El Caracol

An Off-Grid Home in Catalonia Redefines Structural Boundaries

We're big fans of improvisation and individuality, and this vacation home for rent in Spain is a surprising structural creation that manages to be both modern and primitive. Inhabiting a stunning landscape at the confluence of two rivers, the scenery embraces the unusual structure that juts out from the wild Catalonia countryside like a futuristic shell.

Designed and built by the owners as a partially off-grid family homestead, this vacation home for rent in Spain sits in a magnificent and private landscape on eight acres of Mediterranean pine forest and orchards, with limestone terraces leading down to two intersecting rivers.

Constructed of steel, wood, and concrete, the structure is partially subterranean, with the central dome serving as the primary shelter space, and a massive cantilevered aperture at the center. The angular, outward-facing walls of glass focus the views on the stunning scenery and serve to ventilate the whole house.

The ground floor entrance hall is submerged and opens up to the floor above to the open plan living, kitchen, and dining areas with unique V-shaped steel supports that are both functional and structurally dramatic.

The upper level includes an ensuite master bedroom with a convex wall and forest views and an additional ensuite double bedroom. There is also a central, open-plan room that can be used as an additional bedroom (well designed for kids).

The dome extends out over the terraces providing shady indoor/outdoor spaces to grill, fire up the pizza oven, and dine on something special poolside while you admire the amazing views. There is also space for boules, with balls provided.

El Caracol is off-grid, powered by solar panels, and passively heated and cooled, using earth berming and planting methods. The land surrounding the house is maintained without herbicides.

Yoga lovers can book an instructor for classes on the terrace, and there are mats in the house for personal use. 

AROUND

The relatively undiscovered area along the border of Catalonia, Aragon, and Valencia is a spectacularly beautiful and biodiverse region that allows for vast exploration without the crowds. Bordering the Els Ports Nature Park, the area is characterized by dramatic limestone massifs and was once home to prehistoric settlements, where you'll encounter fascinating remains of paved pathways, chalk ovens, ice wells, and charcoal stores. It's a great region for biking, horseback riding, fishing, climbing, swimming, canyoning, geocaching, and boating.

The nearby village of Horta de San Joan is a short bicycle ride away and although long a charming rural outpost, it was put on the map by Picasso's visits early in his life. The 16th-century central square is an atmospheric beauty where the town gathers in the evenings and life moves at a slow pace.

Just a short ride from the house, the Via Verde cycle route runs to Balneario de Font Calda, a gorgeous limestone gorge with deep natural swimming pools and there are several ancient hilltop villages dating back to the 12th century within a short drive that provide a glimpse into a bygone era of rural life. They come alive each summer with parties featuring traditional music, dance and dress, and colorful markets. 

Once known primarily for olive oil, the region is now a big wine producer and the village of Lledò will welcome you with a tasting at Bodegas Crial and the dramatic "Cathedral of Wine" in Pinell de Brai.

LOCATION

Lledo, Catalonia, Spain. Nearest airport: Reus and Castellon (75 mins), Zaragoza (90 mins), Valencia and Barcelona Prat (2.5 hrs) 

BEST TIME TO VISIT: 

May to September to make the best use of the mild weather, the stunning scenery, and the river swimming opportunities