The distinctive architecture of Ibiza’s much-loved “Casa Payesa” [image: Jose M.A. Subira]
When it comes to architecture on Ibiza, we can’t help but notice the scattering of white country houses in the distance. Casas Payesas are the peasant to plush houses we all love. Integral to the island’s architectural legacy, they have reached a cult-status.
By Ibiza Property Journal Editorial
What Is A Casa Payesa?
It’s quite ironic that the Casa Payesa was born when historically people had access to far less and today it’s the ultimate emblem of good taste and wealth. An architectural tradition that flourished from a past frugal lifestyle, despite which, these fascinating farmhouses have risen in value. Considered authentic luxury, the Casa Payesa continually captivates the hearts of locals and visitors alike. The ancient traditional, rural dwelling in Ibiza built by the farmer (or peasants) themselves served as family homes and storage for agricultural produce. What makes the Casa Payesa stand out is its humility, due to it’s insightful construction by the locals. With their sustainable design ethos, today they remain the leading architectural inspiration for many new constructions on the island, by architects passionate about preserving their cultural heritage.
Two Payesa women share a moment in typical dress of the era [image Laura Oliver Mari]
What Does A Casa Payesa Look Like?
These sprawling estates, with rolling hills and stunning views bestow a truly cinematic feel. Featuring cubic design together with white painted facades they provide a post-card perfect scene. Over the years as the family expanded, further cubes (rooms) were added. In essence, the typical farmhouse was a continuation of white cubes. Firstly, elements inside include a central porch space called a porxo used for work, social gatherings or daily activities (e.g. a living room). This was the central main room with other rooms leading off it. Wealthier households afterwards built another floor with a wooden balcony, sometimes 3 arches and a porch known as porxet. Vibrant flowers often adorned porches which certainly added to the charm. Central porch (Porxo): one of the most characteristic elements is the ‘porxo‘, a covered terrace at the front of the house.
images via Laura Oliver Mari
Secondly after the porxo, the kitchen was the most important room in the house with a hearth to bake bread. Bedrooms were simple and sometimes separated by one or more steps. Another key point is windows were particularly small and without glass to keep the house cool during the summer and retain warmth in the winter, moreover, to protect from pirate attacks. Some farmhouses also had defensive towers for the same reason. Livestock played a crucial part of rural life and outdoors featured animal pens, barns, stables or a carriage house, as well as elements such a water well or mill.
A chimney and oven design decorated with kitchen utensils found inside the kitchen of the ancient Casa Payesa [image Laura Oliver Mari]
Where On The Island Are Casas Payesas?
These be found in the countryside, in areas such as San Juan, San Mateo, Santa Agnes, Santa Gertrudis and San Carlos. Casas Payesas were usually built high up with the mountain to their backs thus avoiding humidity, northerly winds or torrential rain. Similarly, to stay warm in the winter months homes were positioned South facing. The farmers plot was specifically chosen for it’s capability to produce cereal crops, livestock such as chickens, lambs and pigs. Also bread, oil, wine, fruit and vegetables from the orchards and vegetable patches.
As an illustration of the most compelling evidence of Casa Payesas, here are 3 ancient homes that are open to the public for viewing:
- Can Andreu des Trull – visit at San Carlos
- Can Ros – visit at the Museum of Ethnograifc in Santa Eularia
- Ses Paisses de Cala D’Hort – the Museums other site in Cala D’Hort
Can Andreu des Trull – Dating Back To 1730
In the 1990s, the site was made accessible to the public to exhibit the traditional rural life in Ibiza. Can Andreu des Trull features a remarkable museum collection of memorabilia such as farm tools, authentic furniture and everyday items. Here’s an opportunity to enter an authentic, perfectly preserved Casa Payesa that in addition to the living spaces, has all the tools such as the “trull” -oil mill-, wine cellar, oven and drying room. click here for more information and visiting times.
Images Ca n’Andreu des Trull © visitsantaeulalia.com
Can Ros – Dating Back 300 Years
Visit the Ethnographic Museum of Ibiza (Can Ros) – this original Casa Payesa is over 300 years old and was declared Cultural Property by the Ethnographic Museum of Ibiza. The exhibits feature traditional furniture, agricultural tools, and historical photographs. See these treasures spanning centuries at the Museum located in Es Puig de Missa, Santa Eulària. click here for more information and visiting times.
Ses Paisses de Cala D’Hort
“Ses Paisses” located at Cala D’Hort is another fine example of Ibiza’s Architectural Heritage. The site consists of the Punic-Roman establishment and necropolis (graveyard) and the Casa Payesa itself. A lovely experience with views of Es Vedra and the Es Savinar Tower. However, if you can’t make it in person, don’t worry – you can take a virtual visit around this interesting architectural site! click here to take the tour.
image © Museum of Ethnograifc, Ibiza
How Were Casas Payesas Built?
Surprisingly, Casas Payesas were built by famers themselves instead of professional builders. They were constructed using local materials found around them such as lime, clay stone and juniper wood (Sabina) beams. Back then, the home-making process on Ibiza couldn’t be more different to that of today. No sketchbook drawings, just a clear vision and ancestral building flair beyond compare. Self-reliant and very practical, the farmers and fishermen who dwelled on the island led a modest lifestyle with limited resources, but it did not hold them back from designing and building the iconic and admirable “vernacular” architectural masterpieces.
To disinfect the interior walls and floor of the house, the farmers used lime and this was also used to paint the walls white. Another key point is walls of the Casa Payesa were especially thick – up to one metre wide thus adding insulation. In order to provide resistance against strong winds, rooftops were built using stone tiles. Designed to collect rainwater, the drainage system provided drinking water for the them and their animals.
[images Laura Oliver Mari]
The white-washed structures which spread in volumes over time were in essence a DIY (do-it-yourself) job. A home for families to shelter built using a set of principals and a secret craft that had been passed down to the next generation. One trick was using the palm of a hand to take measurements in the absence of the tape measure/ metric system. This is only a fraction of the ingenuity of that era. Ceilings had strong juniper beams, earth, clay and layers of dead posidonia stems. Posidonia is a protected plant that lives on the sea bed in the shores of Ibiza. All things considered, Casas Payesas are undeniably a testimony to harmonising architecture with evolution and nature.
How Many Years Old Are Casas Payesas?
The origin of ibiza’s traditional architecture has links to ancient Middle East or North Africa, setting them apart from Majorca and Menorca. There are influences dating back to the Phoenician settlers who arrived on the island in 654 BC. These farmhouses have stood the test of time so continue to tell the story of Ibiza’s agricultural past. Due to the numerous modifications the Casa Payesa has undergone over the years, pinpointing its age or identifying whether it is an “original” piece can be challenging. Generally, the more primitive the structure, the greater its value. Each farmhouse (“finca” in Spanish) has its own unique history with no two homes the same, which obviously gives these antique jewels a one of a kind character with plenty of intrigue.
The distinctive architecture of Ibiza’s much-loved “Casa Payesa” [image: Jose M.A. Subira]
Where Can I Find A Casa Payesa for my holiday?
If you’re looking for a soul-stirring property that brims with personality and unpretentious luxury you are in luck. These properties are a rarity but we have uncovered some original timeworn Casas Payesas available for vacation rentals that have been meticulously restored over the years by their fervent owners. Here’s your chance to travel in style and indulge in Ibiza’s luxury heritage. New story coming soon to the journal!
Stay in a Restored Casa Payesa: Some traditional farmhouses have been converted into rural guesthouses or boutique hotels. Spending your holidays here allows you to fully immerse yourself in Ibiza’s authentic countryside lifestyle while enjoying modern comforts. Read our Property Guide to find Ibiza´s best Agroturismo and Rural Hotels.
