The mere mention of a Spanish rural retreat conjures up the ideal location to slow down, relax and recuperate. Combine that with some quality design work and delectable local produce, and you couldn’t have a more covetable holiday destination.

Whether it’s an old farmhouse, guesthouse or beachside home, what all Spanish rural retreats share is an authentic connection to the landscape and its history. Join us as we satisfy our penchant for a rural Spanish getaway with five of the best, sure to offer the ultimate source of peace and quiet.

This special home away from home is located on the northern ridge of the renowned Spanish island of Mallorca, on a rocky outcrop overlooking the small coastal village of Deià. Dating back to the early 20th century, it was placed in the careful hands of local firm MoreDesign to renovate for a large Nordic family.

MoreDesign designer Manuel Villaneuva said the design-savvy family were heavily involved in the process of creating their rustic getaway spot. This culminated in a mix of their own aesthetic into the firm’s Mediterranean vision. “The result blends a Nordic minimalism with Mallorcan accents,” he said. The home spans three storeys, a pool and expansive entertaining area across the steep site – all enjoying a pristine view of the rugged coastline.

The interiors are filled with the work of local craftspeople and an updated palette of the traditional materials used for building on Mallorca. The result is a soothing, authentic Spanish rural retreat that brings the raw charm of its exterior inside.

Nearby on Formentera – one of the more petite Balearic Islands off the east coast of Spain – lies three private residences in an olive grove. Formentera is known to be quieter than its party neighbour Ibiza, where people specifically go to escape the crowds.

If you’re looking for a genuine Spanish rural retreat, these three homes certainly fit the bill. Designed by Barcelona firm GCA Architects, the three homes are connected by dirt roads and blessed with second-to-none views of one of the world’s most talked about coastlines. All three homes appear very similar as they all share the traditional architectural style of the island, using the materials of stone, micro-cement and timber. Even better, GCA Architects have optimised the sun at every opportunity, while keeping the terrain in mind at all times.

Dreaming of a Spanish farmhouse to escape? You’re not the only one. Catalan Painter Adalina Coromines, designer Joan Lao and their daughter and designer Africa Lao searched for five years to find their ideal rural Spanish farmhouse. Here, they wanted to closeness to nature and be more sustainable.

The family found their match in a 17th-century Catalan farmhouse on a 62-acre farm in the Baix Empordà region to revamp. It’s made entirely out of stone, with clay walls and floors and untreated wooden beams. The converted farmhouse now includes a studio space, gallery space and meeting rooms for the creative crew.

In the western Spanish region of Extremadura that borders Portugal you’ll find this minimalist rural guesthouse. The 18th century building is located in Tierra de Barros, in an area surrounded by Terracotta-coloured hills known for its agricultural roots.

Recently the family-run guesthouse was thoughtfully updated by Madrid-based firm Lucas Y Hernandez-Gil, that included replacing the original clay tiles with new ones handmade by local potters, inside and out. Lucas Y Hernandez-Gil also coated the walls in raw lime mortar and the original arched ceilings in lime wash. The best bit? You can experience the rustic beauty for yourself.

The Oxygen House by Barcelona interior design studio Susanna Cots is a firm favourite among the Spanish rural retreats we’ve featured on est. It’s located in the Empordà region, renowned for its fine wines, villages and coastlines – and a reputation of slow living for centuries.

Oxygen House nailed its brief – both aware of the ancient history and beauty of its natural surrounds. It’s made of seperate cubes with a traditional earthy-stone facade that come together through floor-to-ceiling glass passages. That way you can enjoy the enviable lap pool and landscaped border at every opportunity. Inside Susanna Cots incorporated sloping ceilings and exposed rafters and a palette that resembles the rich and sandy soil. It’s a real breather.