Pure Form

Meticulously restored and updated, this farmstead in north-eastern Mallorca is a masterclass in how nature-inspired minimalism can be the ultimate luxury

- ROBYN ALEXANDER

It's likely that few people understand the light, the materials and the built forms that are characteristic of Mallorca better than local Architect Antoni Esteva. Having been born on the island, and practised here as an architect for more than five decades, Antoni has spent a lifetime exploring the local vernacular and reinterpreting it with modern requirements in mind.

Open-plan

Minimal and elegant, this casual lounge opens out onto Es Raco's beautifully landscaped gardens. The space is furnished with wooden built-in bench seating designed by Architect Antoni Esteva (esteva.eu) with linencovered cushions produced by local artisans.

During that time, he has worked on multiple projects across both the domestic and public realms, which have recently included a renovation of the Palma home that once belonged to iconic Spanish Surrealist Artist Joan Miró - and the regeneration of the remarkable farmstead of Es Racó, in the charming historic town of Artà.

Lounge

In one of several lounge spaces in the farmhouse, original ceiling beams combine beautifully with simple wooden built-in seating.The wooden coffee table and bean bag chair were also designed by Antoni, while the bamboo mobile is by Laurent Martin Lo (saatchiart.​com/ laurentlobamboo) and the perforated ceramic sculpture is by Jaume Roig (instagram.com/jaumeroig_artwork).

Well known in Mallorca as a town that has dedicated itself to the conservation of the island's history and natural resources as well as its traditional design and craft, Artà has long aimed to benefit both human culture and the environment. This ethos was very much in sync with Antoni's views about how the redevelopment of the Es Racó property should proceed, and indeed was one of the reasons for seeking a property in the vicinity of the town.

Says Antoni of the relationship between Es Racó and Artà, 'one nourishes the other.'