What began as a personal project to restore a traditional Cortijo - a rural farmhouse - has grown into a celebrated retreat, admired for its understated luxury and warmth. Rooted in natural materials and reclaimed architectural elements, Casa blends rustic Spanish heritage with considered simplicity, creating an atmosphere that embraces a slower pace of life.

The estate, comprising The Hotel, The Casita, and The Stables, is arranged around a central courtyard with two expansive pools. Wrought-iron balustrades, decorative stone arches, and red Cordoban flagstones preserve the spirit of the original Cortijo, while lavender-scented gardens, antique furnishings, and handcrafted fixtures enrich the sense of place. Every detail reflects a commitment to sustainability and provenance, resulting in a rustic yet refined aesthetic where each surface brings its own character.

The main hotel features six individually styled rooms, each with its own ensuite. Thornley explains: “All rooms and ensuites were designed to feel relaxed, understated and part of the overall space, so there is no separation between the bedroom and sleeping areas. It gives a flow to the design. All the rooms feel similar but with slight nuances on design.” This gentle continuity ensures that every space feels harmonious, while small variations offer individuality for returning guests.

One of the larger suites is designed with an in-room roll-top bath, offering what Thornley calls “an element of understated decadence”. Positioned to enjoy views of the landscape without being overlooked, it blurs the line between private bathing and the outdoors, while a walk-in shower, large enough for two, adds another touch of indulgence.

Other suites continue this approach; open walk-in showers lined with Bert & May’s reclaimed tiles and Samuel Heath’s LMK Pure brassware bring both weight and permanence. Thornley notes: “Showers in all the rooms are open – no shower screens and tiled in reclaimed Bert & May tiles with robust Samuel Heath showers and taps. It gives a sense of high-end quality but in a pared-back way.”

One suite was redesigned in collaboration with London interior design studio Kitesgrove, following their joint tile collection with Bert & May. The ensuite embraces earthy tones and textured finishes: Quad and Fragment tiles in milky pale pink are paired with a raw zellige floor, layered with a rustic wood vanity, Fired Earth basins, Samuel Heath taps, and antique brass lighting from Fosberry Studio. The result is atmospheric and tactile, carrying Casa’s signature warmth seamlessly into the adjoining bedroom.

Samuel Heath’s LMK Pure Basin Fillers, finished in Non Lacquered Brass, were chosen for all ensuite bathrooms. This finish evolves over time, developing its own patina that reflects Casa’s aesthetic. As Thornley explains: “This non lacquered brass echoes the unpolished feel of Casa. It’s all about texture, soft finishes, nothing glossy – it’s all understated in style – albeit well considered design choices.” The collection’s balance of minimal form, Bauhaus-inspired detailing, and heavy weight complements the reclaimed architectural shapes and materials throughout the estate.

The Casita, a three-bedroom private house designed for families or groups, carries forward the same ethos. Its family bathroom features a generous walk-in shower tiled in reclaimed finishes and complemented by LMK Pure brassware. A private garden and infinity pool extend the sense of indulgence outdoors.

The Stables, a two-bedroom home on site, was designed to explore colour more boldly while staying true to Casa’s language. In the red bathroom, Moroccan Bejmat tiles in garnet line the shower and sink splashback, paired with reclaimed terracotta flooring and one-off reclaimed finds sourced by Bert & May. A wood vanity, vintage mirrors, and Samuel Heath brassware complete the space with a rustic yet elegant touch.

The jade bathroom takes a softer approach, pairing jewel-like zellige tiles with terracotta floors. A handmade blue-glazed basin by Bert & May’s tile artisans connects with the splashback, while brass fixtures and vintage mirrors create what Thornley calls “an opulent take on rustic style.”

Across Casa La Siesta, furnishings continue the strong narrative. Sofas sourced from Hadeda are upholstered by local artisans, while other pieces are gathered from reclamation yards, vintage finds, and carefully chosen thrift shops. Each element tells its own story, contributing to the layered, lived-in atmosphere that defines the retreat.

For Thornley, the process of creating the hotel was as meaningful as the finished result: “Building Casa La Siesta from the ground up is one of my greatest highlights, meeting incredible crafts people along the way that indeed influenced the look and feel. Most important part though is seeing it being enjoyed by the guests.”

Casa La Siesta today stands as a testament to the value of considered design, craftsmanship, and the quiet beauty of materials that age gracefully, with Samuel Heath’s brassware forming an integral part of its enduring character.

“The Samuel Heath LMK Pure shower and basin fixtures in Non Lacquered Brass bring a refined sense of permanence and quality to the bathrooms. Their substantial weight and impeccable craftsmanship offer a tactile assurance of durability, while the warm, evolving patina of the brass adds character over time.

With a design that is both smart and understated, they align perfectly with Casa’s ethos—quietly luxurious, timeless pieces that speak to longevity and considered style without ever being overbearing.”

– Lee Thornley, Founder, Bert and May and Casa La Siesta