Casa Montelongo

19th-Century Residence Reimagined as 21st-century Sanctuary

A 19th-century structure re-envisioned as a 21st century architectural statement, this sleek renovation, redesigned from its original, essential elements of stone, lime, wood and clay, has been vividly recreated for modern living in homage to its island heritage.

Two units (available individually or together) merge across a central patio and pool, created to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. Interiors serve as a reflection of the island’s vivid natural landscapes, with a palette of ochre, sand, talc and bright blue. Starkly minimalist, yet invitingly warm, the property stands as a place where old stones and timbers reveal the building’s storied past, yet newly bleached and transparently opened-up spaces make a contemporary statement.

The buildings' original volumes have been geometrically reconfigured, the clean, newly-created lines highlighted through the architect's generous use of glass. Adding to the home's artistic allure, a sculpture by architect, muralist and designer Óscar Latuag anchors the pool patio, symbolizing Fuerteventura’s heritage as a place where traditional pigments have been created from natural botanicals for centuries.

Additional features

Daily cleaning service and breakfast are included. This property is for adults only; no children are allowed. A security deposit is requested on arrival and refunded at check-out if there are no damages.

Around

Located within the village of La Oliva, a town on the northern tip of Fuerteventura, the second largest of Spain’s Canary islands, the town of La Oliva’s best known landmark is its 18th century, crenellated and towered Colonels’ House, a fortress on this Atlantic Island some 100 kilometers off the coast of Africa. Fuerteventura is a volcanic island, cooled by near constant winds, making it a destination for wind and kite surfers, big wave surfers, and water-skiers. With over 150 kilometers of powdery, white sand beaches, the island is home to a nature preserve and striking archeology, and is regarded as a dark sky destination, loved for its starry, sparkling skies free of light pollution.

The beaches in Sotavento (La Barca, Risco del Paso, Mirador, Malnombre, and Los Canarios) feature a shallow lagoon and a sand bar, extensive white sands and pale blue waters favored by beginning windsurfers. Shoppers and diners opt for the more urban El Matorral beach, a four-kilometer stretch on the Jandía peninsula, lined with shops and restaurants. Closer to the home and just outside La Oliva, the Corralejo Natural Reserve and its Great Beaches of Corralejo feature the island’s largest dunes, a picturesque former fishing village backed by turquoise waters, and views out to Lobos and Lazarote islands.

Another draw of the Corralejo Reserve and beaches is the otherworldly Montaña Roja malpaís landscape. And the area beaches are also known for their particular type of white sand, an exfoliating grain called “jable,” created by the erosion of sea shells and much loved for its sloughing qualities on sun-kissed skin. Tindaya Mountain, near La Oliva, is one of the island’s premiere archeological sites, a volcanic peak with cave carvings, funeral structures, view platforms, and the Barranco de Tinojay historical site.

Location

Nearest airport: Fuerteventura El Matorral (30 minutes)

Best time to visit:

All year, though August can be a little windy