This villa for rent in Spain is the oldest preserved dwelling in the small Iberian town of Villalba de los Barros. Built in the late 18th century, it originally belonged to one of the many families of "hidalgos" who settled in the south of Extremadura. Through the beginning of the 20th century, it was home to several noble families until 1946, when it became union headquarters for the Farmers and Cattlemen of Villalba. 

Bought by couple who were born and raised in Villalba and carefully restored by Madrid-based studio Lucas y Hernández-Gil, the villa's graceful features and rural character recall the essence of the Extremaduran manor houses of the past. A protected Cultural Heritage landmark, the renovations were designed to preserve the building's distinctive elements, including the ornate façade and doors, vaulted ceilings, and the handcrafted tiles and materials used. Located in the central square, this historical gem is a unique part of the region's heritage and welcoming hospitality. 

Located in one of the most beautiful corners of the Iberian Peninsula, this villa for rent in Spain sits in the central square of the small rural town of Villalba de los Barros. The owners set out to preserve the historic elements that make the house so unique, restoring the interiors with handcrafted materials and color finishes in tones of the Tierra de Barros landscape.   

From the street level entrance, the original ground floor layout has been preserved, crowned by a stately cross vault, with communal living areas, a large dining room and fully-equipped kitchen that open out to a walled courtyard patio with a cooling plunge pool at the back. A staircase with exposed barrel vault leads to the first floor, which once served as the larder and has been slightly expanded to accommodate three double bedrooms and two bathrooms. 

Kept sparsely decorated, with meticulously refined craftsmanship, the house retains its earthy character and richly defined heritage.  A delicious daily breakfast, prepared by the hosts, is included in the price.

AROUND

The charming small town of Villalba de los Barros dates back to the 16th century and, with only 1,500 inhabitants, is a secluded base for exploring Extremadura and the provinces of Badajoz and Cáceres. The Extremadura is the original Spain far from mass tourism. Surrounded by forests, vineyards and olive groves, below the imposing castle, the area is largely rural with numerous paths and trails for hiking, horseback riding or cycling. The most famous town in Extremadura is medieval Cáceres, with its cobblestone streets, Renaissance palaces and church towers inhabited by storks. A location for the TV series Games of Thrones, it's only 75 minutes drive from the house.

Extremadura's UNESCO capital of Mérida is under an hour north and is known as the cradle of the Roman Empire in Spain, with some of the most important and impressive ruins dating back to 25BC scattered throughout the city. The ancient amphitheater still hosts the International Classical Theatre Festival every summer, and is the oldest classical theatre festival in the world.

Thirty minutes south is the historic city of Zafra dating back to the 15th century and and half hour northwest is the town of Alange home to the areas best Roman thermal baths from the time of the Empire.

An hour north is the Cornalvo National Park and the ancient dolmen of Lacara. Over four thousand years old, they are the largest and one of the most monumental treasures of Extremadura's rich heritage. The region's UNESCO sites of Dehesa Extremena settlements are considered by many an environmental jewel, and harbor vast swaths of unique natural and cultural biodiversity in the world.

LOCATION

Villalba de los Barros, Extremadura, Spain. Nearest airport: Badajoz (42 km), Seville (171 km)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through fall