Before & After: A derelict rural estate is transformed into a stunning home

Nestled in sunny Mallorca, this rural finca - Spanish for 'estate' - looks like the ideal place to enjoy the sunshine. But it didn't always look so idyllic, as owners Tor and Andreas tell Livingetc.

Tor, who works in event design and production and her husband Andreas, who is passionate about restoration and design, have spent the past three years lovingly redecorating the 200-year-old house.

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After

'It has been amazing journey so far,' the pair tell us.

'We bought Son San Juan in January 2017. The house had been empty for many years, and was in an unloved state of disrepair. Since then, we have devoted ourselves to restoring it, an ongoing project we are passionate about.'

The home is bursting with stunning original features, from rustic stone walls to wooden beamed ceilings in every room and several antique fireplaces. The gorgeous retreat measures 240m2, and stands on 7,000m2 of land, surrounded by Mediterranean foliage, with the Tramuntana mountains nearby. 

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After

The home has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a kitchen, living room, dining room and study, plus a roof terrace with views that would be hard to beat. Conveniently located just 20 minutes from Palma and the island's airport it is the perfect spot for a quick weekend getaway.

Before Tor and Andreas set to work, the unkempt front garden was in need of some attention. But it's clear the building was brimming with potential, set in a rural location with stunning views and plenty of land.

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After

The pair created a large, Ibiza-inspired outdoor space with a swimming pool and swinging bed, perfect for long summer days spent lounging by the pool with a cocktail. 

The transformation of the outdoor area is particularly striking, and we definitely wouldn't mind taking a dip in the swimming pool. The use of Brazilian teak wood decking with curved edges around the pool has really modernised the space. 

Plus the addition of minimalist sun loungers and an outdoor dining space in the same colour scheme create an inviting, functional area for getting people together. 

The characterful finca is full of quirky little corners and original features like exposed stone walls and archways, but it certainly needed someone with vision and interior design knowhow to breathe new life into it.

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After

Tor and Andreas decorated the two bedrooms in the property in a pared back, minimalist style. By painting the beams on the ceiling white and fitting grey flooring the pair have designed calming rooms to unwind in.

Tor and Andreas have also created a cosy living space inside, with sofas that face each other, close to one of the numerous fireplaces. The modern bookshelves have been styled tastefully with books, accessories and photo frames. The use of grey and pale blue creates a cohesive thread throughout the home, with one space leading to another seamlessly.

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After

We love the bright and airy dining space with its large, natural wooden table set on a brown rug with tan brown chairs. Quirky pendant lights help to zone the space, and there's also plenty of wine storage. The curved lines of the fireplace and alcove add charm to this elegant dining room.

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After

Up on the roof terrace leading from one of the bedrooms, there are stunning views of the surrounding Tramuntana mountains. This looks like the ultimate spot to do some morning yoga, or to simply watch the sunset after a day by the pool.

Both freelance, Tor and Andreas found themselves with more free time this year and have used their freedom to get their home photographed to rent it out as a location for photo shoots and filming.

'This year has also meant that many of the clients who would normally shoot in Mallorca have not been able to, inspiring us to put together ideas for remote shooting where the client is on site virtually, working with a team of local experts.'

Follow Tor and Andreas' journey on their Instagram account.