Manor House | Marta Castellano

The single-story house has a surface area of 225 square meters. "When our clients acquired it, they commissioned us, along with Serrat-Tort Arquitectos, to carry out the renovation works. We found a unique house, but it had undergone various renovations over the years, some of which were ill-advised and disrespectful of the original architectural elements" comments Marta Castellano-Mas.

Highlighting the Historical Legacy

The renovation project of this century-old house was based on salvaging and enhancing the original architectural details; and conversely, eliminating all those built in subsequent renovations that lacked any interest to the point of detracting from the house's value.

The architectural intervention focused on revealing and enhancing the original structure of the property. The superimposed elements, such as false ceilings and wall coverings, were removed, exposing the handmade brick and certain technical installations. The removal of the existing uninteresting stoneware flooring contributed to the recovery of the spatial essence.

The project opts for a stylistic coherence that prioritizes the authenticity of the space, avoiding unnecessary alterations. In this process, the original carpentry, a fresco on the hall ceiling, and the gallery arches, elements that testify to the building's history, have been preserved.

In the incorporation of new materials, noble and natural solutions have been chosen. The old stoneware floor has been replaced with a pine wood floor, installed raw and tinted on-site, while polished concrete has been chosen for the kitchen. The selection of elements such as the copper bathtub, natural brass faucets, and lime paint on the walls, as well as the faithful reproduction of the original carpentry, reflect the commitment to preserving the unique character of the space. 

Maximalist Style, Lived-in and with Character

Aesthetically, the house has been dressed with lived-in furniture with character, to which some contemporary pieces are added. The double height of the ceilings enhances the feeling of spaciousness and the luminosity of the house. "A space of such dimensions and strength had to be accompanied by pieces with soul, because the space undoubtedly required it," comments Marta Castellano-Mas.

Hence, the interior designer herself decided to travel with the owners to destinations such as Florence, Provence, or Antwerp, to select unique pieces in local antique shops.

Furniture Rescued from European Antique Shops

The neutralization of the texture of walls and ceilings through a uniform chromatism facilitates the creation of a neutral canvas. This strategy allows the furniture acquired during the trips to take center stage. Examples include the display cabinet and industrial lamps from Provence, or the lithographs used as a headboard, bought in a Florentine alley.

The furniture selection is not limited to the search for pieces with character, but also considers scale. Large elements, in accordance with the magnitude of the space, are prioritized. Hence the large French dining table, the generously proportioned sofas, the industrial trolleys transformed into coffee tables, and the chest of drawers located behind the sofa. The breadth of the content corresponds to the magnitude of the house. The freshness of natural plants floods absolutely all the rooms of the house.

Neutral Kitchen with a Small Vertical Garden

The open kitchen with a peninsula is conceived under a premise of neutrality, but avoiding indifference. Designed entirely to measure, the fronts of slatted oak wood doors painted in a dark gray tone are discreetly integrated into the day area. This chromatic and material choice gives presence to the space, without overloading the general composition or overshadowing the protagonist furniture that dresses the project.

In the extractor hood area, a small concession has been made: an iron structure on which climbing plants are arranged. This resource creates a small vertical garden, generating an unexpected organic component in the kitchen environment.

Patio: A Journey to the Past

The charm of the Patio offers a journey to the past, to the leisurely and contemplative life that was led in the manor houses of yesteryear.

Its walls display an aged and warm texture, the gravel floor adds a rustic touch, the exuberant vegetation in terracotta pots provides natural freshness. All this, together with a careful selection of decorative elements and light and classic iron furniture, places us in a relaxing oasis. 

Master bedroom

Access to the master bedroom from the day area is through an arched double wooden door, a distinctive architectural feature that adds historical charm and defines the transition between environments.

The attention to detail and the careful selection of furniture and decorative elements in the bedroom harmonize with the decorative style of the rest of the house. Marta Castellano-Mas has opted for a dark and rich color palette, which contributes to the creation of an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere, while natural and artisanal elements—such as the jute thread pendant lamps and the rustic wooden bench at the foot of the bed—add warmth and texture.

The artistic and classic touch is a large painting bought in an antique shop in Florence, composed of twelve framed lithographs of trophies, which has been placed as a headboard.

A Sophisticated Bathroom with a Bronze Bathtub as the Protagonist

Sophisticated and luxurious, the suite bathroom is of absolute theatricality. The great protagonist is a freestanding copper bathtub, bought in India, strategically located in front of the large window and with relaxing views of the house's patio. On the ceiling, a lamp made of small mother-of-pearl discs (assembly and design by Decocrea) stands out, and in front of it, a painting about thoughts by artist Antonio Mora. The predominance of black and the abundant luminosity of the room highlight the sophistication of this space.

INTERIOR DESIGN: Marta Castellano-Mas estudi (www.martacastellano.com)

ARCHITECTURE:  Serrat-Tort arquitectes (www.serrat-tort.cat)

PHOTOS:  Davide Pellegrini (www.dpfotos.com)

BUILDERS: Viscola