Between the Pyrenees and the sea, just an hour from Barcelona, Mas Oak, a listed farmstead with private horse stables and an atmospherically renovated guest house, hides in a green valley surrounded by fields, pastures, and old almond trees. The Masía, as the traditional country houses in Catalonia are called, was built in various stages and eras, with the oldest inscription dating back to 1708.
Historic quarry stone walls, wooden beam ceilings and old brick vaults are reminiscent of the building’s origins, while huge arched windows add a touch of Art Nouveau elegance to the rustic charm. To reveal the essence of the property and tell its story, non-essential layers were removed. During the renovation, existing materials were reused wherever possible, with old roof shingles, colourful cement tiles, historic door panels and the stone sink in the kitchen finding new uses.
The original structure offers various large to small, high to low, bright to introverted rooms as well as a changing mood of light that is closely related to the weather conditions. The kitchen, the centrepiece of the holiday home, is entered via a restored double-leaf cupboard door and impresses with its room height and authentic ambience. Here, rough stone-masonry meets limestone walls and earthy terracotta flooring, combined with a modern kitchen unit and antique tables and chairs. The veranda with its old fireplace complements the kitchen with a bright room featuring exposed wall paintwork, colourful stone tiles and beautiful arched windows.
The sala, where people once gathered to celebrate and dance, is now a spacious living room featuring a wood-burning stove, a long table and contemporary art. The apartment features three bedrooms and can be booked either as a whole or as a smaller unit for two people.
From the sala, you can access the private terrace with views of the valley and numerous seating areas on the stone terraces or in the hammock between the fruit trees.
What to do
Hiking, biking, bird watching, reading, cooking together and enjoying the wonderful peace and quiet. Despite the secluded location, the next largest town Igualada is only 15 minutes away, the vibrant metropolis of Barcelona can be reached in an hour, as can the Pyrenees, the beaches of Sitges or the wineries of the Penedès region
Why we like this house
Successful renovation, elegantly and casually transferred into the present day like the trot of the neighbouring horses.
This house is great for
Creative people, nature lovers, hiking enthusiasts, bike fans or birders - whether alone, as a couple or in a small group
Owner
A historic stone house in the middle of nature and yet only an hour away from Barcelona — Raya Hauri and Stefan Keller have long dreamed of a place like this. A house where you can retreat, where you can find peace and quiet and still not be lonely. The architect and engineer from Switzerland live and work here together with their horses, cats, and a dog. They are gradually renovating the 18th century farmhouse, the most beautiful rooms of which are available to their guests.
Details
| Region |
ES – Spain, Catalonia, Veciana Catalonia |
| Name | Mas Oak |
| Scenery | Surrounded by fields, pastures and old almond trees, halfway between the sea and the mountains |
| Number of guests | Max. 6 guests in 3 bedrooms |
| Completed | 18th century, 2023 |
| Design | Raya Hauri, Zürich |
| Published | AD Spain (11/2023); UMBAUEN+RENOVIEREN (03/04 2024) |
| Architecture | Old & new |
| Accomodation | Apartment |
| Criteria | 1-6 (house/apartment), Garden, Hiking, Mountains, Sea, Own agriculture |
4 Comments
I wanted to spend my birthday in May surrounded by nature, and Mas Oak was the perfect choice. Away from the city, peaceful and welcoming, with Raya and her animals making the experience even more special. The house is beautifully designed, comfortable and full of thoughtful details, which made us feel at home right away. We loved the quiet, the sounds of nature, and the feeling of slowing down almost immediately. It truly felt healing for us. If you’re craving some quality time in nature, Mas Oak is definitely your place.
Mas Oak sits beautifully in the landscape, remote and calm, where horses peacefully find their own paths around the generous estate. Everywhere you sense the thoughtful care that went into restoring the building and the site accommodating animal, plant and humans. It is a truly welcoming place, that immediately embraces you with its stunning views, selected materials and textures, spacious and comfortable, while being warmly hosted by the wonderful owners and their animals. Thank you!
My stay at Mas Oak was the escape from the world that I needed. The atmosphere at Mas Oak — maybe thanks to the horses — is very calm. I was warmly welcomed by the hosts and immediately felt at home. You can tell how much love and attention to detail has gone into the house. I hope I will be back soon!
The house is truly beautiful, we loved our stay at Mas Oak. All the details have been carefully chosen, creating an enchanting atmosphere. The owners are really nice and welcoming. Our kids loved their dog and horses. We’ll be back for sure !