Casa Margarita has dreamy good looks, but style over substance it is not. The perfect aesthetics of the rehabilitated Santa Margalida villa, realised by Paulo Valcic and Stefan Relic of Rôck&Villa, belie the true depth of its integrity.
Scratch the surface of the achingly gorgeous property and you’ll find technical elements like thermal insulation and rigorous damp proofing: solid evidence of developer Paulo’s scrupulous way of working. The subtly scented interior is the result of planner and strategist Stefan’s aptitude for blending custom home fragrances. By fusing their respective skills, the two are bringing fresh energy to the island’s property development scene.
No risk, no reward
It took the married team many months of hard work, sweat, laughter and creativity to complete their latest passion project. In some ways, the dream house is emblematic of the couple’s own journey to finding one another, relocating to Mallorca, and fulfilment. Their adventure began when they first met and fell in love nine years ago. Paulo, from a “tiny island in Croatia, like Formentera,” and Stefan, from Belgrade, moved to Barcelona together where Paulo worked as a freelance architect and interior designer, and Stefan, for fashion powerhouse Massimo Dutti. Both were thriving in their careers, but the city was leaving them burnt-out. It took a friend’s 40th birthday party in Mallorca in 2019 for them to get “the Balearic bug.”
“We were walking around Palma, saying ‘Oh what a beautiful city, we could live here,’” recalls Stefan. “On the way back to the airport, this friend called and said, ‘Were you serious about moving to Mallorca? I might have a job for you at Camper.’”
Just three weeks on, the risk-taking couple had packed up and arrived on the island to start a new chapter. When asked how their life now compares to being back in Barcelona, their reaction is instant. “It’s incomparably better,” enthuses Stefan. “It might seem ironic, coming from a big city, but our social life is much more vibrant here.” “And when we feel like it,” Paulo adds, “it’s so well connected we can do weekend escapes in other cities.”
“The dream house is emblematic of the couple’s own journey”
Lessons in love
In October last year, their wedding took place in a romantic ceremony at Finca Son Collell, in Montuïri. Together, rehabilitating old, unloved buildings and giving them a second life is what drives Rôck&Villa. The joy that comes with carefully preserving pieces of Mallorcan heritage and applying their own beautifully tasteful stamp far surpasses designing new builds. One of the greatest compliments they receive is when German and Swiss guests express incredulity at the quality and exacting detail of Casa Margarita.
“At the end of the workday we’re exhausted, but it’s that ‘happy tired’” glows Stefan. “We really see ourselves here long term.” “Trust your instinct,” Paulo advises.
Text by Anna Mason | Photos by Jonatan Barzola
