I’ve finally moved from a piso (apartment) into a small Chalet in the suburbs of Madrid. While it’s no mansion, having my own little yard feels like a major upgrade in my quality of life! I’d been looking at countless pictures online, but actually living here is a whole different experience. So today, I’m writing this post to talk about the inside of a typical Spanish villa, to give a reference for those who are house-hunting or just curious.
Planta Baja (Ground Floor) - The Main Living Area
Unlike the apartment I used to live in, the Planta Baja is basically the heart of family activities. The living room is usually very large, and most Spanish villas have a door that leads directly to the backyard, which is incredibly convenient for summer barbecues and parties. The kitchen is also quite spacious, and there’s often a small half-bath next to it with just a toilet and a sink, mainly for guests. I find this design particularly thoughtful.
Primera Planta (First Floor) - The Sleeping Quarters
Going up the stairs to the Primera Planta, you’ll find the sleeping quarters. It usually consists of three to four bedrooms. The master bedroom almost always has its own en-suite full bathroom, offering great privacy. The other bedrooms share another one or two bathrooms. One thing I’m still getting used to but find very practical is that almost every window is fitted with roll-down shutters (persianas) on the outside. When you lower them, the room becomes pitch black—an absolute godsend for sleep!
Sótano (Basement) - The Hidden Treasure
This might be my favorite part—the basement! In many Chalets, the basement (sótano) is connected to the garage, creating a huge space. It’s an incredibly versatile area; besides parking, you can do so much with it. My neighbor, for instance, converted his basement into a home theater and a gym. For now, I’m just using mine for storage, but I already have plans on how to renovate it.
| Potential Use | Feasibility | Notes |
|---|
| Home Gym | ★★★★★ | Ample space, ventilation needs consideration |
| Workshop/Craft Room | ★★★★☆ | Requires installing more lighting; you can see examples in these property listings in Spain. |
| Kids’ Playroom | ★★★★★ | Safe, and you don’t have to worry about noise bothering neighbors |
| Wine Cellar | ★★★☆☆ | Requires temperature and humidity control equipment |
The interior design of Spanish villas really emphasizes functional zoning and family life. The large tiled floors might feel a bit cold, but they are incredibly cool in the summer and also easy to clean, a big plus when it comes to buying a house in Spain. It might be different from our traditional idea of a ‘villa’; the Chalets here focus more on practicality and comfort. What are the houses you live in like? Feel free to share and discuss! Let me know if you have any questions
!
