Featured in House & Garden Magazine
Penelope Chilvers' Serene Sanctuary in North-Eastern Spain
29 years ago, I bought one of the apartments for myself and my little girls, and it became our peaceful space, not far from Barcelona, our home. Since then, we have moved to London and the little apartment serves as a bolthole. It's an idyllic space for me that I dream about often when I'm away, remembering its pure light and the drama of the ever-present wind, that reconnects me with memories of happy family holidays.



My favourite part is the linen cupboard! A cupboard full of memories; tablecloths that I remember my mother commissioning in local sewing shops, textiles from their trips to Tehran, and local pottery that each piece tells a story.



This place is all about simple living, a private existence within 4 solid walls, measuring 70 cms thick, and a constant breeze where the windows are always open, letting in the contant murmur of village life, only interrupted by church bells tolling. For many years I refused the internet or a TV screen (the latter still refused!) and calls and emails had to be made from outside the house. Eventually that drove my team and my family mad and so, only 4 years ago I had it installed.



There is nothing I enjoy more, on holiday here, than visiting the local antique shops and interior designers nearby – many of them have become great friends and we spend many happy hours chatting design together. - Penelope Chilvers



Photography by Simon Brown, House & Garden article written by Christabel Chubb.
Read the full article in the latest issue of House & Garden Magazine.
Share