Meraki #23 - Es Bec D'Aguila

Travel Stories

MERAKI ES BEC D’AGUILA

Exclusivity in the wild Balearic Islands

ES BEC D’AGUILA

Exclusivity in the Wild Balearic Islands

Menorca is, for many, the hidden jewel of the Spanish Mediterranean. In this wonderful wild nd an exclusive property where intimacy, silence, beauty and discreet luxury are more than a privilege that reflects Balearic tradition and elegance.

Located between the white villages of Alaior and Es Migjorn Gran is the farmhouse Es Bec D'Aguila, a 60hectare hilltop property in the heart of Menorca, just a 20 - minute drive from Mahón, the island's capital, another 20 minutes from the airport and with the nearest beaches ten kilometers away.

MAXIMUM RESPECT FOR TRADITION

Like the island itself, its owner Benedicta, is an islander of an English mother and father of Menorca and, to be more cosmopolitan, decided to marry Benoit, a Frenchman born in Germany and of Italian descent whom she met as a student in Holland. After living in Paris for a decade, both are now based in London. Somehow, it was her husband who, continually visiting the island, made her see her homeland with "different eyes". Together, they quickly detected the need to recover the abandoned and the essential, the indigenous people and the traditional properties of this peaceful island that fortunately has difficulty undergoing changes.

They bought this farm in 2016 as an investment with the aim of renovating the house and contributing to the maintenance of the island's heritage. And although the idea was to sell this property that had belonged to a family of merchants on the island, they decided to keep it for their own enjoyment. The house, at the time, managed to live great moments of majestic splendor with characteristics not common in the countryside, such as the running water baths next to the rooms, the Cuban hydraulic tile carpets in almost all the rooms or a chapel of their own.

A kind of jungle had grown in front of the house after fifty years of neglect. The vegetation broke through everywhere, the windows were lowered and the vaults were barely distinguishable due to the false ceilings that had been built at a certain height, making the rooms places short of natural light. In these conditions, the house was closer to a peasant's room than to the concept of a rich merchant's house. It was not just a question of reforming it, it was a question of remaking an entire architectural space with di ff erential points and, if possible, expressing part of the feelings of its current owners. The work was carried out by ARU, a team of architects from the island and by the French studio Atelier du Pont, a di ffi cult task since each architect has his own view and way of working. Even so, the criterion that prevailed from beginning to end was light, all rooms in the house should be naturally lit. Time and love, as well as good professionals, have won a unique place. It is true that this house is cosmopolitan, with very refined taste, very avant-garde and with a successful interior design concept that is both amazing and unique on this island. However, like Menorca, Es Bec D’Aguila is multicultural.

EVERYTHING IS IN THE DETAILS

After a trip to Barcelona and after being seduced by the Scandinavian designs of the 50’s and 60’s from a prestigious specialized store in Barcelona, Benedicta and Benoit went to the architects to show them the new acquisitions. The architects were surprised and concerned wondering where they would put all this. In this way, a furniture process was initiated for Es Bec D’Aguila that became Benedicta's full time job for many months. Thus, paintings, sculptures or various decorative items were auctioned in several specialized houses in Spain, France and England, and many others specially ordered for the place. But the internet was also a great tool to get pieces and utensils: sofas, armchairs, antiques, sofas, tables or fabrics.

In the house, the valuable work of several artisans was taken into account and this can be seen, for example, in the works and drawings in masonry made with tides, the white stone of the island.

The pergolas, garden gazebos and some forged gates were made by iron craftsmen and the wood used was also worked by the local population. The balconies of the house were redone respecting the original design; the heating was placed under the floor and the tiles that could not be recovered were used with mastery, and those that were not kept were copied by specialized artisans. Ceramics are, in general, treated with special care in this property.

All bed linen is 100% linen and different brands have been combined according to size and looking for a chromatic unit.

China, cutlery and pans have also a special treatment in this house. In fact, the cutlery is Belgian from the Serax house, is heavy and enriches some table arrangements where many pieces of American Anthropology are also used. Scandinavian brands also bring their unique touch to a table that seats 24 people.

COMFORT AND TRANQUILITY WITH MAGNIFICENT VIEWS

The 1,100 square meter house has eleven rooms, each with its own bathroom where amenities have been taken care both ecologically and aesthetically: the brand is the exclusive Ortigia, from Sicily.

The rooms surface varies between 17 to 30 square meters and the views from each of them surprise in some cases with incredible sunrises or bucolic sunsets. The house also has a large room that accommodates up to six children.

The entire ground floor of the house and one of the bedrooms is equipped for people with reduced mobility. The indoor and outdoor spaces o ff er many possibilities to enjoy a place full of magic and splendor. The large night lounge will be the ideal place to enjoy drinks in a green marble bar or to relax in the library and have fun in the gambling areas.

How to avoid diving in the 25 meters garden pool, next to the original kiosk and the dining room prepared for barbecues with typical local food, not missing a nap on the loungers listening to the sound of the fountain...

HEALTHY ENJOYMENT OF SIMPLICITY

To the delight of the guests, a petanque field, a pottery workshop, an outdoor recreation area for children, a ping - pong table, a cinema projection room and hammocks hung among the pines for delicious naps were installed. For the more active, a studio and a yoga platform with beautiful views over the olive groves, as well as a gym with all the necessary equipment warrant the house tenants a healthy body. Bicycle and horse riding, kayak and boat trips to explore the island can be arranged on request.

Es Bec D’Aguila is a house like few in Spain that can be fully rented. The service is included. It is not optional since for Benedicta and Benoit, it is clear that we can profit more and better when a professional team takes care of the property with the aim that tenants can enjoy it without any concern.

In meals prevail local, organic and healthy food. The menus are prepared in advance with the guest and depending on the seasonal and local products since the chef specializes in creating tasty vegetarian and vegan menus.

The wine section greatly emphasizes the island's products, meets the taste of each guest and reminds us that bio-dynamic wines are on the rise without missing the great Spanish ones and, of course, French labels.

MERAKI

Hotels & Fine Dining

CEO/Editorial Director CARLA BRANCO

Photos ES BEC D’AGUILA

Story #23 February 2021

www.esbecdaguila.com

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