In the quiet countryside near Porreres, two lemon trees welcome visitors to Dos Limones – the home of Raphael Springmann and Ilka Gebhardt, who swapped Hamburg’s urban pace for space, sunshine and creative freedom in Mallorca. What began as a beachside daydream on holiday in Thailand grew into a full-scale design project: a 350-square-metre home built from the ground up on a 1,500-square-metre plot. Designed entirely by Raphael, a professional kitchen designer, and shaped by Ilka’s intuitive style, the house is a thoughtful blend of modern minimalism and traditional warmth. “We didn’t want a glossy villa,” says Ilka. “We wanted something real, with character.” With reclaimed wood from old barns, unpainted breathable walls and a solar-powered energy system, Dos Limones stands as a reflection of their shared vision – a place that feels natural in its setting and completely their own. “It’s where we come back to recharge,” Ilka says.
Building a life, one stone at a time
The land that would become Dos Limones took some finding. After viewing over 50 properties, the couple discovered their ideal spot: elevated, private, and with sweeping views across the countryside to Campos, Colonia de Sant Jordi and Cabrera in the distance. The rocky terrain was less idyllic. “Excavating the plot took a lot of effort,” Raphael says, “but we used the stones from the land in the design later – for the garden walls and landscaping.”
From repurposed timber and stone floors to handmade shutters created using antique tools, every element was chosen with care. The walls were left bare and breathable, softening the industrial lines of exposed concrete. The home is powered entirely by solar energy, with underfloor heating and a wood-burning fireplace by A. Caminetti to keep things cosy in winter. A suspended steel staircase leads up to the rooftop terrace, where views stretch out in every direction. In front of the house, an impressive swimming pool shimmers in the sunlight, inviting slow afternoons and quiet swims.
The kitchen that became a home
Unsurprisingly, the kitchen is the heart of Dos Limones. It’s the largest space in the house and one of the most finely tuned. Raphael’s influence is everywhere – from the seamless black cabinetry and dramatic extractor fan to the layout, lighting, and generous storage. “It’s my favourite spot,” Ilka adds. The rest of the house follows suit, each corner shaped with intention. There are handmade Bali lamps above the dining table and traditional stone floors from Petra. An outdoor kitchen is in the works, promising leisurely meals in the months ahead. And while you might expect Raphael’s favourite space to be the kitchen, he’s quick to disagree. “My workshop,” he grins, pointing to the garage where he restores classic cars, including his beloved Mercedes 300GD. It may not be inside the house, but it’s his sanctuary all the same – a space to tinker, unwind and escape.
