Bright, cheerful and yet earthy and grounded, this rustic retreat in Southern Spain's historic Andalusia region is the perfect excuse to check out of your hectic European tour and check in to Zen state of mind.
In the Andalusian countryside, just beyond the whitewashed village of Gaucín, Cortijo Genesis is a historic farmhouse with a bright future, thanks to interior architect Victoria-Maria Geyer. Once a forgotten ruin on a 21-acre estate, it has been thoughtfully reimagined as a five-bedroom retreat that accommodates up to 12 guests.
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Geyer’s design vision this rustic retreat in Southern Spain is a joyful celebration of bold colour and tactile materials. Drawing inspiration from the sun-soaked palette of Palm Springs and the earthy romance of southern Spain, the property wears its layers proudly. Poolside, parasols in cherry red and striped coral flirt with the breeze, while white wrought-iron loungers nod to a glam, midcentury spirit. There are pink cushions edged in red piping, cute table lamps on mosaic tabletops in undulating patterns and a courtyard fountain tiled in vivid hues – a scene that’s equal parts hacienda and holiday dreamscape. For those seeking rosy-cheeked wellbeing, there’s a permaculture vegetable plot in the sprawling mature gardens, and activities such as Reiki and yoga on offer.
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Inside, communal spaces deftly tread the line between sophisticated and spirited. There’s a reading room capped by a rainbow-painted ceiling; a saffron-tiled kitchen with a 1960s Roger Capron table; and a 1974 Waldemar Rothe hammock that makes for the chicest napping nook. The living room is kitted out with Geyer’s own roomy Wenceslas sofa in a handsome Manuel Canovas stripe, and a painting of lemons by Gordon Hopkins hangs above the fireplace – one of several jolly artworks sprinkled throughout the property.
Bedrooms are inspired by semi-precious stones – aventurine, citrine, lapis, carnelian – and Geyer has echoed these jewel tones through rich fabrics, patterned blinds, and textured rugs from Edelgrund. Even the bathrooms hold their own, with basins painted in floral and celestial motifs that feel like miniature works of art. Geyer’s fearless decorating makes staying at Cortijo Genesis a joyful experience. It’s dopamine decor at its most grown-up.
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