El Cortijo
El Cortijo is a vacation villa rental surrounded by a Mediterranean garden with pool and within easy access to the beautiful beaches of the coast in Andalucia.
How would you describe 70s Modernist Villa in a nutshell?
It’s a family holiday home with lots of artwork on the northeast coast of Tenerife.
What is the story behind 70s Modernist Villa, what was your inspiration to create it?
It all happened by accident. Tenerife doesn’t always have a good name and is known in Belgium and England for its cheap tourism. But we went for a holiday and a friend took us to see the village of El Poris just before we left. It’s where locals based in Santa Cruz come for weekend getaways and is really beloved.
At the time, the house was like a ruin and there was an almost unreadable sign indicating it was for sale. We walked around and saw a natural pool and I thought “Wow! You can still buy a location like this?” We went back a month later, then again and again. As an architect, I could see the potential of the property.
There were some good things about the building, so I just made it more architectural and created smaller spaces. I really believe that if you’re doing a renovation, the building says what it needs.
Adjacent to the existing house was the stone roof of a structure that the previous owner had intended to be a restaurant (but never completed). So in addition to renovating the main house, I decided to create an additional house, which is next door. I left the existing stone roof, so you have this basement feeling, while the rest of the building is straight and modern. The windows are larger than in the main house and it has its own atmosphere.
How would you describe the atmosphere and interior design of 70s Modernist Villa?
The two buildings at the villa are not like the new villas being built all over Spain that have huge windows and are so white that your eyes hurt. Their walls are painted a soft grey in more of a South American style and with a vintage aesthetic. We decorated the interiors with old furnishings and lighting that we brought from Belgium. My husband is a decorator and collector, so I have to stop him from taking new things over there all the time!
At the villa, you are almost in the ocean and it’s a great place to stay if you like big waves and rough seas.
To you personally, what is so special about 70s Modernist Villa?
The house was built and decorated for us (not for renting), so it feels very personal. I often feel that luxury rental properties can feel impersonal and all look the same but 70s Modernist Villa has a very homely aesthetic.
What do you particularly like about this part of Tenerife
El Poris is very small but beloved by the people of Santa Cruz who come here for weekend escapes. There are no big hotels, just small beach bars and restaurants. It’s still very Canarian. If you want a discotheque, it’s not the place to come!
