Ramón Esteve is a distinguished architect and designer based in Valencia, Spain, where his eponymous studio has been crafting innovative spaces since 1991. During our design tour of Spain, we were fortunate to spend an entire day immersed in Esteve's world.
A scenic 2.5-hour drive from his studio took us to the Cottage in the Vineyard, nestled on the outskirts of Valencia. There, we had the chance to experience firsthand the serene and laid-back Spanish lifestyle that so beautifully influences Esteve's work.
- Words: Fynn
- Photos: Yinjispace Paris Brummer
Tucked away on the outskirts of Fontanars, the Cottage in the Vineyard seamlessly integrates with its surroundings, where pine forests meet expansive grapevine fields. The approach to the house is nothing short of enchanting—winding through a path flanked by olive trees, the structure itself remains hidden until the final moment, shielded by cypresses, poplars, and pines.
Entering the house was like being gently embraced by the landscape itself. We passed through wooden structures that felt both ancient and modern, leading us into a central space dominated by a concrete hearth—a place where all the rooms seemed to converge, drawn by an invisible force toward the warmth of the fireplace.
The way the house opened up to the landscape was nothing short of poetic; the views outside framed by pine wood surfaces that pierced through the concrete, connecting the interior world with the natural beauty that surrounded it.
The house was a dialogue between contrasts—two monolithic structures, one of white concrete, the other of pine wood, standing side by side, yet in perfect harmony. Esteve had taken the simple line of a traditional house and stretched it into a long, concrete shell, beneath which the life of the house unfolded.
One of the most memorable moments was the time we spent on the wide porch at the end of the house. Here, the duality of the landscape was on full display—on one side, the dense, immediate presence of the pine forest; on the other, the open expanse of the vineyard. This was a place designed for contemplation, for living slowly and in tune with the environment.
As the sun set, we gathered in the cottage where Ramón hosted us for a final feast. It was around 8 o'clock, but in Spain, it was the perfect time to savor the sunset. Ramón had invited his brother to join us, who prepared a traditional paella, accompanied by exquisite local Valencian ham. The evening was a delightful reflection of the relaxed, authentic Spanish lifestyle that Ramón embodies so effortlessly.
