Villa interior design on the Costa Brava: stone, light and planning rules
Short answer: How to approach the interior design and renovation of a villa or second home in Begur, Cadaqués or S'Agaró: stone architecture, sea climate, planning rules and costs.
· Guides · 7 min
The Costa Brava is not the Costa del Sol. Its architecture is older, more stone-built and more protected, and that changes how you approach the interior design of a villa or second home.
Stone houses and masías
In Begur, Cadaqués, Pals or inland Empordà many houses have thick stone walls, vaults and timber beams. The challenge is not to hide that character but to integrate it: discreet services, interior insulation where appropriate and a palette that works with the stone.
Planning: old towns and landscape
Many towns protect their historic centres and coastal landscape. Façades, roofs, colours and openings are often regulated and extensions are limited. Check the town plan before designing.
Sea climate
Humidity and salt are hard on hardware, windows and finishes. We choose materials that age well by the sea —local stone, lime, treated timber, marine-grade stainless steel— and plan good ventilation.
Indicative costs
At the high end, a villa renovation on the Costa Brava is around €1,800–3,000/m² of building works, and from €3,500/m² at ultra level. Furniture, landscaping and fees are separate.
A second-home schedule
Works are usually planned between autumn and spring so the house is ready for summer, which means closing design and permits well in advance.
How we work
We design the interiors, handle permits and run the works with a single point of contact, including for owners who live abroad.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to renovate a villa on the Costa Brava?
As a reference, €1,800–3,000/m² high-end and from €3,500/m² ultra, building works only. Listed stone houses and masías usually need more technical work.
What makes the Costa Brava different?
Lots of stone architecture and masías, protected old towns, height and volume limits, and a sea climate that demands careful choice of materials and windows.
Which materials work best by the sea?
Local stone, lime, exterior-grade treated timber, marine-grade stainless steel hardware and windows that resist salt.
Can you renovate my second home while I am away?
Yes. We manage design, permits and works with regular reports, and schedule the works outside the summer season.
If you own a villa or second home on the Costa Brava and want to renovate it: