Is this the most stylish house in Ibiza? We think so.
Fincadelica is Ibiza's most buzzed-about property. We meet the Dutch designer behind those interiors.
Hidden among olive groves at the crucible of the San Lorenzo valley, amid an archaic rural landscape that’s remained largely unchanged for 2000 years, Fincadelica has rapidly claimed its throne as Ibiza’s most desirable rental property. Set amid 21 acres of tamed wilderness, the estate is thick with wild herbs and fruit trees, with a vast saltwater pool and cave-turned-nightclub tucked away in the grounds. It’s the interiors, however, that have got the design world buzzing, with a louche and laidback appeal that’s sumptuous and sophisticated with more than a nod to the seventies. L'Officiel Ibiza caught up with interior designer Carmen Straatsma, of Ibiza’s Studio C, who – along with Steve Toueg of Ted Milano – is responsible for Fincadelica’s hip and heady aesthetic.
Maximalist, eclectic - how would you describe the interior style of Fincadelica?
Eclectic, one hundred percent! There are influences of the three owners, of us as designers and the big-time sensuality of the property itself. We wanted it to be funky - both seventies and sumptuous - but in a very sophisticated and natural way. The property itself is already so beautiful that the biggest trick was to aim for a maximalist feeling without being too loud.
You've incorporated a lot of vintage pieces and some real design icons - the Marcel Breuer lamps for example. Where did you source the furniture?
We sourced a lot from Holland where I’m originally from, alongside Belgium and France - for me the best sources. It was during and right after lockdown when we started looking for pieces, so I bought a lot online through my contacts and also here on the island - Mon Chateau d’Espagne, the weekly San Jordi market and local artisans and artists like Laura de Grinyo, Yvette Spowers and Aline de Laforcade.
Each of the nine bedrooms has a totally different vibe. What was the idea behind creating such unique spaces?
It was very simple actually – each room felt very different. There was no masterplan behind it, but we went with a gut feeling and the themes and schemes came together naturally. The Blue Room ended up being my favourite for the simple reason that no one believed it would turn out so nice, being the smallest and least spectacular room of the house! But also, the standalone outdoor suites are magical because of their layout. They undoubtedly have the most natural feeling of all the bedrooms.
What kind of atmosphere were you aiming for? How do you think poeple will feel in the space?
To me it doesn’t feel too designed, which I think is important when you’re staying in the middle of nature. The interior doesn’t try to compete… that said, we’ve very much achieved staying away from the Ibiza cliche - it’s not rustic or minimal. The whole place has so much personality and soul and there’s a level of comfort you don’t usually find in a finca. I think this super uncomplicated luxury will make people feel really at home.
Your're incredibly busy right now. What projects are you working on?
I’m working with one of Fincadelica’s owners, Mati Rachminov, on a legendary property on the rocks of Cala Xarraca. It’s bound to be the new the seaside version of Fincadelica. It's going to have Slim Aarons vibes but here and now, with some extra Ibiza spice! Together with Steve Toueg I'm also close to finishing a restaurant and cocktail bar named Ergo inside Dubai’s Edition hotel, and there are few beautiful private residences coming up that I’m very excited about.
You've been in Ibiza for 13 years. How did the island become your home?
I’ve been coming to Ibiza since I was 17 and have lived here permanently for 13 years now. My background is in publishing and fashion - I was Editor in Chief of Elle Girl in Holland before moving here. My passion for interior design was always there but was really fuelled when I moved to Ibiza and started decorating my own house. I soon started taking on projects for others and that’s how it became a new career.
