Casa de Mareas

A Basque Villa Restored with Neuro Architectural Principles

Located in the small medieval village of Escalante, on the shores of the marshes of Santoña, this villa for rent in Spain is a strikingly restored historic home that caters to a co-living and wellness format. Designed and restored with a philosophy rooted in conservation and culturally unique characteristics, the property promotes a lifestyle in which architecture, design, and art converge.

Once the residence of the Lamadrid family, whose coat of arms can still be seen on the façade, the 16th-century mansion is listed as a Heritage of Cultural Interest property. Architect Patxi Eguiluz redeveloped and restored the house retaining its strong structural bones and historic character while incorporating the latest trends in Neuro Architecture (the study of how the body and brain respond to the built environment).

The structure's original medieval style is highlighted throughout, with contrasting modern finishes and natural materials that blend with the ancient stone walls, including polished concrete and modern sheet metal staircases that fit into the gaps left by the centuries-old beams. More than 70% of the materials used in the restoration were recycled including centuries-old pine and the original hydraulic floor.

Most of the furnishings are of family provenance from different periods, with works of art by emerging artists from the ART U READY platform and established artists such as José Guerrero. A vital component of the house, art plays an important role in its identity and will provide a canvas for a rotating roster of talent.

Connected by stairways, the interiors soar three stories into the rafters with the ground floor housing the communal living areas and two kitchens along with a dining area that opens out to the gardens.

The second and third levels include an additional sitting room and seven bedrooms as well as a large work space at the very top of the building.
The overall concept is to inspire concentration and creativity with special attention paid to the aspects of community and environment and the positive aspects on well-being.


ADDITIONAL FEATURES

A healthy breakfast is available on request. Four hours of daily housekeeping, cleaning and lighting of fireplaces are included.
Optional tailor-made experiences include art workshops and talks with the ART U READY platform, guided tours of Centro Botin Santander, gastronomy tours and in-home chefs, yoga classes, surfing lessons, and bicycle tours in the Natural Park of Las Marismas de Santoña.


COASTAL BASQUE COUNTRY

The northern reaches of Basque country are some of the most beautiful and diverse areas in the country. Surrounded by mountains and national parks just an hour from the sea, it's a quiet and lush network of valleys and rich in natural beauty, culture, and gastronomy. 

The Pas region of the Los Valles Pasiegos is made up of three adjacent valleys and mountain ranges crossed by the three rivers that give them their names: the Pisueña, Pas and Miera Rivers.

Cantabria's coast has a multitude of good beaches and reefs and is a popular surfing destination. The capital city of the Cantabria region and popular summer resort town of Santander is an hour north and sits at the mouth of the bay along La Magdalena peninsula.

Considered the heart and capital of Basque country the industrial port city of Bilbao is a ninety-minute drive. 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.

LOCATION

Cantabria, Basque Country, Spain. Nearest Airport: Bilbao (100km), Santander (1hr)


BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring and Summer are ideal and not as hot as the south, but all of the seasons are beautiful and have something to offer.