MOUNTAIN SONG

RENOVATED TO HONOUR ITS HISTORY AND HARMONISE WITH ITS TRANQUIL SURROUNDS, A FAMILY’S BELOVED 200-YEAR-OLD HOME IS THE EPITOME OF PARED-BACK BEAUTY

- ROBYN ALEXANDER

RUSTIC RETREAT

With its history dating back at least 200 years, ‘Ca’n Marquet’ (opposite), on the Spanish island of Mallorca, seems to rise naturally from the verdant landscape. For Londoners Mercedes and João, who’ve been regular visitors with their children Victoria and João for many years, a quest to honour the heritage of the home underpinned its recent renovation. To enhance outdoor living, two pergolas were restored, including this welcoming space (above), embraced by olive-wood trunks and abundant bougainvillea. The table and benches come from a local flea market, while Moredesign’s interiors arm, More Decor, sourced the attractive woven hanging lampshades (try the ‘Java’ rattan oversized light shade in Natural from Dianna-Lynn Decor).

For Mercedes and João, the hunt for the perfect home away from home was long, but well worth it. “We were looking for something a little out of the ordinary,” says Mercedes, who, along with João, had been visiting Mallorca for years prior to buying their dream holiday home on the idyllic Spanish island. Their wish materialised with the discovery of ‘Ca’n Marquet’, a rustic hideaway built from ancient, sun-warmed stone walls tucked away in a verdant landscape. Recalls Mercedes, “We fell for its charming appearance right away.”