A remarkable 6,450-square-foot modernist house from the 1970s, dramatically positioned on rocks overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, has been transformed from a deteriorating architectural icon into a breathtaking vacation home. Interior designers Serge Castella and Jason Flinn brought new life to this Spanish Costa Brava landmark, creating a minimalist retreat that seamlessly blends with its spectacular seaside setting.
"It reminds me of a boat," says Serge Castella, director of the eponymous agency he founded in 2006 with Jason Flinn. Perched on a rocky outcrop with the sea visible from three sides, this 1970s residence represents one of the most iconic examples of modern Mediterranean architecture. "I had seen it in books from the late 20th century; it's one of the emblematic houses of the Costa Brava," recalls the interior designer. "Each of our projects has something special. Those who choose us do so because they know what they want."
The clients were searching for a house with character and authenticity, and this property immediately stood out. "Its impressive structure is part of the rock itself," Castella explains. However, the 6,450-square-foot residence had been battered by time, erosion, and several renovations that failed to do it justice, including "floors stuck in the 1980s and enormous salmon-colored marble planters." Despite these issues, the architectural skeleton remained solid, and the design duo recognized its potential.
"The challenge was to restore its essence," the designers explain. The house's geometry, with its sharp angles and clean volumes seemingly sculpted by the tramontane wind, reflects a golden period of Catalonian architecture. Their objective was clear: intervene without covering up the original design. "This house speaks for itself. Empty, it already has strength. And when something is well done, there's no need to redo it."
The restoration took eighteen months and was more akin to architectural preservation than simple interior design. "The first step was rethinking the layout," the team recalls. "The spaces were very compartmentalized." Today, the house is divided into three levels that follow the contours of the rock from the entrance. A grand central staircase without railings, wide and ceremonious, sets the rhythm of movement through the space.
On this vertical journey, the sea becomes a cinematic element. The top floor, open and translucent, houses the main living room. Round porthole windows and large original wooden stained glass ensure that water and light integrate into the decor, transforming the interior into a ship's hull or submarine cabin. "You can't see it in photos, but during strong storms, it's a very intense sensation – you can get dizzy as if you were really in the water," Castella describes.
The decoration was conscientiously executed with complete sobriety in mind. "We wanted to let the architecture shine. There are few pieces, but they are strong," the designers explain. Some items came from Serge Castella's gallery, others were commissioned from artists and craftsmen, and still others were selected for their material and geographical connection to the location. The covered terrace features lacquered iron chairs from Alaire and a 19th-century black terracotta pitcher.
The main living room, functioning as a lookout over the sea, showcases an original work by Albert Chubac from 1950, an Akari floor lamp by Isamu Noguchi, a Cilindros coffee table by Serge Castella, and a lacquered iron chair from the 1950s. A handmade alfa grass rug completes the space. The porthole windows, one of the house's signature elements, remain part of the original structure.
Renowned design names and noble materials abound throughout the residence. The kitchen island is covered with tiles from La Bisbal, a neighboring town known as the ceramics capital. A 1960s American walnut table coexists with 1970s Italian rattan chairs, Isamu Noguchi lamps, a plate by Jean Picart Le Doux, and a pitcher by Jean Lurçat. These pieces naturally integrate with artworks and ceramics by Luis Vidal from Alzueta Gallery.
"The colors are those of the Mediterranean: the blue of the sea, yellow of the sun, white of lime, and green of vegetation," the duo explains. This represents a sober palette with immediate emotional power. This isn't coincidental – the agency has been working on houses in the region for more than twenty years, and this knowledge of the landscape and its heritage translates into absolute respect for such a context.
On the terrace, the pool size was reduced to gain space and offer outdoor living more connected to the environment. Around the pool, which seems to merge with the Mediterranean, Brava lounge chairs from Calma provide the perfect spots for relaxation. The villa is truly positioned on rock, with stairs leading down to the pool area.
In the bedroom, shelves display two lacquered wood sculptures by Albert Chubac from the Serge Castella Gallery, a contemporary lacquered wood chair from Galerie Oak, and a 20th-century plaster lamp. The kitchen features an oak table from Galerie 1721 surrounded by wood and wicker chairs signed by Audoux & Minet. On the La Bisbal tile island sits a vintage pitcher by Jean Lurçat, topped by a 1970s suspension light.
This restoration represents more than just an interior design project – it's a masterful preservation of architectural heritage that honors both the original 1970s vision and the timeless beauty of the Mediterranean coast. The result is a vacation home where minimalist decoration perfectly complements the dramatic natural setting, creating an immersive experience that truly makes occupants feel as though they're living within the sea itself.
