Sleep in a 17th century Baroque stately palace home and celebrate Seville in style:
For those of us who think that times gone by were always better, what would you think of restoring the stately splendour of yester year, whilst adding the facilities and conveniences of today? In Home at Homes, we select unique properties to provide wholly unconventional experiences. And in this spirit, we have found Casa Palacio San José, a majestic 17th century stately palace home which has been lovingly restored by the former conservationist of Seville’s Royal Palace complex and the Alfonso XIII hotel, renowned architect Rafael Manzano, who has returned this fabulous home to its original glory, whilst providing the property with all the facilities – comfort and convenience, including, of course, heating and air conditioning systems – required to meet the demands of today.
San José III is one of five apartments of Casa Palacio San José, with two bedrooms accommodating four guests in privacy and luxury.
Lovingly called La Casa de la Hija de la Giralda (daughter of La Giralda), this home takes its name from Barbara de Santo Domingo, a Dominican nun born in the 19th century, the daughter of the bell-ringer of the Giralda, who took her vows in the neighbouring Madre de Dios convent and is now in the process of canonisation for her virtues and mysticism.
The house is accessed through an impressive front gate located in calle San José 7. A short, open hallway leads to the first patio and a covered furnished sitting area, crossing which you can access the house proper through a hall housing a fabulous staircase and lift leading to the apartments and rooftop terraces.
Enthusiasts of both architecture and history will delight in the classical structural details, the large arcaded patio with Roman marble columns and fountains, generous terraces with exuberant greenery, and pergolas to keep the environment cool and sheltered. Inside, a veritable exhibition of craftsmanship, with classical decorative tiling, woodwork, coffered ceilings and elaborate plaster mouldings.
San José III spans over 150 m2 of the property, with 115 m2 of “usable” space comprising two bedrooms, a large living-dining room and a separate kitchen, and a fabulous 55 m2 private terrace.
It is located on the second floor of the building, and has the same unique attributes. Sunlight streams in through the large windows to greet guests on arrival, and access to the private terrace is without a doubt one of the finest of the many features of this fabulous home.
The main access hallway leads to the social part of the house, a spacious living and dining area looking onto the building’s main patio, with the characteristic murmur of running water from the Roman fountain and lush greenery throughout.
A sitting area with TV is equipped with a comfortable sofa, upholstered chairs and a coffee table, with the dining area opposite. The living room has access to the charming private terrace, some 50 m2, the perfect place for enjoying an al fresco breakfast or a quiet soiree at dusk, or relaxing in the sun. With a tiled fountain as its main feature, it is equipped with a table and four chairs, and two sun loungers. Not to forget the views onto the patio and the rooftops of the nearby convent.
To the right of the entrance hallway is the separate, fully-equipped kitchen, next to this a guest bathroom and access to the sleeping area.
The master bedroom has a large 180 x 200 cm double bed, which can be made up as twin beds on request. It is decorated with fresh-coloured textiles in a clean, crisp design, conducive to a relaxing sleep. It has a full en-suite bathroom, as does the second bedroom, which is equipped with two 90 x 190 cm twin beds. Both bedrooms have large built-in wardrobes.
And to top the experience, the terraces of Casa Palacio San José, to be found on the third floor. An oasis of green in the middle of the city, ideal for having breakfast, an evening al fresco with friends, some sunbathing in the solarium, complete with rainfall shower, or impressive views of the many terraces, dormers and bell gables of the Jewish district. The third floor also houses the shared laundry room, with washing machine and dryer. The apartments have hanging racks which are stored in the kitchens.
Located in the very heart of the city, just 5 minutes’ walk to the Cathedral and the Giralda, next to the Madre de Dios convent, Casa Palacio San José is a stunning property over three floors, with an area of more than 1000 square metres.
Staying in Casa Palacio San José will enable you to enjoy all the charm of Seville’s historical and cultural heritage, as well as its shopping and leisure opportunities. The historical centre and the Cathedral, the Murillo Gardens, or the very heart of the Barrio de Santa Cruz are just a few minutes’ walk away, along a route filled with visual, culinary and cultural delights.
Casa Palacio San José houses five separate, independent apartments: San José I, San José II, San José III, San José IV, and San José V, together accommodating up to 22 guests in total comfort. Why not book the whole building if travelling with a large group? Get in touch, and let us know what you need.
