LUXURY LIVING DINING u
Thanks to the acute eye of Paris-based creative architectural studio, Des Sources, the refurbished clubhouse is a worthy marker of all that La Reserva is and promises to be for the future, a suitably contemporary partner to pair with the championship golf facilities.
Reopened in January 2016 and warmly welcoming non-members, the clubhouse has been lightened and brightened inside and out, with spaces reconfigured to have a more logical flow between rooms and embrace its enviable position overlooking the putting green.
As founder Manon Sbaïz explains,“ The exercise was to keep the space modern while harnessing the traditional aspects of some of the architecture. We wanted it to feel like a large family house where you can live and enjoy the space, where you can discover a personal history, rather than feel like you are walking through a museum.”
Modernising and contemporising La Reserva was achieved through deceptively simple but strategically well-considered approaches. Originally painted externally in terracotta hues, the new white and grey tones are fresh and joyful, reminiscent of traditional finca architecture of southern Andalusian while being current and bright. When the sun shines on the building, its whiteness is dramatic.
Internally the very high beamed ceiling has also been whitened, to make it homely. Terracotta flooring was replaced with wide floorboards to add a modern twist.
Lamps and lighting are brought down to table level to help humanize the volume of the large room. Domed lampshades are paired with hand-blown glass pendants by British firm, Rothschild & Bickers. With the wall behind the bar an impressive 12-metres long, Des Sources specified a wallpaper from Italian firm, Wall & Deco, which blends old distressed block printing with contemporary colourways. The bold pattern has been scaled specifically for the space.
“ It is a fabulous and sophisticated place to dine,” continues Ms Sbaïz.“ We wanted to create a sense of arrival, something very different, so now when you approach La Reserva through the courtyards, you are intrigued and drawn in by the relationship that the outside has with the building itself.”
Such a welcome is achieved through subtle, considered planting using a palette of pale lavenders, pinks, white and gentle greens, with a grove of olive trees creating a beautifully shaded seating area overlooking the driving ranges. The internal courtyards have also been reconfigured with rhythmic geometrical patterning, and lush planting and water features as the focal point. Comfortable seating under the shaded walkways provides a blissful place of repose and reflection.
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