Food & Drink -- 2 days ago
Above a bustling port on northern Spain’s Eo estuary, a 16th-century palace had fallen into a state of disrepair. With crumbling walls and overgrown gardens, this once-regal of sights was begging to be brought back to life. Luckily, it was discovered by the right people at the right time: the Madera Fernandez family had been searching for a place to transform into a family home, and they saw in the ruin a site ripe for regeneration. With the help of architects, designers and craftspeople, they embarked on an 11-year restoration, which, when completed, the family agreed had to be shared with the world.
Today Palacio de Figueras is a luxurious 11-bedroom holiday destination, complete with verdant terraced gardens, which transports modern travellers to the splendour of a former era, while offering all the essentials of modern luxury accommodation. This marked the beginning of the family’s devotion to purchasing and restoring historic Spanish properties that run the risk of being lost to history.
The Orangerie at Palacio de Figueras
What started with one palace became Vestige Collection, an assemblage of fincas, palaces and manor houses tastefully and thoughtfully transformed into 21st-century boutique hotels and private estates. They range from abandoned 13th-century castles to early 20th-century modernist homes, with many listed as Cultural Heritage Sites and all set against the most stunning of Spanish landscapes (for now – Vestige is set to expand its portfolio internationally, so watch this space).
The TV room at Palacio De Figueras
Suite Reina Gaudiosa at Palacio De Figueras
The newly completed Santa Ana is an elegantly restored 18th-century farmhouse on the idyllic Balearic island of Menorca. Surrounded by 210 hectares of lush natural beauty, the rural private estate features six double en suite bedrooms spread across the original farmhouse and traditional outbuildings, each thoughtfully decorated with muted colours and an eclectic mix of antique and contemporary furniture.
The pool at Santa Ana
The white sand bay of Cala Macarella, one of the island’s best beaches, is a short walk from Santa Ana. After a morning swim, you can stroll back to relax poolside, workout in the gym or enjoy the gardens, before sipping an aperitivo around the firepit as a private chef whips up a fresh seafood feast. Enjoy the privacy, flexibility, freedom and space of an exclusive holiday rental, with luxury accommodation and concierge to organise restaurants, boat trips and even stargazing sessions.
On Menorca’s big sister island Mallorca, in the centre of its vibrant capital Palma, is another of Vestige’s recently completed properties, perfect for larger groups. Miramar is a nine-bedroomed, 18th-century mansion that was once home to Juan Antoni Artigues, councillor to His Majesty King Carlos III. With views across the glittering bay and buzzy marina, it features a home cinema, library, terrace and indoor swimming pool. Aptly equipped with state-of- the-art mod cons it may be, but Miramar’s unique patina is a reminder of its rich history and the many lives it has housed.
Miramar
Through their revival of historic properties around Spain, the Vestige team have become passionate custodians of cultural heritage, transforming the face of modern hospitality and luxury, therefore benefiting local communities and discerning travellers. Palacio de Figueras, Santa Ana and Miramar (as well as Vestige’s first hotel Son Vell and the soon-to-open Son Ermità and Binidufà) are more than places to relax – they immerse guests in the totality of history, culture and nature.
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