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.

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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.