Finca Peretti carefully balances modernity whilst being respectful of its history. As you enter through the storied ‘Portal de Feixa’ of the Casa Payesa, a sense of nostalgia fills the air.
[image @sofiagomezfonzo]
This Ibiza finca holds a remarkable story — its current owners later discovered it had belonged to renowned Tiffany & Co jewellery designer and cultural icon, Elsa Peretti
Words By Charlotte Knight
After seeing the enchanting property for the first time – it wasn’t a decision, but a calling. ¨We had recently sold a property in San Carlos (another finca Payesa). We were going to wait before buying anything else, when a brilliant real estate agent I have known for a while messaged me to say she had an old Finca up for sale in San Miguel- and would we like to see it?¨
Long-time Ibiza residents Georgina and her husband took the advice of the agent who knew they loved authentic fincas. Rooted in the rural heart of Ibiza just a 5 minute drive from the traditional village of San Miguel and 10 minutes from upscale Santa Gertrudis village, the finca is also very private. ¨At first I said ¨no thank you¨ as we spoke about taking our time before buying again – but she persuaded me have a look¨ recalls Georgina.
The viewing took the couple on a journey down memory lane, tugging at their heartstrings and reviving fond memories of their old North Ibiza lifestyle. “It felt just like the Ibiza I fell in love with on my very first visit 30 years ago. My husband and I met on the island in 1998, and we have such incredible memories of an old finca we rented with friends in 1999 and 2000, along the old San Juan road to Portinax,” she remembers.
The impressive birds eye view of the property. This vernacular architecture is often replicated – but for some, it never quite lives up to the magical feeling of an¨original¨ [image @analuiphotography / www.analuiphotography.com 
The rural spot has privileged views over the green valley below and towards San Miguel church – one of the four fortified churches built on the island [image @analuiphotography / www.analuiphotography.com
The four bedroomed white-washed finca captures the very essence of authentic Ibiza living: strong walls, a series of rooms that unfold from one zone to the next from the central courtyard, and natural textures that celebrate simplicity and authenticity. The original chalky pink of the traditional herringbone tiles covering the ancient courtyard anchors the space, later inspiring the palette of colours that would shape the home.
Former fashion editor Georgina and her husband immediately changed their original way of thinking. ¨I drove straight to San Juan to collect my son from school, then back to Pou Des Lleo where we were living at the time to collect my husband to see it. He immediately (and luckily) loved it too. It has such a special feeling about it. The location is incredible with stunning views up to the iconic church of San Miguel ¨ she tells Ibiza PJ.
After feeling instantly captivated by the somewhat unexpected viewing, the property became theirs — and there was another surprise in store. “We are so happy she showed us — it was love at first sight! Even before I had stepped foot inside,” Georgina recalls.
Next to the main entrance, traces of the past remain in the original pozo —the Spanish word for a well, used long before modern plumbing existed. Aesthetically, its charm lies in that it’s rendered in the same plaster allowing it to blend into the architecture. Three natural clay vessels in earthy tones mark the entrance. [Image @sofiagomezfonzo]
The sense of magic the couple felt was no accident – they were astonished to find out that they had just acquired the ibiza finca from the late Elsa Peretti – the Italian-born, celebrated Tiffany & Co. jewellery designer, model and muse of the 1960s and ’70s. The multidisciplinary designer had a background in interior design having earned a degree in the subject and later working for 10 years restoring 27 houses in the medieval village of Sant Martí Vell, in Catalonia, slowly developing it into her home and private village. The design veteran initially lived in her mustard-yellow house there while the roof was still under construction.
A hint of what Elsa Peretti´s home was like back in those days can be gleaned from the personal pieces that filled it “the tiny pillow with two cheetahs created by my friend Ricky Quesada, the 1957 bullfighter photo by Leopoldo Tomez and the pink shell I bought in Bali. Or the drawing that Halston’s assistant Bill Dugan did of me, and the fan that belonged to my Nonna Margherita.” (Interiors Magazine, archived via the Internet Archive, 2021).
This authentic finca hidden in North Ibiza´s pine-clad countryside was owned by Elsa Peretti until recent years – perhaps refuge from her hectic life immersed in ground-breaking projects, whether designing jewellery for Tiffany & Co or property renovations in Catalunia. [image @sofiagomezfonzo]
Elsa Peretti passed away at the age of 80 in 2021 before this Ibiza property was sold to Georgina and her husband. She remained closely tied to the Tiffany brand, with a career spanning over five decades that continued right up until her passing. The home is now proudly named by its new owners in her legacy simply as Finca Peretti. ¨The agent told me after we signed the arras deposit. I was very excited as I love fashion, jewellery and the Costa Brava area in Spain, which is where she lived for many years. She was also the muse and friend of the 70’s designer Halston which is an era that I love¨ says Georgina.
As one enters the property, a covered pergola creates a warm welcome to the whitewashed cubic architecture, with its graceful archway and outer courtyard grounded in the original herringbone stonework in the palest pink. The architecture and layout of Finca Peretti reflects historic principles; the flow is harmonious, with a restrained colour palette, small wall niches, natural materials such as stone and dark, rough-hewn sabina beams — elements that honour the origins of traditional Ibiza interiors while maintaining a timeless appeal.
With the double doors of the finca fully opened, it makes an invitation for the sun’s rays to warm and light up the living area. [image @sofiagomezfonzo]
In the central room (porxo) with its true-to form rectangular shape it offers plenty of space to lounge across a custom built-in L-shaped sofa, typical of mediterranean design, as well as a beautiful pale grey linen sofa from About House furniture store on the road to San Jose. Cushions in a shade of burnt sienna create the perfect corner for lazy afternoons or movie nights. The triple display of oversized natural rattan pendant lamps are from Bazar Bizar. The bold boho design is a nod to the ibiza aesthetic we all know and love.
Elsewhere, on top of a rustic chest we find a minimalist white ceramic lamp base with a tall cylindrical fabric shade in vibrant mustard yellow, next to the unmistakable Ibiza Bohemia book. The beauty lies in its simplicity where classic ¨Payesa¨ features such as the limewashed walls, small windows and original terracotta flooring casts a sense of laid-back luxury. ¨The finca is a classic Finca Payesa so we wanted to keep it as traditional as possible whilst also making it a beautiful and functional space in which to live. I love the old terracotta floors, especially the pinky tones so we were really inspired to go with these sort of colours¨ says Georgina who turned interior designer alongside her husband.
This corner of the central room has been maximized with an L-shaped custom built sofa. The charming small window, a core design feature of the authentic Casa Payesa has been retained. The extra large rattan lampshade was sourced from Bazar Bizar. [image @sofiagomezfonzo]
¨We used lots of natural materials like rattan, wood, stone, marble and breathable linens for the sofas, curtains and bedding. We love antiques and vintage markets and thoroughly enjoyed searching across Ibiza and Mallorca for unique gems.” she adds.
[images @sofiagomezfonzo]
A rare original feature in the corner of the central room, a humble preserved Molino de Piedra. The traditional mill once used to grind grains using round stones to make flour, or to press oil offers a pleasant blast from the past. Revealed as you move towards the kitchen it gives a surefire sign of the fincas authenticity and architectural prestige and value.
A psychedelic print of Es Vedra adds a pop of colour to the neutral kitchen ¨I would love to buy another one from the ¨moonlight finca collection¨ for the house. His work is beautiful¨ says Georgina of island photographer and friend of theirs, Guy Zabell [image @sofiagomezfonzo]
Above the doorway leading from the central room (porxo) to the farmhouse kitchen, we find a timber lintel – a very local design feature. A further in-built sofa makes for a cosy reading nook with its pair of suspended pendant lamps made of paper-mâché by Zara Home providing the reading light. A pair of demure vases in white either side of the sitting area add balance, whilst a quaint stool and rattan armchair resting on the other side adds countryside charm. ¨We went with natural, rustic finca style with modern touches. We did all the interiors ourselves and worked with local trades people or stores from the island¨ says Georgina.
The cosy custom nook at one end of the kitchen features a rattan armchair, a simple stool, a hand-made macrame wall hanging and pendant lamps by Spanish ZARA Home. [image @sofiagomezfonzo] 
The flood-lit kitchen is left natural. The rustic trestle table and narrow benches give a cohesive language between farmhouse architecture and farmhouse interiors. [image @sofiagomezfonzo]
In the kitchen-cum-dining room, the aesthetic is minimal yet warm. Built-in concrete seating is mixed with an extra large rattan lamp, rustic farmhouse dining table and simple space-saving benches. An oversized skylight in the double-height ceiling floods the kitchen with sunlight. [image @sofiagomezfonzo]
A SMEG cooker in the Victoria aesthetic is a popular choice in ibiza for its vintage vibe and renowned quality. The cement and custom built-in wooden cabinetry is another timeless design feature of contemporary ibiza farmhouses. The dreamy pink Cararra marble with grey veins is from Lapicida. [image @sofiagomezfonzo].
The elegant kitchen was decorated using a subtle pink hue to smother the kitchen worktops ¨I love the kitchen/dining room – the heart of the house and a great place to hang out and cook. ¨We used a pink coloured Cararra marble from Lapicida says Georgina. A Smeg double oven in the Victoria aesthetic with a semi-cicrulcar niche to one side is fitted into the L-shaped kitchen where the absence of cabinetry is replaced with open shelving and in-built open spaces. The sink is by Shaws of Darwin and the polished brass taps are by DeVol.
Inside one of the bedrooms which comes with its own private entrance from the courtyard, the original sweet-Sabina wood beams native to Ibiza cover the ceiling. The luxury en-suite bathroom has both a shower and bathtub. Walls are left smooth and uncluttered making a peaceful space to rest and relax. [image @sofiagomezfonzo]
Inside the master bedroom double doors lead to the courtyard. A rustic bench and natural jute rug draw the look together, giving even more warmth and cosiness to the space. The extra large rattan lampshade is a nod to local tradition. [image @sofiagomezfonzo]
The master bedroom is influenced by the islands warm colour palette with brown and pale pink giving a touch of romance and setting the tone for the space ¨I love the deep burnt sienna red colour of the soil in the North of the island so have used quite a few accents of this colour. I found a beautiful antique wooden dressing table for my master bedroom, with a marble top in this colour – from the shop Bartienne in Can Na Negreta¨ says Georgina.
One of her favorite spots at the finca is her bedroom ¨The master bedroom is very spacious, light and peaceful that it feels like a private sanctuary. I love the views onto the terrace/garden that overlook the hills of the San Miguel campo. At certain times of the year I can lie in bed and watch the sunset!¨ she says. Around the grounds there are fragrant lemon trees, ancient olive trees and a fig tree, however, landscaping to perfection wasn’t a priority for them ¨the garden is very natural as we wanted to respect the water shortage on the island¨ she adds.
The master bedroom at the former home of Elsa Perreti in Ibiza has been decorated by its new owners in the earthy aesthetic of Ibiza [image @sofiagomezfonzo]
The primary en-suite bathroom features marble floor tiles in a hexagonal pattern by Lapicida Stone that also flow into the shower area. Muted shades of grey with pale pink were chosen to blend with the existing pink hues of the fincas ancient stone courtyard. ¨The sink in the bathroom that I bought from Ksar on the island reminds me of a big crystal¨ says Georgina of the rose onyx piece which has been complemented with tap-ware from Studio Ore in polished brass.
The rose onyx stone basin in the master bathroom is from Ksar and the polished brass tapware is from Studio Ore. A softly glowing woven sconce is paired with a modern mirror. [image @sofiagomezfonzo]
The primary bedroom leads to a bright dressing room, where another large woven pendant hangs overhead, echoing the organic palette and Ibiza aesthetic. A contrasting accent wall is left un-rendered to reveal the beauty of the timeworn limestone beneath ¨The peacock chair I’ve had for years and it keeps moving around with me. It’s from one of my favourite shops on the island for rattan and wicker – Junco y Mimbre on the road into Ibiza Town, opposite where the ferries go to Formentera¨ shares Georgina.
There is more than meets the eye in the master bedroom – it opens into a spacious dressing area decorated in the quintessential Ibiza style. [image @sofiagomezfonzo]
A timeworn wooden console styled with straw hats and books lends an effortless, collected feel. Resting on top, a painting of an Ibicencan finca smothered in bougainvillea, flourishing in bright cerise pink, grounds the room in its its vernacular setting, while also underling the couples admiration for authentic fincas — the true jewels of the island. “It has been a total dream come true to decorate this finca,” says Georgina.
image gallery courtesy of @sofiagomezfonzo / www.sofiagomezfonzo.com
The late Elsa Peretti´s iconic sliver pieces including the Open Heart necklace, Bone jewellery collection and tableware have been donated by Tiffany & Co to the British Museum in the U.K. and the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, U.S. celebrating her lasting legacy in design. Even today, her work continues to resonate, as reflected in a recent article in Architectural Digest where editor-in-chief Amy Astley notes: “I have some vintage Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. pieces. I think Elsa Peretti is a genius designer — one for the ages. It’s actually shocking how timeless her designs are. She was creating pieces in the ’60s that still feel incredibly contemporary today.”
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