Heritage Meets Modern Flair in Ibiza’s Untouched North
Balancing nature, ancient architectural vernacular and contemporary design, this 500-year-old traditional farm has been transformed by Pietro Cuevas, whose work has been celebrated in books, including Assouline’s Ibiza Bohemia, international magazines, and television.
The finca was love at first sight for the interior designer, who moved into the protected property about a decade after falling for its untouched, wild location. Stripping it back to its original bones to reveal its simple beauty, Cuevas modified the space only with a modern kitchen. Its ancient stone walls were cleaned and shored up, and the original, exposed juniper ceiling beams preserved along with protected structural elements such as low-clearance doors.
Two volumes join to offer a total of four bedrooms—two in the main house and two guest suites in the annex. The interiors, conceived by Cuevas himself, blend urban sophistication with rustic heritage pieces from around the world. Moroccan textiles pair with mid-century rattan. Design classics such as Gaetano Pesce’s Up Chair, vintage 1950s dining chairs, and contemporary lighting sit alongside Cuevas’ custom creations. Contemporary art by Francesco Clemente, Jean Cocteau, and Jesús de Miguel adds vibrant accents to the space.
A verdant Mediterranean garden surrounds the entire property, and two outdoor dining areas create inviting gathering spaces.
Around
Set in the unspoiled northernmost reaches of the isle of Ibiza, Sant Joan (San Juan) is a secluded traditional village with a relaxed, easygoing ambiance. Known as “the last village in Ibiza,” the area was traditionally rural, with an infusion of hippies and alternative lifestyle gurus who prefer the seclusion to Ibiza’s better known glitz and glamour. The village boasts an 18th century whitewashed church standing sentinel amid stone houses more typical of the traditional farming region. Flowers spill from balconies in wrought iron and ancient wooden doors add to the local charms of cobbled streets, small artisanal shops and small plazas animated by live music and sidewalk tavernas. The town’s beach is Cala San Vicente, a stretch of fine sand and smooth waters backed by a small promenade with taverns and small seafood restaurants.
Given its bohemian background, you’ll find more yoga studios and organic produce stands than night clubs and the rugged coastline extending from town is thick with woods and coastal hiking/walking trails. The Torre des Molar is an old watchtower offering coastal views, the Caló des Moltons is a secluded inlet for swimming and sunning, and there’s an ancient cave sanctuary, Santuario Púnico Es Culleram, dedicated to the Phoenician goddess Tanit.
Location: Sant Joan de Labritja, Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Spain
Nearest Airport: Ibiza, approximately 25-30 miles
