Villa Slow

Architect Laura Alvarez Rediscovers And Explores Her Basque Roots

Once the site of a homestead ruin, this holiday home in Spain’s Basque countryside is a modern version of a peasant’s cabin. Set within the lush Valles Pasiegos Nature Park with stunning views all around, the house was designed by award-winning Spanish architect Laura Alvarez whose work in both residential and commercial installations combines a multi-disciplinary approach to design.

With great thoughtfulness and meticulous execution, Alvarez took the site's amazing natural beauty into consideration reusing old stone and materials from the shed and the Cantabria region in the construction. The building's features are simple and straightforward but with a refined elegance derived from the contrast of rustic textures and contemporary style.

The home's main living spaces are lofty and bright with vaulted wood ceilings, concrete floors and two matching panoramic windows facing opposing views of the landscape. The lounge is arranged around a central fireplace with a large dining area and fully equipped kitchen.  

The two en-suite double bedrooms are mirror images of one another divided by an additional mezzanine sleeping area for two perched in the eaves and private entrances. On one side of the house is a small patio with expansive views of the valleys and mountains and an outdoor dining area on the opposite side, each accessed by through the oversized glass walls that feature large, exterior barn style doors.

Completely immersed in the countryside with no immediate neighbors, this is a special retreat that allows you ultimate privacy, comfort, and beauty. 

BASQUE COUNTRY'S NORTHERN TERRITORIES

The northern reaches of Basque country in Spain are some of the most beautiful and diverse areas of the country. Surrounded by mountains and national parks just an hour from the sea, it's a quiet and lush network of valleys and rich in natural beauty, culture and gastronomy. The Pas region of the Los Valles Pasiegos is made up of three adjacent valleys and mountain ranges crossed by the three rivers that give them their names: the Pisueña, Pas and Miera Rivers. 

Cantabria's coast has a multitude of good beaches and reefs and is a popular surfing destination. The capital city of the Cantabria region and popular summer resort town of Santander is an hour north and sits at the mouth of the bay along La Magdalena peninsula.

Considered the heart and capital of Basque country the industrial port city of Bilbao is just under two hours drive. Most famous for the stunning titanium-clad Frank Gehry–designed Guggenheim Museum, the city has emerged from its gritty working-class roots into a cultural hub for art, cuisine, and commerce.

LOCATION

Cantabria, Spain. Nearest airports: Bilbao (1.45 hours), Santander (1hr)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring and summer are ideal and not as hot as the south, but all of the seasons are beautiful and have something to offer. The house is well equipped with floor heating, fireplace, and wood for colder seasons.