gehry–designed Guggenheim Museum, the city has emerged from its gritty working-class roots into a cultural hub for art, cuisine, and commerce. It's just over an hour to the beaches of San Sebastian and Salinas de Añana.

LOCATION

Urdaibai, Basque Country, Spain. Nearest Airport: Bilbao (42km), San Sebastian (94km)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Year-round for visits to the countryside, seashore, and nearby Bilbao