Casamontesa Enlists Urban Aesthetics for a Mountain Retreat

  October 7, 2024
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Nestled in the scenic western mountains near Madrid, Spain, Casamontesa, designed by Lucas y Hernández-Gil of Kresta Design, stands at the crossroads of nostalgia and modern design. Originally built in the 1970s as part of a hotel complex, the bungalow exhibits an intriguing fusion of rustic charm and mid-century modern aesthetics, wrapped in a touch of kitsch. Despite its quirky elements, the house has retained its character, which became the focal point of a careful redesign.

The owners, a dynamic young couple from the bustling center of Madrid, sought a retreat that combined modern comfort with a deep connection to the surrounding natural beauty. Their desire was clear: a compact yet functional space that harmonized with its lush garden and offered a tranquil escape from city life. Addressing both the architectural and interior design challenges, the goal was to reshape the home in a way that enhanced its relationship with the outdoors while making the interiors more spacious and functional.

Modern living room with light neutral colors, featuring a gray sectional sofa, round coffee table, distinctive stacked stool, and a contemporary pendant light. A fireplace is built into the wall.

Minimalist living room with a fireplace, round coffee table, books, and vase with branches. Window seat with cushions on the left, candlesticks on a side table to the right, and greenery visible outside.

A key aspect of the renovation was reimagining the windows. The design team created large, recessed frames that not only bring more light into the house but also transform the views into framed works of art, highlighting the beauty of the natural surroundings. These deep window boxes are a distinctive feature of the renovation, providing a sense of openness and integration with the landscape.

A modern living space with an open plan kitchen featuring a red-tiled island, white bar stools, a beige sofa, a sleek coffee table, and a large window providing natural light.

Modern living area with a marbled kitchen counter, hanging white pendant lights, and a cozy seating nook by a stone fireplace. The space includes a round coffee table with decorative items.

A modern kitchen features a long red tile island with a marble countertop. Pendant lights hang above, and minimalist decor includes jars and a potted plant. A wire shelf unit is visible in the background.

Inside, a custom kitchen island became the centerpiece of the home, serving multiple functions: a space for cooking, dining, and even working. This multifunctional island, anchors the interior design and serves as a gathering point, emphasizing the open-plan layout of the house.

Modern kitchen with a long marble-topped island, red tiled base, two wooden stools, pendant lights, and stainless steel appliances. Large windows provide ample natural light.

Modern kitchen with red tiled island, stainless steel appliances, large window, and various cooking utensils. Neutral decor with natural light illuminating the space.

To create a sense of cohesion, the designers employed handmade burgundy tiles to line both the window recesses and the kitchen island. The glossy surface of these tiles contrasts with the home’s other materials, including Campaspero stone floors and waxed plaster walls, which offer a muted, textured backdrop to the vibrant tiles. This interplay of textures and finishes adds depth and richness to the overall aesthetic.

Modern kitchen with red tiled counters and backsplash, marble island with a sink and a hanging light fixture. Stainless steel refrigerator is visible on the left.

Modern kitchen interior with a large marble sink, red tiled backsplash, and a view of a green garden through the window. A pendant light hangs above the sink area.

A modern kitchen with red tile countertops and walls, marble island, wooden stools, and pendant lights. The space includes a stainless steel trash can and various kitchen appliances. A door is in the background.

A modern entryway with large wooden-framed glass doors, giving a view into a bright, minimalistic interior with wooden furniture and plants.

A small, minimalist kitchen with a stainless steel countertop, dual sinks, wooden cabinets, and a glass door leading to a garden outside.

A minimalist bedroom with light-colored walls features a neatly made double bed, two wall-mounted nightstands with books and a candle, and two modern wall lamps on either side.

A minimalist bedroom with a modern S-shaped chair, textured walls, a circular wooden bedside table with books, and a bed with white linens.

Minimalist bathroom with a rain shower head, handheld shower, a built-in bench, and a small shelf holding a soap dispenser and a green container. Walls and floor are in light beige tones.

A view of a modern kitchen through a large window in a stucco house with a pathway outside. The kitchen is brightly lit with hanging lights and houses various appliances and kitchenware.

A modern, single-story house with a stone exterior, large windows, and surrounded by tall trees and greenery. The interior is visible through the windows, showcasing a contemporary living space.

For more information on Lucas y Hernández-Gil of Kresta Design, click here.

Photography by José Hevia.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.



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