Ca's Penelope

Stylishly restored house on the edge of Fornalutx with pool and stunning mountain views (sleeps 8, weekly rental only)

Stylish Ca's Penelope lies at the end of an citrus-lined lane, shaded by three monumental date palms, in one of the prettiest villages in Spain. It's an unusual house, built by a famous Belgian photographer, whose curved walls and large windows provide breathtaking views of the Tramuntana mountains. From the roof terrace you can revel in a 360° panorama of citrus groves, wooded slopes and craggy peaks.

With 4 ensuite bedrooms, 2 sitting rooms, an open-plan kitchen-diner, plenty of terrace space and a lap pool in the garden, it's a seriously classy option for a large family or a group of 6-8 friends, who want to spend a week exploring Mallorca's most spectacular landscapes and rugged coastline. The house was renovated using slate, black marble, polished concrete and natural riverstones, to create an uncluttered, vintage-meets-contemporary atmosphere. There are arty touches inspired by the owner's 15 years in Paris - silk onion-bulb lampshades, fern-fretwork wall appliqués, purple velvet cushions in the living room, voile curtains in the bedrooms - and thoughtful extras such as fluffy bathrobes and slippers, custom-made bathroom products, and an ample welcome basket. The high-spec kitchen and gorgeous dining terrace put the seal on easy living.

Outside you'll find a 700 sq.m. garden fragrant with orange, lemon, jacaranda, bougainvillia, jasmine, magnolia, and herbs. Keen walkers love it here, with many trails into the Tramuntana mountains right from the doorstep. Beaches, tennis, cycling, sailing and snorkelling are all a short drive away.

Highs

• Delightful setting just outside the pretty village of Fornalutx, with big views and outside spaces
• High standard of fixtures and finishings, with original artwork, accessories from Le Monde Sauvage, and sleekly contemporary bathrooms
• Proper 13-metre-long pool with sun loungers, outdoor sofas and a hammock
• Extensive selection of books, CDs and DVDs for the rare rainy day
• Catering on request - and culinary/wine tours.
• Jenny has a background in events management and is more than happy to organise special stays such as birthdays and weddings
• Non-smoking house

Lows

• You can't drive to the door (you can stop 50m away to unload, and park 150m away)
• Be prepared for a (short) uphill walk into Fornalutx
• The pool is unheated so can be cool in May and October
• Only available for weekly rentals and often fully booked in summer
• Don't expect an untouched Mallorquin village: Fornalutx is (second) home to lots of Brits and Germans