Couple's modern home behaves like an old village by the river

Cristina Manene and Fernando Orte wanted a home to escape the city, but that would still provide reminders of village life. Outside Madrid they found raw land embraced by the Tagus River where they built a home to resemble a Spanish village complete with plazas and all local stone.
The home is created from small boxes in either glass or stone placed to avoid trees resulting in the nonlinear shape of a small town. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls on alternating spaces are nearly always left open to create a continuity between inside and outside. The completely open dining room connects one courtyard with an infinity pool that is finished to mimic the blue of the adjacent river.
The stone boxes provide an alternating pattern of shadow with the very light glass volumes. They are more sheltered from the elements, but their rooftops are flowering with local plants. Initially the couple had planted lavender and thyme, but the local seeds took over and now they realize they prefer their roof to resemble the adjacent mountainside.
The materials of the home are raw and further blur the line between indoor and outdoor: exposed concrete ceilings, interior walls of rough plaster and stone and gravel flooring that continues from the patio to the interior.
The home is powered by solar and provides some food: the couple have 5 hens and a seasonal garden. The lack of television and the omnipresence of nature ensures that “time moves differently here”. Christina explains they wanted a place that provided an unavoidable connection to nature for themselves and their three children.
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[@ygorrodrigues7999]

Honestly one of the best houses i have ever seen in my life. The personality, the uniqueness, the coziness, the views, the materials, the use of sunlight, the gardens... A absolute dream house.

[@kd3655]

I dont see the coziness honestly

[@solomontyu]

@@kd3655 the living room next to the dining room, with chunky cushioned seats and sunset, is really cozy to me. The master bedroom with the bath in front of the view too. Love it

[@tinacombee8072]

I totally agree with you

[@rumyanakoprinkova3295]

@@kd3655 Me too and this boxes are so ugly.

[@aristochat3]

“Place for the weekend”

[@Jayapullani]

The meaningfulness of the design to glean the best observation over the landscape is interesting and well thought out. I don't usually prefer ultra modern myself, but the construction style and materials used blend into the natural environment perfectly complimenting the terrain. The family will be very happy spending their time here experiencing the full ampihtheatre of the changing nature and seasons and with it the varying gradations of light.

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

I like how they placed so much emphasis on a view. I remember working on a ship when I was young. I had a cabin that measured 8' x 12. However, it also had a porthole. My room was tiny but I could see the whole world go by my window. Because of the view it was wonderful. Without that porthole it would have been torture.

[@madisonbrigman8186]

there’s something about a stone house that’s so primitive and yet so elegant and powerful. it’s properties/types change with the region, it’s abundant and durable. i feel it is a wholly underrated building material that can make a comeback, especially when it’s zero KM.

[@stefankatomova-nikolova213]

Absolutely agree, but it depends on the climate. Stone houses are usually cold, at least I think so, but I am not quite sure, to be honest. 🙂

[@madisonbrigman8186]

@@stefankatomova-nikolova213 You are correct! blue marble is commonly used in the stone houses of the carolinas, which is subtropical. however the tradition was brought from pennsylvania - so i guess it depends on the availability of local materials! stone has a high thermal mass, so if you warm it up it stays warm - but that is only if you’re warming it up.

[@j.c.lapointe3110]

This channel is a treasure

[@SequoiaElisabeth]

What a heavenly place to live! I love the rugged simplicity coupled with the all the comforts of modern living.

[@jean-claudefortin6266]

@gerhardgoedhart2107 ça veut dire quoi? (en tous cas je n'ai pas: nul, vide, sans vie

[@boomtao]

OMG! The way some people live ... and then I look around in my tiny, cluttered apartment on the first floor in this stinking city. This whole design, concept and implementation is simply stunning and gorgeous!

[@amarketing8749]

Simplicity takes money. It is beautiful, I wish everyone could afford to live in a place like this. Relaxing and inviting.

[@fallbrkgrl]

It's a beautiful home. The family and the designer did a great job. Unfortunately, I can't wrap my head around the fact that this is just a vacation home, and a very expensive one (I'm assuming) at that. ❤️🌵☀️⛈️🌈☮️🐎🕊️

[@ysbyttybedbug]

I wondered who fed the chickens when they weren’t there.

[@makingitthrough190]

Didn’t she say their friends were looking for a weekend place. May be this is their permanent home?

[@mimi1o8]

@@ysbyttybedbug wealthy people have permanent house keepers.

[@ceferinocanibano6284]

They live an hour from there and go there to spend the weekend. They can look after the chicken. This is very common in Spain. Many people live ein the city and have a house in the country not very far away. In Spain we don't like to commute everyday but people who live in Madrid want to scape at the weekend. The traffic to get out and in Madrid every weekend is terrible but they need to get out.

[@jedisbonjour6452]

It must have been incredibly expensive to build. Those large glass windows and sliders are expensive. I wonder if they ever get bats or birds in the house with no screens.

[@chrisbabbitt4202]

It's true what they say. Money buys happiness.

[@dakotaovdan]

It’s my dream to live next to fresh water, a little piece of paradise

[@LucGendrot]

You know usually I look at these modern sort of houses and think "wow that looks so stark I couldn't live there", but for some reason this feels both stark and homey at the same time. Honestly looks like a dream.

[@FishingwithCristina]

That's a beautiful River, I truly love watching your videos.

[@SALESPRODUCTIONS]

I LOVE everything about this woman's home - lifestyle etc . . Even the outdoor furniture is amazing. And being made with stone makes it incredibly strong / long lasting. Wow. And if they ever moved - and kept this home - they would make a killing on Airbnb.

[@serenasapphire8883]

My favourite home ever! I love everything so much and I am also a bath lover and relate to this home owner so much! To me it seems rare when people that have money also have creativity too! So amazing what people can create! I am in awe! Thank you for letting me see this home -what a joy! I love how she also has humor as well "the 2 year old dictator has the king sized bed" 😂Too cute! Happy Easter everyone 🐣🐰🌤 ps I hope you can go again for a followup with a different season and when they've finished the lavender & thyme rooftops! Will love to see again while in bloom 💜

[@blommaertbart3224]

300 years from now this house will still be standing exactly as it is today. Very clever. February and having all the windows open just having to wear a shirt, what an idyllic place. The owners are visionaries.

[@Incommumfilms]

We love the way you tell the stories, it makes us feel we're in there with you

[@Incommumfilms]

@richard harrison definitely an inspiration for us to do our work as well :)

[@Jacob_graber]

It’s very authentically Spanish to have the dining room be so central to the house and the views. If you’ve ever had the fortune to visit Spain, you know their culture around family and food is a cornerstone of their society. Such a gorgeous place.

[@alilbreeze]

What an amazing place wow

[@Silvertestrun]

I'm grateful for your excellence in eco architecture!

[@cam6993]

It is so interesting to be able to literally feel the vibe of different people and how different they make their shelters. There are folks with barely any money that Kirsten has interviewed and they’ve created the most warm and inviting and unique spaces and there are folks with loads of money and more times than not their spaces feel empty and cold. Not that one is either good or bad but it is a definite feeling. Better to have little ‘money’ and have immense wealth with company and spirit :) definitely loved the streamfellows video!!

[@AndrewHelgeCox]

I didn't think about that coldness but it's true. They pay some architect who creates a vision for them while sitting in their office working away in a CAD program on their Apple Mac. Then they have their servants keep it spotless and uncluttered once it exists in the real world.

[@cam6993]

Mhmm, there is this definite energy of detachment and separation that then gets embodied in the home. All the workers even that built it were just paid and then probably kind of shooed out so the owners could then inhabit it. Buildings that are built by communities and especially by their own inhabitants have such a warm personal energy. These buildings that were designed on computers by ‘someone else’ and built by more ‘someone else’s’ literally shout “nobody lives here and it must remain spotless and Perfect”. You can tell even how kirstens kids act in different houses. The ones that have a warm homie feeling they are laughing and playing around. Here they barely walk in the pool and walk out and then they’re just silent

[@noone8173]

@@cam6993 What's a "warm homie feeling" means different things to different people. This is a beautiful space optimized to take advantage of the calm, serene atmosphere. They are fortunate to live in this beautiful environment.

[@noone8173]

@@AndrewHelgeCox What are you going on about? They are the architects. You're creating an entire narrative in your head about people you no nothing about.

[@reddymon]

Love the design. Still…. It is a prime example of conspicuous consumption. I could wrap my head around it if everyone in the world could afford something this nice. For a primary residence. But a vacation home?

[@wonderstew]

I grew up fairly poor so when I watch videos like this, I can’t help but see the dollar signs imprinted on every object. Regardless, I am willing to step back from that. The fact is, this is a magnificent work of collaborative art. A testament to the owners’ taste, the architect(s), and every craftsman who had a hand in it. Ever since I had the privilege of touring Frank Lloyd Wright’s River House, I’m far quicker to be grateful. Grateful just to know that uncompromisingly beautiful spaces like this exist in the world.

[@SoCalFreelance]

I like how the site exploration process starts via Google Maps. I'm visiting Tokyo next week and I'm exploring the city virtually using Google Maps/Earth to familiarize myself with the city, plan out activities, discover hidden jems.

[@jeremymarin7037]

I see that all black rietveld chair!! What a flex

[@nilsfrederking62]

Stunning property with a beautiful architecture and beautiful view on the river. I find the pool in front of the dining room a distraction from the perfect view on the river and the surounding nature. I would have placed it more towards the left for example.

[@jeroberts7228]

Wow - that is an extraordinary home! I wasn't sure I'd like it at first, but as I kept watching, I understood how well thought out it was, and how in tune it was with how they wanted to live. What an amazing and peaceful home they've made - those little girls are lucky to get to grow up there, in that setting.

[@thejairu777]

I play lofi-beats in a background tab and it makes this already amazing documentation even better for background viewing during work. Thank you Kirsten! Your youtube is a haven for dreamers and doers. Thank you.

[@berniem137]

“To be an old lady with a chair” is something to aspire to. Fantastic video!

[@nukhan1102]

Great to see natural beauty of village and with english commentary...thanks and God bless all.

[@martinhare6085]

The focal point of the house is not in the house but the river outside which resulted to non-symmetrical shape of their house. I don't know if that's architecturally wise but I might do the same thing 🙂. No wonder she's been smiling and having her giggles the entire video. She might be living the house of her childhood dreams.

[@vickywatson2779]

This house is amazing, I love the home owner/designer, she needs her own channel, she was very funny.

[@micheleharris2361]

I love the openness, and that you are in touch with the outside at all times - it is a beautifully thought out home! Thanks to the owners for sharing it with us. :)

[@MAM-cy3yy]

Not too shabby for a weekend getaway.

[@stefankatomova-nikolova213]

So much wisdom and knowledge in this way of life. This is a definition of meaningful life. THANK You from Germany!

[@ronsmith1364]

Those girls will be artists as they grow. That kind of magical space will create some neat human beings. This is an aesthetic masterpiece using passive & green roof elements. The rough concrete with the stone cladding & adjusting the design for the views, magic. This fits into its place so seamlessly, suggests a Falling Waters of the 22nd century. Now a few olives & some fruit trees.. Wonderful Space Thanks for sharing Everyone

[@tommym936]

Just travel out there and have a walk. Spoiling the countryside building a vacation home.

[@kimjansson2338]

So simple, so beautiful🙏

[@paranoidhumanoid]

Beautiful home. I would love to retire and live the rest of my life in the Spanish countryside! Such a wonderful country!

[@hom0faber]

One of the best houses i have seen, owners have a good taste!

[@RavenCorvinus]

That view. I'm really envious. Good location and a beutiful home

[@mapuanakupuna3471]

Wow...FABULOUS HOME!

[@JudiE7722]

Absolutely love the communal concept and design. Must be amazing to live in this place and be blessed with gorgeous views.

[@lunabouch]

That house is so well planned and thought out. The simplicity is appealing and beautiful.

[@jmfarrell5]

Beautiful. Thank you.

[@raestipher9789]

Thank you Kirsten. Beautiful

[@eljaysmiley]

what an amazing little castle. ❤

[@tendue0726]

This is so beautiful

[@josetres333]

Your videos are always amazing. This home is like a beautiful poem.

[@jc-depre]

Beautiful home, thanks for sharing.

[@Gummmibaer]

This is just perfect. No more words needed.

[@andemess3095]

What a wonderful home.

[@mayking3133]

Absolutely beautiful place and beautiful home!

[@5000cache]

Beautiful, stellar design.

[@Rubsanoli6334]

Me encanto! Y el no poner muros en los baños... y sus vistas.... simplemente maravillosa villa! Gracias por compartir

[@wincification]

Interesting how the design for that place seems to be rather discovered than invented. Spawned, not built. The interior has strong wabi-sabi vibes. Thank you for sharing, one of the best.

[@JasRaymond1]

This is a Master Piece .

[@ernestinasanchez5305]

Is this couple architects? They thought about everything. Wonderful and beautiful built. They are so creative and respectful to nature. Great video.

[@kloatlanta]

They must be

[@rosid_ridho]

1.8K views only in 25 minutes. Your video always amazing.

[@reallynotpc]

That is a beautiful creation!

[@pharder1234]

absolutley stunning, has to be one of my all time favorites on this channel

[@MBMCincy63]

Thank you.

[@brucefay5126]

I like everything about this house - setting, design, materials - thanks for bringing it to the channel.

[@mtthwklly]

10/10 absolutely perfect.

[@climategladiator]

What a beautiful house with unique architecture!

[@user-rf2hw6ew4x]

I truly love This house! Amazing!!!!!!

[@loniz7193]

amazing, creative, clever, beautiful... love when people think outside of the box... very inspiring...

[@carolewarner101]

Wow...what an amazing spot. Very creative ideas!

[@corinnnewilliamson1045]

The most beautiful home I've seen

[@TheKeystoneChannel]

Gorgeous house, very well designed. And the nature around is breathtaking.

[@leo169]

Beautiful area and house, love that it is in stone.

[@debbralehrman5957]

What a lovely place.

[@katiefox9918]

that is gorgeous.

[@walterdolen7169]

Very unique. You can see they put in a lot of thinking into the project. I like the idea that it looks like a village from yesterday. Really nice.

[@Michelessex]

Gorgeous house, gorgeous woman, a real treat! Thank you, Michel

[@karenknowles1537]

Gorgeous!!

[@YouCanCallMeChrys]

I really like this home. So beautiful. Just the right amount of ultra modern meets rustic texture.

[@lancedaniels]

Thanks for posting and sharing. It looks like a very comfortable looking place to live.

[@christianhansen3292]

beautiful design and simplistic.

[@Dliz_empire]

Beautiful

[@rickhall8119]

The best house on this channel ever!

[@indiracamotim2858]

I love this channel because it always has such treasures in here. This house has that incredible contrast that I love with stone and yet so many open spaces… the light coming in id quite incredible ! Thank you 🌹🌹🌹

[@ricarquitectura4857]

Excellent project! Lovely home!

[@bengmelea8646]

It seems this villa can be rented out for between EUR600-850/night which probably explains why it is so tidy and "unlived". What is not clear is that the neighbouring property is of a very similar design & materials so I assume was designed by Christina, Fernando and Omar also? Or maybe this neighbour is their friend she mentions that found the location first and these architects designed that house and loved the location so much so decided to design build their own holiday house here too?

[@deyaf.8679]

So peaceful, love it! keep the good work!

[@lisaevans5840]

I love your videos. Not only do you give me alternative building practices and architecture, as well as alternative ways to live. You give me a sense of piece as well. Thank you.

[@piassickphoto]

beautiful!

[@tiogoala7654]

Amazing layout of the property and they made it work with the landscape without ripping trees out.

[@susane4078]

What an impressive panoramic view.

[@mosandkaka]

Very beautiful home

[@TUERLATERRE]

love this build!

[@sanwalbud]

Phenomenal place ! Incredibly unique. I can see why the owner is so slim since everything is so spread out. 😊

[@mademoisellecm1]

Beautiful.

[@cartograp]

what a beautiful, thoughtful house

[@janetdupree6353]

Gorgeous.

[@michaelgillespie502]

by far you visit the best properties... thanks

[@petratihelkova1276]

Omg …that’s amazing ❤️💕

[@claudiares167]

Loev the design 👌 and location. Beautiful. It must be avery peaceful experience to spend the night there.

[@RazzTheKing]

Loved it!!!

[@GGLD888]

completely awesome