When renowned kitchen designer Birgit Müller bought a home in Llucmajor, one thing mattered above all: preserving the noble building’s spirit while bringing it back to life.
“It was important to me that the local Mallorcan community, who have known this house for generations, could recognise and feel a connection to it once again,” Müller says. After years of meticulous work, a tour of the sumptuous property reveals her mission is complete.
“I’m particularly proud that many of our Mallorcan neighbours have expressed how much they appreciate us preserving the original style of the house.”
A house standing for generations
The house, steeped in history, had long been a recognisable presence in the village. Müller’s aim was not just renovation, but restoration — with a sensitivity to the past. Every beam, wall, and finish was treated with respect for the original character.
Inspired to retain its historic charm while integrating modern functionality, the ‘Queen of Kitchens’ and her husband, Philippe Martin, created a truly unique home. Blessed with 800 sqm of living space, they had the freedom to incorporate special features including a private bar, a home gym, and a beautified wine cellar. They transformed the patios, relocated an old well, restored ornate stucco, and refurbished hundreds of wooden beams. Much of the restoration — and the entire project management — they handled themselves.
All hands on deck
Faced with a complex room layout, they removed walls to create open spaces. Since they wanted to retain the original doors, these had to be custom-fitted. “Our in-house carpenters did an exceptional job,” Müller notes, adding that part of the antique flooring was also preserved.
The most difficult part was enlarging the small kitchen: “We moved a wall towards the patio and replaced it with large sliding glass doors — something the building office was reluctant to approve.
As sunlight filters through these glass doors into the heart of the home, it’s clear this is no ordinary transformation. It’s a home that honours the past while welcoming the life still to come. The house now breathes again, alive with light, warmth, and the harmony of old and new.
