Inside a private Catalonian estate with panoramic mountain views

High in the Gavarres mountains of Spain’s autonomous region of Catalonia, Mas Oms stands with quiet authority. The 15th-century masia (farmhouse) turned private estate offers the kind of elevated living that makes you feel, quite literally, like the king of the castle.

A private hamlet of restored stone buildings set on more than five hectares about 100 kilometres north-east of Barcelona, and framed by forest and uninterrupted views, the estate blends rustic charm with contemporary comforts.

The 689-square-metre main residence spans three levels with nine bedrooms and seven bathrooms, while a separate apartment adds another three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Mediterranean gardens, a kitchen garden, fruit trees, a generous pool and shaded terraces complete the picture, perfectly primed for long, languid afternoons.

Steeped in history, Mas Oms dates back to 1492. For centuries, it operated as a self-sufficient homestead, where the Oms family cultivated olives, grapes, fruit trees and wheat. Animals lived on the ground floor, the family on the floor above, and food was dried and stored in the attic.

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The property was abandoned in 1928 and stood untouched for nearly 70 years. Renovations were eventually carried out by a Catalan heir, and in 2016, a US buyer completed an extensive restoration that beautifully blends old with new.

“Upon opening the heavy wooden door, one discovers the stunning vaulted ceilings built with traditional ceramic tiles made locally,” says agent Marisa Heatherwick of Masvell House. “The uneven floor at the entrance is original stone from the period.

“The rest of the ground-floor flooring has been finished with polished concrete, which contrasts beautifully with the stone walls. The doors were either restored or acquired from antique dealers.

“Original details coexist with noble and modern materials, such as a minimalist Corten steel staircase or oak wood floors reclaimed from old wine barrels.”

The ground floor includes two en suite bedrooms and a separate two-bedroom, one-bathroom wing with a private living room and a 50-square-metre terrace, plus a versatile multipurpose room.

Up the elegant iron-and-oak staircase, the heart of the home is a sleek kitchen with moody tones and premium appliances, alongside open-plan living and dining.

“You step out from the kitchen–dining room onto the terrace, which has been cleverly carved into the first floor of the tower,” Heatherwick says. “From there, you can take in truly panoramic views.”

Three more en suite bedrooms also sit on this level, including a multi-room family suite with sloped ceilings and a private terrace, plus another suite with its own east-facing terrace to catch the morning sun. The top floor is a quiet retreat, set up as a lounge and reading room beneath exposed timber beams.

The adjacent ancient agricultural outbuilding was converted in 2022 to a self-contained three-bedroom apartment. Other outbuildings house a one-bedroom staff apartment, a wine cellar, and storage and utility rooms that could be converted into additional living areas.

Though there’s no secure garage, there is space to park at least 10 cars.

A stone-walled terrace connects the homes to the pool and deck area, framed by dry-stone walls, gardens and wild cork trees. A petanque court sits in the shade of holm oaks.

“The moment you enter the front walled patio through the grand gateway, you are met with the stunning stone facade of the house,” Heatherwick says.

“The Mediterranean-style gardens, outdoor dining terraces, infinity pool, and chill-out area together create a space that feels both charming and inviting – offering a sense of warmth and security in the midst of the wild Gavarres mountains.”

Mas Oms even retains the watchtower and walled courtyard that once served as defences against coastal or mountain attack.

“This strategic position grants Mas Oms impressive views and film-worthy sunrises and sunsets,” Heatherwick says.

Though it feels remote, the property is just 16 kilometres from Girona, and around 90 minutes from Barcelona, while the Costa Brava’s beaches lie just 40 minutes away.

“This property is an ideal luxurious country home for a family who wish to live a quiet lifestyle and enjoy their privacy, but also want to be close to the whole variety of places,” Heatherwick says.

“Plus, it currently holds a tourist license, making it ideal for someone who also wants to run retreats or have a small rural tourism venture.”

Sant Mateu de Montnegre | Girona, Catalonia, Spain 

Price: €3.4 million ($6.06 million)

12 bedrooms / 9 bathroom

Agent: Masvell House, Marisa Heatherwick, +34 622 079 069

While you’re there

Tucked between the mountains and the sea, Girona is a place where medieval charm, world-class cuisine and a thriving outdoor culture combine in perfect balance.

Ride or wander

Girona is home to the highest concentration of professional cyclists in the world, loved for its climate, quiet country roads and great mountain climbs. Prefer to wander? Nearby village Madremanya and municipality Sant Sadurni de l’Heura are rich in cobblestone lanes and Romanesque churches.

Flavours to remember

Dine at local gem Cal Bosqueta, which showcases traditional Catalan cuisine, complete with house-made charcuterie and excellent grilled meats. Or nab a table at El Celler de Can Roca, a three-Michelin-star institution once crowned the world’s best restaurant.