Reclaiming a Rustic 19th-Century Spanish Cottage
Discovered by chance by London-based architect Jamie Fobert and his partner who stumbled upon the site while on holiday, this rural 19th-century property was in an advanced state of ruin, but the couple were struck by its beauty and potential in such a peaceful location.
One of two dwellings on the property, this cabin was once an outbuilding next to the main farmhouse and was completed in 2017, and now serves as a separate and private hideaway for two.
The granite walls anchored the structure and served as the perfect starting point for reimagining what a simple, yet modern country cottage could be. Repairing and replacing the original materials with locally produced stone and chestnut wood, the restoration is a seamless update, enhancing the simply detailed and meticulously crafted finishes, and revealing the building’s original rustic design.
A sleek and subtle adaptation that integrates the raw elements of the existing buildings with a clean, modern restoration, this cottage bridges rural old world charm with modern style.
Immersed in a vast nature reserve along the Galician coast, this cabin 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.
Separated from the main house by a footpath, the cabana faces the nature reserve creating a private and separate space.
The living room has a large sliding window, a warming wood stove, and a mezzanine bedroom and a kitchenette that now matches the home’s calm and chic aesthetic with room for two.
It is compact but well designed and feels a bit like being inside a boat, with steps leading down to a shower room.
The outdoor spaces include a kitchen area, charcoal BBQ and gas plancha, two tiered living and lounge areas and dining spaces that lead into the gardens and beyond.
An appealing and seamless blend of simple rustic living combined with a creative and respectful modern restoration, this is a lovely Galician retreat.
Additional features
Wifi throughout, SONOS sound system, laundry facilities, kitchen and bath amenities, private parking (down a dirt road).
Please note: There is a €40 cleaning fee that is payable in cash on arrival. There is a pool on the adjacent property, but it is not accessible.
Around
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 airports: Vigo (30 mins), Porto (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.
