The sublime view from the lounge transports you from the sofa to North Ibiza’s hills in the blink of an eye.
Discover one couple’s extraordinary architectural journey, guided by the heart. From viewing with Ibiza’s acclaimed architect Rolf Blakstad, a secluded woodland plot untouched by structures or landscaping — to bringing their complete dream home to life from the ground up.
One afternoon, during a well-deserved holiday to the White Isle, after a whirlwind of juggling house moves, renovations, and work, traveling with four young children in tow from Hong Kong to Singapore and then Brussels—Mabel and her husband went to see a property on the market through a mutual contact. They were unaware that Rolf Blakstad would, by pure coincidence, appear at that very moment. It was that serendipitous meeting that sparked an unexpected detour. Rolf invited them to see a piece of land: wild and overlooked, its steeply sloping terrain seemingly unsuitable for construction. Yet… there was the view. A perfect, almost cinematic frame of San Miguel’s church perched on its hilltop.
“Oh, that’s God’s house and he is our neighbour, mama!” said my eight-year-old daughter. It was phenomenal—the good energy on this campo land in the quiet north was instantly palpable. The tranquillity, the open views, and the privacy made it clear this was the place for my family¨ Mabel recalls.
Like any buyers journey however, the path forward was anything but simple. The existing building permit was valid for only a few more weeks. “We were able to act quickly, but our offer was declined” she says. Fate intervened a year later. Over coffee in Amsterdam with Onke’s business partner, Mabel casually asked whether the land had ever sold. It hadn’t. “She checked and it turned out it was still available. My husband didn’t want to re-engage with the seller who had laughed off our first offer – but I insisted,” reveals Mabel. By the end of 2009, with the market slowing, the land finally became theirs – but only on paper…and there were more hurdles ahead.
The irresistible¨chill-out¨ has become a part of the modern Ibiza holiday. Finely designed, inside it’s spacious yet intimate, sunny yet shaded and provides direct pool access with mountain views,
Patience, was again required: the couple needed to apply for an entirely new building permit, adding another year of waiting before Nial Blakstad (Rolf’s brother) could start the build. ¨Nial built everything, executing the construction with great precision and bringing the design to life¨ says Mabel. With the paperwork finalised, the time had come to move forwards — until they discovered an unexpected twist. “What we didn’t know at the beginning was that the permit was binding” she explains. “We had to respect the exact exterior lines of the previously approved plans.¨
Examining the architectural blueprint, Mabel and her husband were stunned. The original vision for the plot was worlds apart from their own—far removed from the natural, earthy, traditional Blakstad Ibiza style they loved. “I think the design was intended for renting out the six bedrooms individually and even for hosting secret parties, with models walking along an outdoor catwalk,” she laughs. “What could have become a very 1980s Miami Vice–style party house, with a jacuzzi under the skylight in what is now our living room — we developed into the most family-friendly home possible.“ The famous Blakstad Architects and Design Studio is dedicated to preserving the cultural significance of traditional Ibicencan architecture, while incorporating techniques suited to contemporary living.
The rambling residence with 18 meter swimming pool is backed by its own private woodland of seven hectares – rich in natures rejuvenating qualities
The home is encircled by woodland, enjoying complete privacy, and is accessed via a short, winding drive that gently ascends through native trees. Designed by Rolf Blakstad, Mabel’s new-build family home is entirely on one level and follows a U-shaped layout that naturally creates a private, sheltered haven. At one end, we find the generous 18 x 6-meter saltwater-filtered pool making an impressive statement, taking center stage of the space. A covered chill-out area with stunning exposed wooden beams offers shade to relax with mountain views. Beyond the pool lies a lush private woodland, drawing you to immerse yourself in nature and all its goodness.
The pool, too, underwent a major rethink. ¨The pool was initially planned in a completely different location — where the lawn is now, but we envisioned a much better layout. Part of the land sloped steeply, specifically the area where the pool is now, so we had that section legally raised and levelled.¨ The couple’s request to move the pool was initially declined, but eventually Rolf Blakstad succeeded in obtaining approval.¨It was absolutely the right decision: it created a far more harmonious flow between the house, the landscape, and the outdoor living areas¨ reflects Mabel.
Bordering the turquoise pool, a beautiful dry stone structure opens to a shaded dining area and houses a special Blakstad designed summer kitchen.
Ibizan stone was chosen for the façade of the outdoor kitchen, imbuing it with timeless tradition and capturing the essence of local character. Inside, the island’s signature timber-clad ceiling and the Blakstad-built-in kitchen combine luxury with a relaxed atmosphere. The setup provides everything needed to prepare poolside snacks or slowly cook BBQ meals for family and friends. The footprint of this family home offers endless delights: swim in the pool, lounge with a book, walk in nature or watch a film in the custom designed cinema room. Every corner invites you to relax, play, and savor your island escape – away from the old routine. When you feel like venturing out, authentic Santa Gertrudis village, often dubbed as the best on the island, is just 10 minutes away by car.
A modern spin of the ancient tradition of cubic vernacular architecture, the building features flat roofs and a crisply painted white façade with solid wooden double doors.
The entrance is flanked by native lemon trees which exudes unmistakable Mediterranean sophistication and creates a welcoming entrance to the well-cared for property. ¨The house keeps me very busy, as my standards for maintenance are high. We both care deeply about sustainability, so we are always looking for ways to make the house more efficient, future-proof, and respectful of the environment¨ says Mabel.
Then a busy mother with four children under the age of twelve during the property transformation, Mabel designed the interiors together with interior designer and friend Onke ¨We learnt so much from each other along the way — it made the whole process both inspiring and enjoyable. She was fantastic and it meant I didn’t have to fly in constantly to choose taps, finishes or other details. I had a clear vision of the atmosphere I wanted to create… I selected the materials, furniture, textiles, and decorative elements, always staying true to the spirit of Blakstad’s architecture – though I did fine-tune a few colours along the way¨ she adds.
Decoratively speaking, the house breathes simplicity letting the views, double height ceilings, abundance of sunlight and bespoke carpentry do the talking.
An exercise in pure geometry, the architecture led by Rolf Blakstad, reveals a sequence of aligned doorways and openings in the quadrangular form to visually expand the hallway and gives a straight, uninterrupted sightline diffusing the famous ibiza sun through multiple rooms. The rectilinear geometry is consistent and can be seen throughout the interior architecture channeling a fuss-free and clean feel. From the living area, the same quadrangular shape opening leads to the kitchen, whilst the stunning view is fully embraced thanks to the modern sliding doors. A reoccurring theme throughout the house is the consistency of the wood elements and bespoke carpentry found in the kitchen cabinetry, bathroom cabinetry, doors, overhead beams and the wardrobes in the bedrooms – the signature mix of pure Blakstad design.
The home’s architecture has a beautiful austerity, with clean lines and restrained materials which really aligns with Mabel´s personal taste. ¨For me, it should never feel like a gallery or a house full of objects. It’s a family home — not too full, not too personal, not centred around art, but a place meant to be filled with family, friends, and laughter. A home to truly live in, not one where you constantly need to be careful because of delicate or expensive items. It should feel effortless, comfortable and serene, but we felt this already with the house’s wonderful energy permeating the space — even before we added the furniture.
This main living room has notable airiness with the expansive folding doors dissolving the boundary between indoors and outdoors, opening out to a sweeping forested landscape.
For improved flow and space the main living area opens right up and leads straight to the swimming pool. Bathed in natural light, this gracious room embodies a refined balance of warm minimalism and mediterranean soul. ¨I love calm, natural spaces, nothing too busy — but always with texture, handmade details, and a sense of authenticity. I wanted the interiors to feel serene, grounding, and welcoming¨ says Mabel. Furnishings came from local artisans or island boutiques and include a mix of low-slung white sofas, dressed in crisp slipcovers with a collection of oversized, natural jute accent cushions. Meanwhile a whitewashed coffee table adding a note of effortless coastal sophistication rests directly under the central skylight. A striking handmade floor lamp with natural wood base and Moroccan palm fibers introduces artisanal warmth and boho vibes.
¨I chose natural materials wherever possible — stone, wood, linen, raffia because they age beautifully and give the house a sense of timelessness. For me, texture is as important as colour; it brings warmth, depth and soul.¨ she explains. A dramatic skylight serves as a major light source and draws the eye upward to exposed wooden beams in a warm honey tone. Speaking to the skylight, a white stucco fireplace hood adds more warmth with sculptural minimalism and simplicity. ¨My favourite spaces are the living room with its roof window that opens to the sky, the kitchen, and the patio. Together they form the heart of the house — bright, open, and connected to nature. These are the places where we cook, talk, relax, and enjoy the shifting light throughout the day¨.
The kitchen has a bright and breezy attitude and is accessible by not just one, but three wide openings.
At the center of the kitchen, a generous island that houses the oven and cooktop commands attention with its sculpted plaster base and warm timber drawer fronts – a pairing that celebrates the tactile beauty of natural materials and Blakstad design. Overhead, the cooker hood is a striking architectural feature. Finished in smooth white plaster it connects to the beautiful ceiling with exposed beams in the same wood.¨The house itself is new, but it was built following the proportions, materials, and traditions of old Ibicenco fincas¨ says Mabel.
The open-plan dining area seamlessly connected to the kitchen captures refined countryside living and modern design.
The long table dressed with fresh tulips and a laid-back breakfast setting completes the scene. ¨One of my favorite pieces is my large wooden dining table — it was crafted by a local artisan and is the centre of countless family dinners. We also have several handcrafted items from Ibiza makers, which I love because they carry the touch of real hands and the island’s traditions.¨ Meanwhile, a sleek designer digital-clock punctuates the smooth whitewashed walls, while a simple open fireplace adds warmth and authentic island character. Through the wide picture window, the landscape unfolds with the ancient church of San Miguel perched on the hill.
The courtyard-turned dining area adjoining the kitchen offers shade beneath the roofed pergola, finished with beautiful chestnut beams and topped with a light catching shell chandelier.
Both refined and practical, the design allows for abundant natural light, balanced proportions and effortless year-round living. The initial plan, however, was quite the opposite — it didn’t include a covered rooftop at all. ¨Originally, the pergola was designed with only beams, but it would have been far too hot in summer….adding the roof actually turned it into one of my favourite architectural features. We use this space constantly even in winter, with the fireplace on. It connects the house beautifully to its rural surroundings and has magnificent views of the church of Sant Miquel and our olive grove.
Although the property is newly built, the land itself has a long agricultural history. The family has honored this past by planting olive trees that now produce wonderful oil, and Mabel has become a member of the local cooperative. “Where the catwalk was originally planned, my husband, in collaboration with Nial Blakstad, decided to plant 150 olive trees, which we maintain completely organically,” says Mabel.
Perched atop the hill seen from the outdoor dining terrace is the ancient church in quaint San Miguel village – a view that is not commonly found on Ibiza.
The architects U-shaped layout resulted in two identical master bedrooms.
The bedrooms are designed with floor-to-ceiling openings that lead directly onto the gardens, lending the most pleasant wake-up in the morning and coalescing the indoors and outdoors in perfect harmony. The sliding doors retract inside the wall pocket saving floorspace and lets the bedrooms open to the maximum possible – inviting nature inside and evoking a sense of serenity and escapism. The simplicity is intentional: white stucco walls, grey muted hues and plain textiles enhance rest and retreat. Every bedroom at the home is attuned to the environment – not as backdrop but as an integral design partner.
Each of the six bedrooms back on to the gardens and in this case, the views are of a neatly manicured lawn. All bedrooms come with private en-suite bathroom and bespoke carpentry.
The suites represent the owners chosen design concept ¨warm minimalism and mediterranean soul.¨
Walls are left uncluttered with only the two niche shelving units adding character. The cool palette creates a sense of calm and a simple black ladder holding a woven tote bag, adds a touch of laid-back summer living. Through a doorless opening, the en-suite bathroom continues the neutral palette with bespoke wooden cabinetry and smooth, sand-toned worktop. ¨I love calm, natural spaces, nothing too busy — but always with texture, handmade details, and a sense of authenticity¨ adds Mabel.
The bedroom interior design is somewhat stripped back with a pale color palette and plush bedding that fosters calmness and feels refreshing for the soul.
“As the original planning permission set out a vision completely different from ours, the transformation into a true family home feels even more meaningful!” confesses Mabel. After years of hard graft, the family enjoyed their long-awaited first night in the newly completed house in the spring of 2011. Today, they take pride in offering this exceptional home to other families to rent exclusively for an unforgettable Ibiza holiday. The combination of the owners’ vision with the architectural flair of the renowned Blakstad family has resulted in a residence that epitomizes Mediterranean luxury. Deeply rooted in Ibiza’s cultural heritage, it’s the perfect retreat for discerning guests seeking the quintessential Ibiza experience.
This property is available to book for 2026 through #IbizaPRODirectory Property Manager don Ibiza.
