Casa Baranku'

A private-hire farmhouse in Tarragona of polished rusticity and rural solitude encapsulates the smoothly designed bolthole Casa Baranku, found in the wilds of Spain's southern Catalonian hinterland in Terres de L' Ebre, south west of Barcelona, seven kilometres from the Mediterranean coast and beaches.

With untamed abstract edges and deep boxed windows encased in thick walls, 18th-century eco-finca Casa Baranku is one single space of farmhouse architecture, topped with terracotta tiles and washed with lime. A sustainable abode, it's the perfect holiday lodging for two and a secluded spot for blue-sky summers or cosy winters.

Built in 1870, this dinky refuge stands solidly after 150 years and is now reimagined for those seeking a quiet solace and connection with nature.

Olive groves, stepped terraces and ancient stone walls surround the chunky, low-rise casa, the heart of Catalan country life, the rhythms of agriculture the same as they’ve been for centuries. A place which works in harmony with nature’s elements - rainwater, sun and wind all play their part in heating and cooling the casa, naturally and bio-climatically.

Inside, a cool simplicity is achieved by local materials. Wooden beams overhead, exposed stone walls and a polished floor are set to elemental tones of burnt sienna, charcoal and umber. Furnishings are sparse and more meaningful for it. Hessian mats, wicker chairs, terracotta pots and the central log burner create an uncomplicated aesthetic, spartan and unembellished yet homely and warm. The bathroom perhaps benefits from a touch of sumptuosity. A slick wet room is adorned with olive wood fixings and copper taps where a sunken tub at ground level meets the outdoors, letting in even more of that Catalonian tonic.

Off-grid and immersed in wild nature and traditional farming techniques, step away from modern life and celebrate sustainable simplicity, artfully tamed with all your creature comforts. Yet the calmingly reductive benefits of Casa Baranku make you realise you don’t need much, after all.  

There’s only one double bed in this charming casa, decorated in the hues of Catalonian nature. It’s set up in the main living hub on a raised platform, not far from the central log burner, dressed in simple, good quality fabrics. You’ll sleep well in this peaceful corner of Catalonia.

This is the land of plenty and you won’t go without. Within reach of the casa are its own fruit trees, a scented herb garden to season the cocktail or marinate the food, ancient organic groves that produce fine D.O Baix Ebre extra virgin olive oils and a little further is the D.O Terra Alta region which yields deep red wines from grenache, macabeu and parelladavarietals.

The kitchen is well-equipped with life’s essentials such as a coffee maker, olive oil and plenty of wine glasses. Outside a barbecue and wood oven mean a little cooking al fresco is on the agenda under a star-studded sky. Nearby are gastronomic restaurants for dinners out and by the Mediterranean coast, seek our freshly caught seafood and fish.

Beautifully rural yet only kilometres from the Med’s gorgeous beaches and coastline, Casa Baranku has the benefit of seclusion with no neighbours, light pollution or noise. Found in south Catalonia’s region of Terres de L' Ebre, its orientation can be more specifically described as Baix Ebre and is characterised by hectares of organic olive groves, cypress trees, rugged farming terraces and miles of stone walling. 

Casa Baranku sits in equidistance of both Valencia and Barcelona giving easy access to both airports and the opportunity to balance rural seclusion with a chic city break.