Inside a 130-year-old Mallorcan house with refined Mediterranean luxury

The task of resuscitating a dilapidated historic structure can be relatively intimidating. However, Paulo Valcic and Stefan Relic of Rôck&Villa, a Mallorcan architecture firm, find it wonderfully satisfying. “Our design philosophy revolves around respecting and preserving the architectural integrity of historic buildings while enhancing them with contemporary finishes. This 19th-century Mallorcan house provided an exemplary opportunity to embody our ethos, allowing us to blend the old and the new. The result? A harmonious marriage of history and modernity that underlines our brand’s commitment to sophisticated, thoughtful design,” the duo says.

The once gnawing paint, corroding materials, and rotten wood now lay hidden underneath a newly-minted Mediterranean tropical gleam in the sun-soused Mallorca, Spain. This 3,035-square-foot charming abode doused in an earthy colour palette—celebrating the inebriating shades of beige and brown—flaunts an understated design with a pop of artistic expression. Stefan shares, “Our design process began with an initial visit to the property, which, despite its ruined state, captivated us with its original features that carried more than 130 years of history. We then started by meticulously identifying which of these elements could be preserved, recognising their intrinsic value not just in terms of aesthetics but also as living pieces of history.” Staying true to the architectural lineage of the property, the designers introduced modern finishes with an aesthetic ode to the island’s rich cultural heritage.

Also read: Amidst lush trees, this Goa restaurant brings 200-year-old Portuguese ruins to life

Inspired by the ethos of slow Mediterranean luxury, the restored space was uplifted with a timeless design. “This philosophy became our guiding principle; it allowed us to create a space that seamlessly blends the historical and the Mediterranean with a contemporary living experience,” Stefan adds. The Mediterranean façade paints a slumberous welcome, drawn by a mesmerising use of wooden windows with layers of timber and fenestration coated on top of each other, serpentine clay roof tiles, clean concrete, and a geometric landscape elevated by abundant greenery and natural light. Further magnifying the property’s picturesque verdure is the garden, enlivened with blooming palm trees, lavender, and cypress. An indispensable feature of the outdoor oasis is the saltwater swimming pool, flanked by the authentic Marés Mallorcan stone that the team painstakingly restored.

A calm consistency reverberates inside. The interiors boast high ceilings and retain the original beams of the house. Stefan comments, “The ceilings on the ground floor are original that we restored and painted. We painted it a darker wood colour as it symbolised luxury, and it lent a striking contrast to the off-white walls. On the other hand, the pine wood beams on the roof of the first floor are new.” Here, history takes a generous bow. A large stone wall makes the heart of the home, leading one from the living room to the dining area. This space also houses a staircase made from Spanish Emperador marble, original to the residence’s construction. Vintage pots from Mallorca under the staircase complete the room.

Also read: A 100-year-old outhouse in Goa is reborn as a rustic bar

The “pièce de résistance’’ is a bespoke dining table customised by a local artisan on request. They remark, “This isn’t just a piece of furniture; it’s a testament to sustainability and local craftsmanship. We collaborated with a local wood artisan who utilized recycled wooden beams sourced from an old house on the island. This underscores our commitment to sustainable design practices and adds a touch of local heritage.” For them, it’s storytelling at its finest.

Another archway opens to the kitchen, glimmering with a shaft of bright light. A nod to practical beauty, the contemporary kitchen presents a fully-equipped set-up and a Marés stone island area for casual dining. A separate guest house within the patio offers a fully independent living space, including a bedroom, bathroom, and small living area. On the first floor, one encounters a bedroom with high ceilings, original beams, and a private terrace overlooking the patio and garden. Enclosed by an iron and glass wall, the first floor is a versatile space, doubling as an office, a reading corner, and an additional bedroom. The master bedroom is inspired by open-concept hotel suites—it integrates a custom-designed bed by a local artisan, a freestanding bathtub, an open wash basin area, a walk-in shower, and a walk-in wardrobe with custom wardrobes.

A neutral theme runs through the veins of this Mallorcan house. Just when one sits down at the outdoor seating to admire the history-laced walls, modern Mediterranean finishes hinder a thought, and that's where everything comes together.