Owners of the guesthouse, Vera Holland and Ted Alkemade, set out to preserve the traditional Ibizian architecture, finely curated design and magical charm of the original property, with history dating back 240 years [image: The Guardian House]
The guesthouse is more than a traditional finca. It’s home to 20 majestic horses, posing as a consistent reminder during your stay of the relationship between animals and humans and bringing a calming, unforgettable feeling to the hideaway.
Perched gracefully atop a serene hill in the heart of Santa Gertrudis, The Guardian House radiates cinematic quality. A space that provides an opportunity for self-reflection. Cultivating well-being is united through interacting with the Guardian House’s horses, through coaching and connection sessions, rather than riding. The focus is grounding, reconnecting, realigning and being at one with nature, combined with the founders ethos “leave not only relaxed, but also with an eye-opening experience of themselves and their lives”.
You can book the entire house for a stay and you can also book individual rooms. The property also offers the outside area to be hired for events or private dinner parties – or something similar. At The Guardian House, the horses possess a remarkable sensitivity to body language, emotions and energy, allowing them to serve as insightful mirrors of human behaviour. They do not pass judgment; instead, they reflect what they observe, providing a safe and non-threatening way. Fundamentally, clients attending the coaching sessions gain insight into their own patterns and tendencies.
Over 20 beautifully groomed horses take centre stage ready for optional therapy and personal coaching for its visitors at the guesthouse, if desired
The Guesthouse design is a collaboration between proud owners Vera Holland, a professional horse coach and film producer Ted Alkemade hailing from the Netherlands. The architectural bones of the property have been left intact and it’s easy to see why. With its cubic construction, original wood-clad ceilings and windows ranging from the tiny to traditional Spanish arches and country house balconies – all of typical Ibicenco architectural heritage. The biggest transformation, was in fact, the introduction of the spell-binding horses from Can Brisia Cobs that live on the farmland, peacefully, whilst whispering to the souls of the guests. “It felt surreal to us too” they said to followers on Instagram.
The architectural bones of the property have been left intact and it’s easy to see why.
The rustic-chic sanctuary bears the strong imprint of Vera’s passion for horses since childhood, which can be traced back to her Aunt Gerda, who was one of the first to introduce the horse breed for coaching and guiding people in the Netherlands. As fate intervened, some local horses inhabiting the Santa Gertrudis campo turned out to be the catalyst and starring role at Vera and Ted’s dream project.
Through @guardianhorses , guests at the home-stay be it families, individuals or groups, have the option to take part in equine therapy, guided by Vera and professionals who firmly believe in the healing powers of horses. The horse’s ability to respond to non-verbal cues and its reactions to human presence provide valuable insights into communication styles, emotional intelligence, and leadership traits. Sessions take place on Ibiza’s sun-baked soil and the horse enclosures are protected by striking ancient stone walls, a typical feature of original fincas built by Ibicencos hundreds of years ago.
The stunning main entrance of the finca announces the classic ‘Casa Payesa‘ style with its solid brown double doors. The original sabina (juniper) wood beamed porch is topped with decorative hanging shades woven with natural esparto plant grass fibres and a black lantern. Bohemian jute straw mats, rugs, a lounge set, and worn wicker armchair paired with hand sewn fabric pillows fill the patio. The shaded sun trap is surrounded by bougainvillea, saguaro cacti, orange trees, olive-toned shrubs and climbing vegetation spilling into the view.
The character of The Guardian house is defined from the very entrance in its charming authentic Ibicencan heritage
Original posters of old bullfights at the Valencia Bullring dominate the lobby, one of them almost meeting the soaring ceiling. The original finca was built in 1785 and the owners have maintained its original features which are in perfect condition,
The guesthouse with its timeless quality is made up of a combined architectural standpoint, mixing Arabic tiles, traditional textures and rustic wood furniture. The aesthetic strongly reflects the historic Ibiza finca, with a sprinkle of added vintage elements. During the project the owners kept the majority of the furniture, tiles, and original build of the finca instead of a full renovation, to retain its traditional Ibizian essence. The creative co-owner, Ted, a film director with an eye for style, sourced designer lamps and contemporary furniture and textiles to coexist with the initial design, lending touches of warmth and luxury.
The owners added their own personality to the interiors as well as keeping many treasures already inside at the property.
The guesthouse has 5 bedrooms, sleeping a maximum of 12 guests. Vera and Ted love to welcome families and incorporate a “family room” with two double beds, a rustic bathroom, balcony and private rooftop. You can expect to be greeted by a touch of Morocco with the style of bedding, with ochre toned cushions and print blankets. Solid wooden tree trunk stools beside the bed are accompanied by intricately hand painted lamp bases and ancient tapestries or macrame wall hangings are found over beds. Bathrooms are complimented by beige Tadelakt walls, brass and gold finish tap-ware and sinks, whilst still maintaining the theme of rustic wooden cupboards and storage units, consistent with the living room, coinciding luxury with tradition.
One highlight is a delightful set of chic, gold gilded mirrors above a distressed, shabby chic cabinet. Multiple indoor common spaces are brimming with character arranged with bohemian wicker baskets and wooden vintage dressers coexisting with Arabic print rugs and vases. Outside features a simple kitchen and dining table for alfresco summer dining. Walls are finished with a traditional Moroccan plaster, creating a smooth, seamless, mottled effect surface, for an authentic but contemporary aesthetic.
A macrame wall hanging adds a touch of Ibiza Bohemia whilst dramatic ochre cushions contrast against crisp white sheets. The pared back design allows wonderful views of the countryside framed by Spanish arches to do all the talking
A collection of gilt metal mirrors and sculptural fish in the bathroom at The Guardian House are a true delight and blend seamlessly against the muted hues of the plastered wall and shabby-chic dresser.
The outdoor built-in kitchen is classic farmhouse style. A stripy vintage, pale butterscotch fabric and solid wood is used for cabinet doors, whilst beautiful Moorish inspired tiles cover the worktop. A vintage wood dresser preserves the guesthouse’s collection of crockery and ceramic finds.
The soul-stirring communal areas at the rustic guesthouse leave you with memories of authentic Ibiza. Inside the kitchen we find a traditional stone floor, the original wood-clad ceilings, farmhouse dining table and plenty of vases and cooking utensils all reminiscent of typical Ibicenco farmers life from the past.
Further promoting the essence of grounding and connecting with nature, The Guardian House is in collaboration with neighbouring family-run Juntos Farm. They focus on regenerative farming, growing and selling their own organic produce encapsulating as proud advocates of the local regenerative food system. Clients of the guesthouse can sign up for a tour of Juntos Farm or indulge in cocktail and local wine evenings, tasting sessions to add some light-hearted fun to a visit. For breakfast, expect eco boxes containing farm-grown creamy goats cheese, organic honey, organic eggs, freshly squeezed juice and home baked treats. Nothing but nutrient dense food and good-for-the-soul options from the island’s favourite Juntos Farm.
Submerged on the farmland is an intimate pool area nestled within purple Mexican bush sage, oversized terracotta planters and jute, thatched parasols over sun loungers. Earthy, grounding and seeping in opulence and the ideal nook for a morning swim. Not only do the gardens provide a breathtaking view of the magical horses guarding the house, but surprisingly, also views of scenic Dalt Vila dating from the renaissance period. Fields full of organic ripe fruit on fertile trees and the mesmerising tranquility of the countryside, blended with the pitter patter of hooves kicking up the soil makes a sanctuary imbued with harmony beyond compare – thanks to The Guardian House and its many, merry horses.
The exterior offers majestic views of the horses beauty and Dalt Vila in the distance
