I just moved to Spain not long ago and have been really into house hunting lately, especially looking at all sorts of villas. I’ve noticed the floor plans here are quite different from what I’m used to. I’ve done a bit of research and wanted to start a thread to chat about it and hear from those with more experience.
Common Villa Floor Plans
From what I’ve seen, Spanish villas primarily come in a few main structures, such as two-and-a-half-story villas. The most common is the single-story villa, with all rooms on one level, which is particularly convenient for families with elderly members or young children since there are no stairs. The drawback is that they require a larger plot, often resulting in a smaller garden. Another prevalent type is the two-story or multi-story villa. Typically, the ground floor contains common areas like the living room and kitchen, with bedrooms upstairs, providing a nice separation between active and quiet zones. Some also feature a semi-basement, an interesting space that can be transformed into a wine cellar, a gym, or a home theater, which is incredibly practical.
Clever Use of Space
I think the essence of Spanish villa design lies in its use of sunlight and outdoor spaces. Almost every house has more than one terrace or porch. Having breakfast on an east-facing porch and enjoying a drink on a west-facing terrace in the evening—that’s the life! Especially here in Andalusia, a covered porch (or porche) is a lifesaver in the summer, allowing you to enjoy the fresh air without being in direct sunlight. Many homeowners also install retractable awnings, which really maximizes the practicality.
Of course, we have to talk about the courtyards and pools. The courtyards here are often beautifully maintained, planted with lemon and olive trees, and laid with lawns, instantly creating that Mediterranean vibe. Pools vary in size and shape but are definitely the most used feature during the summer. I’ve seen some newly designed villas that connect the pool with the living room’s floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a stunning visual effect. However, maintaining a pool requires a significant investment of both money and effort, which is something to keep in mind.
Here’s a quick summary of my house-hunting takeaways in a table for easy reference:
| Layout Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|
| Single-story Villa | Convenient, accessible living | Large footprint, potentially higher total cost | Families with elderly members or children |
| Two-story/Multi-story | Good separation of active/quiet zones, high privacy | Requires using stairs | Most families |
| With Basement | Multifunctional space, high utility | Potential lighting and dampness issues | People needing extra functional areas |
These are just some of my initial impressions from house hunting, and I’m sure there’s a lot I’ve missed. What kind of homes do you all live in in Spain? Do you have any favorite floor plan designs or any pitfalls you’ve encountered? Feel free to discuss and share!
