Set within the heart of Cap de Creus Natural Park, Mas dels Arbres is a lovingly restored 17th-century masía offering an intimate escape on Costa Brava’s wildest coastline. Built from local stone in warm golds and ochres, Mas dels Arbres sits on 100 hectares of protected landscape that once inspired Miró, Duchamp, Picasso and Dalí. Owner Donald Reid has transformed this abandoned farmhouse into a sophisticated 5-bedroom retreat, blending historic architecture with contemporary design. Available for exclusive villa rental or individual room bookings, the property features a lap pool, curated art collection, and views stretching to the French coast and Pyrenees.
Built from local stone of warm golds, ochre and sand, Mas dels Arbres is a luxury rural villa rental that blends perfectly into its natural Costa Brava landscape. This lovingly restored and impeccably decorated 17th-century masía farmhouse is now an upscale private 5-bedroom contemporary retreat with lap pool, available for exclusive villa rental.
Arriving at this stunning 100-hectare private estate, through country lanes past blooming tree heather and ancient megalithic dolmens, one soon feels immersed in wild, untouched Costa Brava landscapes that inspired Joan Miró, Marcel Duchamp, Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí.
This is the Cape of Creus, a protected nature of this spectacular peninsula, where one finds the quintessential Catalan seaside village of Cadaqués, where Dalí lived with his partner Gala.
Mas dels Arbres stands at the heart of this sought-after destination, offering the privacy of a private home, the luxury of a refined boutique hotel and the soul-stirring ambience of a historic building.
Donald Reid, owner of Mas dels Arbres, has made Costa Brava his home, leaving Dundee for the creative challenge of giving this centuries-old farmhouse a new lease of life.
Where once roaming cattle sought refuge in the abandoned buildings are now elegant, contemporary, crafted living spaces and guest suites with exquisite attention to detail.
Local craftspeople were brought in to use traditional materials for the project that was further enhanced with contemporary touches such as the oxidised steel windows that frame the stunning views, the minimalist style polished concrete floors and whitewashed walls that allow the historic features and fascinating art collection that celebrate the destination to truly shine.
The priority throughout the transformation was to retain as much of the original structures as possible, including the stone floors in the entrance, and the richly textured walls of roughly hewn stone.
The curated interiors speak of a refined eye, yet create a welcoming, homespun feeling, a comforting mix of European antique and century furniture, handmade rugs, ceramics, storied collectables from across the world, and walls lined with books. Luxury touches include top-quality mattresses and fine linens in each room and suite.
Outside sheltered terraces nurture fruit trees and potted plants for the perfect spot to kick back and relax.
Views include up to San Pere de Rodes (that makes a fascinating visit, with its extraordinary monastery with 10th and 11th century architecture) as far as the French coast, to Puig Alt, and the iconic trees that give the house its name.
The lap pool is an indulgent luxury offering infinite views to the natural park.
Garden Suite
The Garden Suite offers spectacular views from both the room and terrace that overlook the swimming pool, a small olive and almond grove and in the distance the Pyrenees. This generously sized room has been designed to be wheelchair accessible with a king-size bed (with a deluxe ViSpring mattress) and en-suite bathroom. There’s a sitting area with comfortable lounge chairs and a wood-burner for chilly evenings, a desk and chair to work at, study or simply read, and a large private terrace with a dining table and chairs. The mid-century furniture is all from the English furniture maker, Ercol.
Rooms In The Original Masía
Room II is in the original masía and retains many of the characteristics of the farmhouse, including the restored ‘festejadors’ (window seats). The room has beautiful views over the walled garden, the trees and stream, the main olive grove and then up to Puig Alt. There’s a comfortable sitting area, a Super-King size bed and plenty of space to read and relax. The room has been furnished with beautiful antiques and old rugs, and with a collection of Scottish, Russian and Ukrainian art.
Room III is in the original masía and retains many of the features from the farmhouse: the old oven, the kitchen sink and a ‘festejador’ (window seat). The room has beautiful views north over the tiled roofs of the farm up to the castle San Salvador and the monastery of San Pere de Rodes. There’s a king-size bed, chest of drawers and a comfortable reading chair. The beautifully restored sink doubles up as a little dressing table.
Upstairs, beyond the charming landing mini library, is Room IV. This room is in the original masía and retains many of the characteristics of the old house. The room has beautiful views over the walled garden, the trees and stream, the main olive groves and up to Puig Alt. There’s a comfortable sitting area, a chest of drawers, a Super-King size bed and plenty of space to read and relax. The room has been furnished with beautiful antiques and old rugs, and with a collection of 20th-century Scottish art.
Stable Suite
The Stable Suite (45m²) stands alone from the old house, sitting proudly above the pool. The suite has a California King-size bed, with a separate living area with a comfortable two-seater sofa for lounging and a wood-burning stove for chilly evenings. There’s a table to work at, to study or simply to read.
The suite has a large private terrace with a built-in bench surrounded by aromatic plants, with views of the swimming pool, the Pyrenees and up the French coast. There’s a second private covered porch with two reading chairs.
The suite has been decorated with a collection of mid-century modern furniture and a collection of contemporary French and English art.
Living In Luxury
Mas dels Arbres is a magical place to escape to with friends and family. Within beautiful interior spaces for relaxing and sharing meals and an abundance of outside space, you’re embraced by the peace of this extraordinary setting.
You’re at the epicentre of the cultural and gastronomic scene of the Costa Brava. Discover a seductive mix of historic beachside villages, inland historical sites and contemporary destinations, including the one-and-only elBulli1846 museum telling the story of the global impact of Chef Ferran Adrià on the world of gastronomy.
Days can be spent hiking the nature trails, visiting Salvador Dalí’s home in Cadaqués and indulging with standout dining at Esperit Roca.
Yet with the optional private chef you might be tempted to simply stay embraced in your luxury home from home, relaxing by the dreamy pool.
Contact Details
Website: www.masdelsarbres.com
Address: 17480 Roses, Girona, Spain
