Domaine de Fontenebro

Japan Meets Spain at an Architectural Mountain Residence Near Madrid

Rising from the ground as a solid granite cobblestone plinth, this architectural residence by Mariana de Delás brings Japanese-inspired wood styling to the rugged Spanish mountainscape.

The family home, completed in 2024, borders the Cuenca Alta del Manzanares Regional Park in the Sierra de Madrid, less than 40 kilometers from the Spanish capital city on land once roamed by the Spanish crown. Its architecture, a bold combination of stone and glass-and-wood wings, clings to the lot, one wing with its cantilevered roofline creating a land bridge, observatory space.

The property’s three double bedrooms each have an en-suite bathroom, and there’s a four-bed bunkroom that’s ideal for the kids. The house also has a game room, cinema space and garage, and it’s located within a small private development with a tennis court and swimming pool.

Around

Located in an area that borders the Cuenca Alta del Manzanares Regional Park, and set between two streams, this contemporary mountain home is 36 kilometers from Madrid, between El Escorial and La Granja de San Idelfonso, two well-regarded sites that previously served as hunting and holiday grounds for the Spanish royal family. The property is about five minutes from the nearest community, where there are butchers, fishmongers, a bakery and supermarkets, along with necessary services and about 20 minutes from the Las Rozas Village outlets.

Sightseeing in the area includes the Monasterio del Paular in the Lozoya Valley and San Lorenzo de El Escorial’s famed monastery is a majestic complex of Renaissance buildings, dotted with courtyards and fountains about 20 minutes from the house. The monastery’s Royal Library is famed for its ancient manuscripts, and the site is also home to the original Royal Hunting Lodge. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Monastery is also classified as One of the Eight Wonders of the Old World. La Granja de San Ildefonso is set in the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains, about 40 minutes from the home. The Royal Palace’s gardens include French formal gardens and wilder spaces, and are great for walking tours, strolling, and picnicking. Outdoor recreationists should head to the Cuenca Alta Park for hiking, biking, foraging and climbing, and skiers can drive about 25 minutes to the Navacerrada Ski Resort in winter.

Location

Sierra de Guadarrama, Madrid ME, Spain. Nearest airport: Madrid (40km)

Best time to visit

April to October