Canet de Mar A magnificent historic country estate combining modern features and gothic architecture in Canet de Mar, close to Barcelona and the coves and beaches of the Costa Brava. It seems like having your cake and eating it.

The combination of historic country estate and a location near sea and beaches is a rare one. Add proximity to one of the European capitals of culture and it’s a pretty attractive mix indeed. However, Castillo de Santa Florentina – Casa Nova is just that, a true blue countryseat of manageable proportions that is located in Canet de Mar, in the beautiful northeastern region of Spain. Nearby are the pretty coves and beaches that made the Costa Brava so famous, with the vibrant city of Barcelona and the mountain ski resorts of the Pyrenees all within close striking range.

Though it looks thoroughly up to date and made for luxurious living, the castle originally traces its history far back through time. Its first foundations being built during the II century, it was a fortress at Roman times that was enlarged during the medieval period.Since then, numerous renovations and extensions have contributed to the finished product as it stands today – enjoying its actual appearance since 1910 – featuring a Modernist style but always respecting the ancient Gothic architectural rules. The result is an eclectic but also strikingly handsome and harmonious stately manor of a size that is impressive yet also small enough to call home.

Naturally, such an edifice has its progeny, and the ancestry of the Castillo de Santa Florentina – Casa Nova makes for impressive reading. One of the latter lords of the manor, a certain Ramon Montaner, played an important role in converting the fortified castle of yore into a luxury country property – adding typical late 19th century touches as he did so. For this he called upon his cousin, the noted architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, to give shape to his ambitions and create a stately home of distinction.

In this he was so successful that the property even enjoyed a royal visit from King Alfonso XIII, who stayed here in 1908. Castillo de Santa Florentina – Casa Nova is also mentioned in Architectural Digest’s ‘Most Beautiful Homes in the World’. These days, the property is a luxury private home yet it continues to draw visitors, such as during the Classical Music Festival. The castle’s tasteful Neo-gothic touches add to the idyll of its setting on such occasion, bringing an unmistakable touch of magic that explains why the estate remains so sought after for stylish events.

Inside, the home continues the feeling of modern homely comfort and style within an authentic historical setting, with a grand entrance flanked on the right by a staircase that winds gracefully down from the living quarters on the first floor. On the left is a small private chapel, while the planta noble has a grand salon and a formal dining room amongst others. A great home of distinction, this is a luxurious private domain that is also made for entertaining, offering space, elegance and refinement. Architectural harmony is evident everywhere, as are natural light and views of the lovely grounds.

The sleeping quarters contain a series of spacious, sunny bedroom suites complete with dressers and stylish bathrooms, while this is the kind of property that offers such delightful follies as a turret room (a studio) where one can escape from everyday reality and pursue romantic daydreams or be creative. Just the place for fine furniture, art and antiques, but above all an imposing house in which to live and enjoy a wonderful home in a wonderful setting.

The caretaker’s house, adjacent to the castle’s building has four more bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Santa Florentina – Casa Nova offers distinction, privacy, space, elegance and refinement. The architectural harmony is evident in every corner, like the natural light that floods the rooms.

The castle is surrounded by a beautiful garden with swimming pool and leafy trees, which invites you to relax and enjoy the day. The property has stables for horses, this being a fantastic home for those who enjoy riding. A beautiful wine cellar with lancet arches will delight wine lovers, who might feel inspired to cultivate their own wines in the adjacent vineyards.