Born and raised amongst the dreamy landscapes of the Ibicencan countryside, with its striking red soil, sugar cube houses and lush orchards, Jaume Guasch Mari has an innate understanding of the island’s history, culture and traditions.
Being immersed into this very special environment since his childhood days, the owner of renowned construction company Balafia de Baix and co-owner of the equally esteemed Atzaro Group approaches and plans every project with the utmost respect for the surrounding nature. Combined with sincere consideration of each property’s unique characteristics as well as his clients’ desires, it is a recipe that has proven to be a success.
In 2016, Jaume came across a challenge of a different kind; the crumbling walls of a 17th century farmhouse that required a special kind of vision, unbridled passion and solid dedication to transform it from a ‘diamond in the rough’ to the hidden gem it is now.
“I found this property by chance,” he recalls. “I had seen three or four other places that day and was ready to go home when my agent told me there was one more house nearby. We went to see it and I decided there and then to take it.”
As a protected property, it took several years before work could commence, but after seven years of planning and, eventually, rebuilding the property, the results are nothing short of breathtaking.
Together with his partner Corina Amgwerd, owner of Swiss interior design business Coucou Les Belles, they created a masterfully reimagined farmhouse that effortlessly strikes the balance between modern design, rustic charm and a cool ambience, while retaining the warmth and simple pleasures of life in the countryside.
“The roof was collapsing. It was a ruin, really, it was not like this at all,” remembers Corina. “Everything had to be redone.”
Overlooking the fields and woodlands just a few minutes’ drive outside of Sant Rafael, Casa Buscastell offers a modern take on the bohemian dream of campo living, paying homage to its original architecture while infusing the property with a breath of fresh air through carefully chosen minimalist – and even some industrial style – design elements.
Describing their planning process, Corina explains, “We spent so much time here, we actually camped on one of the roof terraces for three weeks in the summer. We had no electricity or water at this point, so it was really basic. But we both knew what it could eventually look like.”
Now offering no less than five bedrooms and four bathrooms across 280 sqm, this spectacular country bolthole wows with ample living and lounging spaces, sun-dappled terraces and hidden nooks and crannies to relax in amongst the flowering gardens. Solar panels sit amongst the greenery to help power the property.
Inside, thick walls, exposed beams, stone staircases and wooden doors celebrate the Ibicencan architecture’s close connection to nature, while the furniture and decorations have been carefully curated to create a stylish, yet warm and welcoming home with that effortlessly cool gypset vibe.
“As the house is already so beautiful, you don’t need much. Just some simple pieces,” says Corina.
Her interior design atelier, CouCou Les Belles, takes great care in sourcing their offerings, paying special attention to the quality, production methods, value for money and sustainability of each.
The softly glowing glass baubles that float above the sofas in the living room, for example, are hand-blown by an old artist from the South of France, making every bulb unique. With great attention to detail, even the electric fans are artfully blended into wicker casings that fit the aesthetic perfectly.
Sitting on a small hill and within 12,000 sqm of grounds, Casa Buscastell is located close to the centre of the island.
From the tranquil valley you are perfectly positioned whether you want to nip into cosmopolitan Ibiza Town, explore the rugged North of the island, end the day with a breathtaking sunset or enjoy a meal in the nearby gourmet destination of Santa Gertrudis.
But with a base like this, who would ever want to leave?
Foodies will love the minimalist kitchen with its huge concrete island, from which you can step right into the lovingly nurtured fruit and vegetable garden that was filled with herbs, tomatoes and leafy greens by Corina and her mother.
The historic wood-fired oven on the outside of the building is another special feature that will delight roast lovers, baking enthusiasts and pizza fiends. And whether you want to bask in the morning sun with a coffee or enjoy a sunset aperitif, there is more than one roof terrace waiting for you to soak up the views for a peaceful beginning or end of the day.
Friends who want to share the house during a holiday or families with older children will appreciate the layout of multi-level property, which offers a secluded one-bedroom apartment as well as another ensuite bedroom on the ground floor, with separate entrances and located a few metres below the bedrooms in the main building for added privacy.
The property is exclusively represented by Fantastic Frank Ibiza, part of the well-known Fantastic Frank Real Estate brand.
Founded in 2010 in Stockholm, the international property business operates in Sweden, Germany, Spain and Portugal as well as, more recently, Dubai and Denver. With a focus on design, craftsmanship and visual communications, the team prides itself on flawless service, carefully curated properties and a passion for aesthetics.
So if you are looking to find your own Ibiza dream home, make sure to pay a visit to Fantastic Frank’s island office in Santa Gertrudis, where real estate experts and agency partners Jason Ham and Izabela Swiecicka are ready to – quite literally – open all the right doors for you!
For further information about Casa Buscastell or to arrange a viewing visit www.fantasticfrank.com or get in touch by email via izabela@fantasticfrank.com or jason@fantasticfrank.com.
Find out more about Corina’s interior design services by visiting www.coucou-les-belles.ch or follow @coucou_les_belles on Instagram.
For further information on Jaume’s construction projects visit www.balafiadebaix.com.
