Summer DREAMS

THIS SUNNY ABODE IN SPAIN DECKED IN THE COLOURS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN OFFERS A MORE RELAXED LIFE FOR A FAMILY OF FIVE AND A PLACE TO ENTERTAIN FRIENDS

- SERGIO DEL AMO & KATE BARBER

NATURAL CHARM Intended as a holiday home, this sun-drenched 19th century house in a Spanish fishing town not far from Barcelona soon seduced Julieta (pictured below in the outdoor room), her husband Antonio and their children Julieta, Olivia and Victoria. Now, they can’t imagine leaving. For similar armchairs, try Haus of Rattan.

As you cross the threshold of this home, a sense of calm descends on you and it has the same effect on its owners, Julieta and her husband Antonio who live here with their children, Julieta, 11, Olivia, nine, and Victoria, seven. Just a short walk to the beach but still in the centre of town, this Spanish home combines the best of both worlds. “I wanted somewhere special that I could fall in love with,” shares Julieta. “I never wanted to live in an apartment or a residential area in the outskirts, far from the centre. I love being a part of village life.” So when the couple saw this stunning 19th century home in Vilasar de Mar, a fishing village 20 minutes from Barcelona, they immediately snapped it up.

The place was initially intended as a holiday home that the family could retreat to and also welcome friends for long summer lunches. However, everything changed when the family spent lockdown in it. “Suddenly, the house had to work as an office for me, a school and playground for my daughters, and even the stockroom for my online store,” says Julieta. “Now, I definitely see it in a different light.”