Penelope Chilvers Featured in House & Garden

Penelope Chilvers Spain Flat's Terrace

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.

Penelope's outdoor terrace
Penelope's indoor living space
Penelope enjoying her outdoor terrace in her Buttercup tan sandals

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.

Penelope in a local textile shop in North-Eastern Spain
Pottery in Penelope's kitchen
Penelope's mugs, plates and dishes in her kitchen cupboard

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.

Penelope in her kitchen wearing the High Valenciana Dali Espadrille in Green/Sky
A bedroom in Penelope's flat
Penelope's kitchen area with a window letting the air flow through her flat

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

Penelope with an interior designer friend
Pottery in an antique shop near Penelope's flat
Penelope visiting a local antique shop and admiring the artwork

Photography by Simon Brown, House & Garden article written by Christabel Chubb.

Read the full article in the latest issue of House & Garden Magazine.

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