The Fornalutx Hideaway
Fornalutx, Soller & Mountains, Spain
Reviewed by
Charlotte Bonsey
The Fornalutx Hideaway lies at the end of a citrus-lined lane, shaded by three monumental date palms, in one of the prettiest villages in Spain. It's an unusual house, built by a famous Belgian photographer, whose curved walls and large windows provide breathtaking views of the Tramuntana mountains. From the roof terrace you can revel in a 360-degree panorama of fruit groves, wooded slopes and craggy peaks.
With 4 bedrooms, 2 sitting rooms, an open-plan kitchen-diner, plenty of terrace space and a lap pool in the garden, it's a seriously classy option for a large family or a group of 6-8 friends, who want to spend a week exploring Mallorca's most spectacular landscapes and rugged coastline. The house was renovated using slate, black marble, polished concrete and natural riverstones, to create an uncluttered, vintage-meets-contemporary atmosphere; walls are in muted Farrow & Ball colours. There are arty touches inspired by the owner's 15 years in Paris - silk onion-bulb lampshades, fern-fretwork wall appliqués, velvet and linen cushions, voile curtains in the bedrooms - and thoughtful extras such as fluffy bathrobes and slippers, custom-made bathroom products, and an ample welcome basket. The high-spec kitchen and gorgeous dining terrace put the seal on easy living.
Outside you'll find a 700 sq.m. garden fragrant with orange, lemon, jacaranda, bougainvillia, jasmine, magnolia, and herbs. Keen walkers love it here, with many trails into the Tramuntana mountains right from the doorstep. Beaches, tennis, cycling, sailing and snorkelling are all a short drive away.
With 4 bedrooms, 2 sitting rooms, an open-plan kitchen-diner, plenty of terrace space and a lap pool in the garden, it's a seriously classy option for a large family or a group of 6-8 friends, who want to spend a week exploring Mallorca's most spectacular landscapes and rugged coastline. The house was renovated using slate, black marble, polished concrete and natural riverstones, to create an uncluttered, vintage-meets-contemporary atmosphere; walls are in muted Farrow & Ball colours. There are arty touches inspired by the owner's 15 years in Paris - silk onion-bulb lampshades, fern-fretwork wall appliqués, velvet and linen cushions, voile curtains in the bedrooms - and thoughtful extras such as fluffy bathrobes and slippers, custom-made bathroom products, and an ample welcome basket. The high-spec kitchen and gorgeous dining terrace put the seal on easy living.
Outside you'll find a 700 sq.m. garden fragrant with orange, lemon, jacaranda, bougainvillia, jasmine, magnolia, and herbs. Keen walkers love it here, with many trails into the Tramuntana mountains right from the doorstep. Beaches, tennis, cycling, sailing and snorkelling are all a short drive away.
Highs
- Delightful private setting just outside the pretty village of Fornalutx, with big views and gorgeous outside spaces
- High standard of fixtures and finishings, with original artwork, accessories and flea market finds from Paris, good bed linen, and sleekly contemporary bathrooms
- Proper 13m-long pool with sunloungers, sofas and a hammock
- Extensive selection of books, music and films for the rare rainy day
- Catering on request and culinary/wine tours; Jenny is a mine of local information
Lows
- You can't drive to the door (you can stop 50m away to unload, and park 150m away)
- Be prepared for a (short) uphill walk into Fornalutx (it's 5 minutes to the square)
- The pool is unheated so can be cool in May and October
- A 4-night minimum stay, rising to 7 nights in July and August (Sat-Sat)