Riurau de María

The Three “Rs”: Rural, Riurau, Restored

This unique rural structure that once held grapes for drying inside its arching stone galleries has been thoughtfully updated into a cheery vacation home in the heart of the Costa Blanca, only a half hour drive from the prettiest beaches and stunning coves. Its renovation overseen by an architect, the simple structure now sleeps eight and offers a spacious, big-windowed living room and an intimate pool surrounded by jasmine vines, flowering almond trees, and dense green hedges.

The archways of this 18th-century riurau, an agricultural shed typical of the inland areas of the Alicante, have been charmingly transformed into a sweet, poolside villa for rent in Spain. The simple stone spaces that previously welcomed the heat and salty sea breezes that turned grapes to raisins are now ideal as an easygoing getaway for two families or a small group of friends, and an ideal base for discovering the hidden bays and beaches of the Costa Blanca nearby.

Updated by an architect, the former grape drying shed now offers three bedrooms and four bathrooms (two doubles, one room for four), plus a spacious living room behind the huge windows that now fill the graceful arched openings. Comfy sofas and a fireplace for winter keep the living area relaxed and cozy, and outdoor spaces are casual and comfortable as well, landscaped around climbing vines, green grass, and pebbled walkways and lined with lounge chairs all surrounding the sturdy stone exterior. 

Bedroom décor is straightforward and unfussy, with antique bedframes the only real ornamentation against the bright, whitewashed walls. Thick ceiling beams in every room have been given a vivid coat of white, and floors are sleek and shiny. A long communal farm table is perfect for hosting happening mealtimes, and the kitchen and dining rooms open out to the garden. The living room’s stamped brick flooring is uniquely pretty and warm, and the home’s exterior is a cheerful mix of old stones, whitewashed stucco.

The large garden area is fully enclosed, and offers vine- and tree-shaded, flagstone picnic areas, a soft green lawn, and an intimate swimming pool with panoramic views on the surrounding countryside lined with grapevines and dotted with woodlands.

All the ceramics within the proprty are made by the owner, artist Salomé Moncho.

Around

Located in the town of Parcent, a small village in the Vall of Pop, this villa for rent in Spain and its village are surrounded by verdant agricultural hills and dramatic mountains. Known for its vineyards, its grapes made into raisins, and its pretty stands of twisty almond trees, this area of the Alicante region is easily accessible to the popular coastline nearby, but benefits from a quieter, slower pace. A favorite training ground for cyclists, this area offers wilder rocky habitat, has many small, picturesque villages, and multiple charming country roads. Beach seekers will find all they need a quick drive away. Popular locations within a half hour’s drive include Cala la Fustera, Cala del Moraig, and Playa de les Marines.

Location

Parcent, Alicante, Costa Blanca, Spain. Nearest airport: Alicante (1 hour), Valencia (90 mins).

Best time to visit

Year round