Traveling to Spain means marveling at the glorious villas displayed anywhere you go. There is an eclectic blend of both Spanish and Mediterranean designs in every villa you see. You would often notice stucco walls, red clay tile roofs, archways, and iron railings.
They make the designs so unique, blending Moorish and Mediterranean motifs. This distinct fusion of style and art makes Spanish villas hardly unnoticeable. Instead, you make a second glance, third or fourth, to understand how distinctive it is.
When looking closely at the villas, you will see one defining element, the iron bars on every window. A typical Spanish villa comes with bars on both doors and windows. It is a standard accessory added to the villa.
But for a foreigner’s eyes, bars and railings on windows seem to be odd. One would often think, why do Spanish villas have bars on windows? Are the bars or railings have a specific purpose or an intended house design?
An average Spanish villa has bars or iron railings on every window. Bars on windows in villas are used as security measures to ward off burglars and unwanted guests. The bars are installed after the Spanish villa is wholly constructed.
It makes the Spanish architectural design so attractive that other countries imitate it. So you will see Spanish-style houses in the United States, particularly Florida and California.
What makes a Spanish villa?
A typical Spanish-style villa displayed white-washed casita, red-clay tiled roof, and arches. These elements are ever-present in any Spanish villa you would visit. It makes the Spanish villa stand out from other architectural house design you see today.
However, there is so much more to know and consider before it qualifies as an original Spanish villa. Here are the several factors you need to take a look at:
- Windows
- Insulation
- Red-tile roof
- Arches
- Stylish tiles
- Stucco exterior
- Courtyards
- Casitas
- Tower-like chimney
- Construction
One of the most defining elements of a Spanish-style villa is the windows. Windows are often expansive and always come with wrought-iron railings. The bars or railings are an essential feature of Spanish villas and homes. However, there are not just present on windows but also stair railings, balconies, gates, and doors.
Aside from bars, windows have storm shutters and blinds that can cover the house from the outside. It is usually present even in modern Spanish-style homes even today.
Most Spanish houses or villas have little or no insulation. The reason behind this is that some regions of Spain are cold and near the beach. The insulation is used to protect houses from heat, but in colder areas, it is unnecessary. However, in the northern parts of the country, there are some houses with insulation. But in general, insulation is not required in most Spanish places.
A red-clay tile roof intricately adorns the top of a Spanish villa. The tile has an ‘s’ shape stack together to create a beautiful and sturdy roof. The roof will protect the estate inside from the heat and against harsh weather or climates.
These are very durable materials that can last for a very long time. It can last for a century, adding character to the villa. In addition, it can withstand extreme winds and even fire.
Another prominent character of a Spanish villa is the elegant arches. It makes the style more Mediterranean and sophisticated. The arches are some of the essential elements you can find in most Spanish-style homes. Round arches are styling the windows, doors, and even the porch.
When you enter a Spanish villa for the first time, you will instantly notice tiles on floors and walls. They are beautifully and intricately painted, making the entire house alive and colorful. Both the walls and floors have patterned style tiles making it more stylish and elegant. Even when you reach the kitchen area, different patterns of tiles are well-installed.
You will notice when observing most of the Spanish villa is its stucco exterior. It makes the overall appearance of the estate more elegant and stylish. It blended well with the red-clay tiled roofs of the house. The stucco exterior makes the villa sturdy and robust. It usually comes in earthy tone, white and off-white color.
Spanish people love to entertain guests and visitors. They have a specific area for this – private courtyards. It is the ideal place to accommodate guests in any type of weather – warm or cold. Some villas have installed fireplaces for the cool weather. In summer, there are shaded galleries protecting guests from the heat of the sun.
Another characteristic of a Spanish villa is the casitas. It is a small structure outside the main villa intended for guests. You will see the casitas either on the front or the back of the estate of the house.
Today, there are casitas in the villa where homeowners use it as an extension of the house. It can be space for guests, a studio, or an intended home office. The casitas are also complete with a bedroom, kitchen, and bath area. It also has a separate entrance from the main house.
Another element that added to the charm of a Spanish villa is the tower-like chimneys. It is usually constructed near the kitchen and intended to be functional. However, the chimney looks more adorable with its tiny wood windows surrounded by white walls.
The construction of Spanish-style homes is usually made from indigenous materials. It is being constructed with adobe walls or rock walls to make the building solid and lasting. It has thick white walls that can help withstand harsh weather conditions. In addition, the materials used ensured proper insulation that can allow cool down the heat in summers.
As a cultural center of Europe in the past, Spain managed to stand out in architectural designs. The Spanish villa is a strong manifestation of the art and craft of the country. The design blended well with the country’s climate and identity.
Where to see the best villas in Spain?
Now that the Spanish villa sparked interest in you, then you might want to know where the best villas in Spain are.
Well, some well-structured villas in Spain are easy to spot. You can find them anywhere in the central regions of Spain or some hidden areas in the country.
Here are the top regions showcasing the best villas one could find to see the best villas in Spain. In addition, you can spot some unique villas in Valencia, Cantabria, Tenerife, and even Catalonia.
- Ronda
- Valencia
- Finca de Arrieta, Lanzarote
- Ca’ Nablaya, Ibiza
- Ciutadella, Menorca
- C’an Picassa, Majorca
- Las Villas, Bahía del Duque, Tenerife
- Villa Gelida, Costa Brava
- Mas dels Avis, Catalonia
- Casitas de Luriezo, Cantabria
Ronda is a great getaway when you want to live in a villa with surrounding hills and countryside. The town is sophisticated and elegant where you can find many traditional villas. In addition, you can consider the Andalusian collection just about the village of Montecorto.
Another region to consider for beautifully designed villas in Valencia. Valencia is the third-largest city in Spain, offering stunning architecture and beaches. In addition, you can head to the Cabanyal to see street-lined houses adorned with colorful tiles. Most villas you can see in this region are affordable, as well.
If you want a luxurious and fancy getaway, you can head to Lanzarote. It has stylish accommodations just nearby the beach. So you can relax while at the same time, include outdoor activities in your vacation.
Of course, you do not want to miss booking a place on the island of Ibiza. In Mi Casa Tu Casa Ibiza, there are lots of local villas you can consider staying in. It is a 200-year-old property perfect for groups and families. Moreover, you someIn addition, you can quickly go to the beach, as Ibiza town is close to several beaches.
Another great location to spot beautiful villas in Menorca. You can see houses with splendid arches and beamed ceilings in this part of Spain. The villa is an ideal place to bond with your family, where many outdoor activities await you. You can play tennis, basketball, swings, and a lot more. Also, the villa is calm and tranquil where you can relax and have a good time.
In the center of Majorca, you will find stunning traditional country homes where you want to stay. The houses are strategically located where it has excellent access to major activities. You can easily visit plenty of beaches during the day and hop on a bar at night. It is a perfect mixture of quiet and fun vibe rolled into one.
Of course, no one would want to miss finding the perfect place in Tenerife. Tenerife got you covered if you are looking for an ideal location with the best villa and the beach. You can head straight to the Las Villas in the Bahía del Duque Hotel to book your dream vacation.
It has excellent access to Tenerife’s pristine beaches, restaurants, and a state-of-the-art spa.
The hotel has forty villas for solo, couples, and family.
It offers other outdoor activities aside from going to the beach.
If you are in the Catalan region, you can see the place’s extraordinary homes and architecture. The Villa Gelida, for instance, is the region’s most revered beach house. It is situated at a clifftop with a great view of the Mediterranean.
Another area to consider is the Charming Villas Catalonia. It is a luxurious property in the region run by a British couple. The villa is also nearby the best local restaurants.
Well, Catalonia will never run out of beautiful villas to offer. In Mas dels Avis, you can have the most splendid villa experience. The villa is well-designed, with beamed ceilings, stone walls, and extensive lawns.
Lastly, it would help if you also visit the Cantabria. Then, you can choose affordable rustic homes and villas in Casas Cantabricas.
You will be confronted with unique accommodations ideal for vacation.
It is surrounded by a beautiful mountainside, a perfect getaway from the city.
Other fun and enjoyable activities are waiting for you too. For example, you can visit a local cheesemaker or learn how to cook. You will undoubtedly have a fantastic experience in this part of Spain.
Spain had been a major cultural center during the olden times. Aside from bullfights, flamenco, and impressive gastronomy, it has great architectural designs, too.
The Spanish villa is a living representation that Spanish art is beyond excellence. It fused all other influences that make the villa more distinct. It is a perfect combination of Mediterranean, Moorish and European, combined.
Thus, the moment you visit Spain, marvel at the designs of the villas and Spanish houses you see. The beauty it offers is a true manifestation that Spain is culturally alive.