Barefoot on the Stone

There's an extraordinary feel to this place just outside the pretty town of Sencelles. In Mallorca's rural heartland, it's surrounded by farming country and sits in its own vast grounds with fruit trees, lawns and huge palms. Overlooking the fields, you'll be in tune with the land and totally switched off from modern life's stresses and strains.

This finca dates back to around 1890. Built from local stone and using traditional tiles, fireplaces and beamed ceilings, it's a stylish blend of rustic features and contemporary (think dark wood furniture and shuttered windows alongside modern steel and glass). A local architect has taken this old farmhouse and given it new life – without losing any of the atmosphere.

Your living space flows naturally on the ground floor, with a stunning seating area with a window wall to one side and exposed stone walls to the other. Stylish, comfy sofas provide a perfect indoor retreat to sit and chat, while the indoor dining table is just steps from the sleek, all-white kitchen. Two of the bedrooms open to the garden, while a steel staircase leads up to the others.

But this home's real star power comes in the form of an immense outdoor pool. Measuring more than 1000sq ft, it's been built using the existing base of an old farm building and uses several repurposed architectural features. It's pretty impressive if we say so ourselves.

As you'd expect, there's no shortage of secret outdoor seating spots and places to read under a tree in total seclusion. You'll also have a large covered terrace with a table and a barbecue. And here's a quirky little addition: if you thought the walk downstairs to the pool was too long from the main bedroom, the architect has installed some exterior metal steps so it only takes a moment.

Nearby, explore Sencelles and the surrounding villages, head off on hikes and bike rides, visit the local historic sites or drive to the coast for a day by the sea. Thanks to its location in the centre of the island, it's easy to get around by car.





Home truths:
*The two bedrooms on the ground floor have a connecting door and share the ground floor bathroom
*A fourth bathroom with walk-in shower is located outside under the pool
*You'll definitely need a car for this area – there's plenty of private parking
*This is a very quiet, rural location and while it won't suit everybody we think it's fabulous