A pergola defining the outdoor snug haven with lounge and dining area at Patrick Cox’s Ibiza finca. [Image courtesy of Patrick Cox]
Fashion legend Patrick Cox has transformed an abandoned house and Ibiza farmland into a colourful and serene hideaway and he´s not stopping there – he’s setting his sights on a new project in Italy.
Words By Charlotte Knight
As the time-honored maxim goes, a car is an extension of its owners personality and style — but what about a home. In the center of the island at the creative heart of Ibiza, this rare off-grid home already reflects the spirit of its owner, having undergone a thoughtful transformation – with more to come. Quietly tucked away in Santa Gertrudis, the two-bedroom cosy house is humble, warm, very independent, rich in character, full of creative energy with great potential for expansion. Like homeowner Patrick Cox himself, who owns his fashion label on the island Doors of Perception, he too has undergone transformation — a personal evolution, perhaps almost metaphorically in the home.
¨It’s located among local Ibicenco neighbours on either side, and then you have, of course, Soho Farmhouse about five minutes away by car, which has recently launched on the island” Patrick tells Ibiza PJ. The area offers a rare combination of privacy, community, and year-round lifestyle amenities yet is secluded and feels like living on your own piece of paradise – complete with an outdoor bathtub, organic vegetable garden, orange and lemon orchards and beehives that produce honey. Patrick has two dogs and one cat so the large plot of 18,500 m2 certainly offers plenty of running around space and refreshing morning walks in the Ibizan countryside. ¨From the casita at the top of the valley on my property one can see Formentera and the sea¨ adds Patrick.
The casita is whitewashed and flat-roofed, echoing the traditional houses of Ibiza, and sits atop the uppermost tier of the ancient Ibicencan walls that cascade down the valley. [Image courtesy of Patrick Cox] 
At twilight, the owner’s custom-built “stone(d) henge” at the Ibiza finca adds a witty note and offers a meditative space, with each stone representing a compass direction. [Image courtesy of Patrick Cox]
When he first discovered the abandoned, diminutive house, it was half-built with no windows or doors but Patrick who was already leaving London with his two bulldogs, fell in love with some features ¨What sold me was the views and the proximity to Santa Gertrudis village. I don’t cook very well at all, so I need to be near a selection of restaurants. Santa Gertrudis is ideal¨.
Now after living there for 8 years, Patrick wants more space and although planning permission to expand was granted finally in January 2025, after almost the entire time he has been there waiting for it – ironically Patrick now has another adventure beckoning him. A fluent speaker of Italian, the entrepreneur has gravitated towards taking on another exciting project and has his heart set on setting up home in Sicily – perhaps a true homecoming for him since it was in Italy that his cool, widely influential ¨Wannabe¨ shoe was hand-crafted in its halcyon days.
From tired, grey and grim to wonderful, green and whimsy – the transformation is huge at the abandoned project that was rescued by Patrick Cox in 2017. [Image courtesy of Patrick Cox]
The finca has one of Ibiza’s most cherished architectural signatures – the ancient pared seca walls. These were historically built by farmers using local stone, stacked by hand without mortar and were designed to terrace the land, retain moisture and define plots. The authenticity simply cannot be replicated. The decision to buy the property which ¨looked like an uninspiring project¨ is a testament to Patrick’s good taste and vision – he actually viewed twenty-three other houses in Ibiza before deciding to acquire it.
The restoration certainly kept Patrick busy during the Covid lockdown, and it was during this time that one of his most cherished custom pieces was conceived — a monolithic stone circle rising from the landscape to create a quiet focal point. “My favourite feature is the rock circle that I had built during this period. I call it ¨stoned henge¨ as I was fairly stoned for a good part of lockdown!,” says Patrick, in an irreverent reference to mimicking Stonehenge, reflecting the playfulness of the project. The design features eight large stones in the inner circle with some weighing over half a tonne. ¨The inner circle is lined up exactly N, NW, W, SW, S… then there are sixteen stones in the outer circle¨ explains Patrick.
The covered outdoor living space is surrounded by lush greenery, conveniently expands the living space at the little house by double and offers fresh country air and balearic blue skies. [Image © Daniel Schäfer] 
Patrick Cox wearing his own Ibiza-born fashion label, Doors of Perception. The designs derive from his love of music, echo the spirit of Ibiza and present a meaningful connection to personal transformation. [Image © Daniel Schäfer]
In Spain we would describe this as a ¨casita de campo¨ which translates to little country house. To find a casita surrounded by so much land with original Ibicencan stone walls and with planning permission already granted, is almost impossible to come by – a rare gem. A dream project waiting to happen for the right one (s). On the island, the complications with these things means buyers are often refused building permits or wait several years, as in Patrick’s case. ¨When I bought the property, I thought it would be temporary and that I’d be there for less than two years before gutting it to build a much bigger house. I ended up waiting over seven years for planning permission!¨ he quips.
Adjoining the house, the outdoors has been converted by Patrick into a dynamic shaded living space, featuring a lounge and dining table for up to 8 people. A pair of Italian Murano glass pendant lamps complete the elegant countryside setting. A lifelong fan of music and disco, the designer’s love of rhythm and self-expression subtly informs his interiors and aesthetic choices. ¨Most of the time I am under the pergola in the outdoor living room. I use this area most of the year. From having a cup of tea out there at sunrise to hanging with friends in the evening. In colder times I am inside on the sofa in front of a roaring fire with both my dogs and my cat snuggled around me¨ says Patrick.
Above a compact work desk, the wall is adorned with an eclectic mix of artworks – a neo-Romanesque piece hangs above a photograph of Patrick Cox taken by Sam Taylor-Johnson. [Image © Daniel Schäfer] 
Michelangelo’s David in Florence sculpture and a collection of Murani glass sit by the window in the cosy lounge. A suspended log fireplace adds a warm note. [Image © Daniel Schäfer]
As we enter from the outdoor terrace it leads to a cosy indoor lounge offering a mid-century modern aesthetic with breathtaking views of the mountains and features a suspended log fire, perfect for warmth in the winter months. Poised by the window frame is a sculptural focal point – a mid century giant cast of the hand on Michelangelo’s David in Florence atop a modern white sideboard. ¨I love the scale of it. I bought it in the UK about a decade ago¨. Sharing the space are the avid collectors vast display of sapphire blue, green and amber Murano glass pieces. ¨I´ve been collecting mid 20th century brightly coloured hand blown Murano glass for decades. I was obsessed with collecting Grand Tour objets (bronzes, marbles, plasters and paintings) for even longer- most were found in various markets in France¨ says the fashion designer.
The indoor living area has its walls painted in a subtle shade of white contrasted with a rather surprising temporary solution and finish on the floor – that turned out better than envisioned ¨I had the concrete floors painted chocolate brown which was a faster cheaper solution at the time rather than doing micro-cement. I’ve ended up loving my chocolate brown floors- I love the patina they have developed over the years- most people think my floors are leather!¨ he adds.
The bedroom room features an artfully curated arrangement centered around an antique wooden sideboard with sculptural brass where mid-century warmth meets a collector’s eye. [Image © Daniel Schäfer] 
The designer has opted for well-placed gold-gilded sunburst mirrors around the headboard which are an interior design statement and also fitting with the sunny climate of the island. [Image © Daniel Schäfer]
As a natural creative, Patrick never chose to confide in an interior designer, instead rather home-making for himself. ¨My design style is pop-infused, eclectic and maximalist. I love find stuff and decorating- I will never use an interior designer¨ he says. The bedroom room features an artfully curated arrangement centered around an antique wooden sideboard with sculptural brass where mid-century warmth meets a collector’s eye— from the striking framed print of the Queen to a 1940´s French painting in a terracotta frame. The result is a style that feels both eclectic and authentic. Ceramic and plaster figures, bell jars housing delicate objects, and a modernist female torso create a dialogue between classical form and playful surrealism. A home that feels effortless and lived-in.
In the bedroom, symmetry is highlighted by a pair of matching bedside lamps with gold bases. The back wall is adorned with a collection of stunning gold-gilded sunburst mirrors, drawing the eye upward and reflecting the sunny Ibiza climate, infusing the space with light and warmth. Sunburst gilt mirrors primarily originated in France, with significant historical ties to Italy and Spain. Their popularity is deeply rooted in 17th-century European history and interior design.
Inside one of the two bedrooms, butterfly artworks appears adding a touch of whimsy and perhaps symbolizing freedom and transformation. A dual-armed black lamp adds a touch of modern industrial design. [Image © Daniel Schäfer] 
The house reveals the unmistakable character of its owner. The designers Radiating Eye motif embroidered on his ethically sourced collection is highly popular on the island, fitting with its bohemian and spiritual vibe. [Image © Daniel Schäfer]
“I like stability and order, I like everything to be organized,” the designer says when asked how often he has moved home.“I moved just three times in London over thirty-five years.” As a former Londoner, I can relate: that is remarkably little. “Whenever I do move,” he adds, “I usually have everything sorted in my new place pretty quickly.” Now firmly rooted in Ibiza, the designer is well known and loved by locals and his private circle. With his raw honesty, warmth and sense of humor, it’s easy to see why. “I’ve always been very independent,” he says.
Before: The rugged plot with overgrown swaths of grass waiting to be rescued and brought back to life. [Image courtesy of Patrick Cox] 
After: Patrick Cox at his finca that he lovingly transformed is now bright, colourful, well-manicured and peaceful. [Image courtesy of Patrick Cox]
¨There were no gardens at all, just one metre tall weeds everywhere¨ Patrick tells Ibiza PJ regarding the landscaping. After working his magic and reimagining the entire plot, Patrick has turned the weedy site into a colorful whimsical garden. ¨I did everything myself with the help of a part time gardener. I’d never really designed a garden before so It was all a bit trial and error. I planted most of what you see today during the 2020 lockdown.¨ The stone paved pathway element was added by Patrick with a series of identical shrubs on either side giving visual equilibrium.
The finely designed outdoors at the finca was carried out by and large by Patrick Cox himself, a novice at gardening, but the result is nothing short of spectacular. [Image courtesy of Patrick Cox]
Over the years, Patrick has transformed the landscape at his Ibiza finca, leaving his own colorful stamp on it [Images courtesy of Patrick Cox].
The garden is seemingly experimental featuring an explosion of flowering plants, fresh fruit and vegetables as well as a lemon and orange orchard and a working beehive. It encapsulates the best of Ibiza’s country living and the bucolic dream. ¨My beehives are managed by Juntos Farm; I know the owner Christian Jochnik. They mange the bees and pay me a fee in fresh honey. I grow a lot of my own fruit and vegetables so I knew having healthy bees nearby was imperative¨ says Patrick.
To savor the ibiza sunsets, the outdoor bathtub with a backdrop of lush scenery provides the perfect spot to relax at this truly special home [Image courtesy of Patrick Cox]
The designer went for the ultimate luxury in rest and relation and decided to put a bathtub outdoors close to his orange plantations with scented lavender adding even more joy and peace to the sanctuary. ¨I love my outdoor bathtub. I sits in the middle of my orange and lemon tree orchard. It’s a great place to sit and soak and watch the sunset surrounded by nature¨ reveals the style icon.
Throughout the grounds the designer has opted for large circular outdoor globe lights which feel sculptural by day and create a warm, moonlike glow after dark. [Image © Daniel Schäfer] 
An olive tree stretches beside the swimming pool and mist rising over the mountains in the early morning evokes an ethereal, dreamlike quality. [Image © Daniel Schäfer]
A lush, palm-forward garden has beautiful fan-leaf palms rising overhead alongside spiky Yucca and sculptural Cycas, accompanied by rounded topiary shrubs that bring a sense of order. The whimsical garden feels playful, a little magical and beautifully arranged. It leans into curving paths, layered planting and surprise moments that invite you to wander. Weathered stone, painted wood, vintage benches and hidden seating tucked into greenery and joyful pops of colour add to its appeal. It evokes the sensation that it grew that way naturally and holds a few secrets waiting to be discovered. An overground swimming pool currently sits within the garden – and there’s a story behind it.
Patrick Coxs Amazon pool find and improvisation allowed him to get around strict planning laws in Ibiza.[Images courtesy of Patrick Cox]
¨My above-ground pool was a bargain bought on Amazon – yes they sell pools on Amazon! It’s 11m x 6m and was regularly priced at €1600 but I got it on sale for €999. It was the best 1000 Euros I ever spent – I thought it would only last a couple of years but we are heading into its 8th summer. I got an above-ground pool because I didn’t want to build a then illegal pool, and annoy the planning authorities¨ he reveals.
Patrick is now very happy to confirm that after seven years of waiting, he now has the final piece of the puzzle. The planning permission for an in-ground swimming pool at his estate was granted last January, as well as sets of drawings approved for building a larger property of 350m2 with five bedrooms and seven bathrooms. Bringing a property like this to life requires someone with the right vision and perception.
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