Villa Mas Mateu: Inside Costa Brava’s Grand Catalan Masia

A 15th-Century Legacy: The Story of Mas Mateu

A masia is the Catalan equivalent of a Provençal mas or a Tuscan podere — a traditional rural estate built around a central farmhouse, usually dating to the medieval period, and usually the seat of an extended family across many generations. Mas Mateu is one of the finest surviving examples in the Empordà, the inland region behind the Costa Brava coast.

The estate’s documented history stretches back to the 15th century, and the property has been carefully restored over the last two decades. When browsing our curated collection of historic estates in Costa Brava — or the wider Spain villa collection — Mas Mateu stands apart as the most historically significant private estate available for rent in the region.

The restoration has been careful rather than aggressive. Original stone walls, timber beams, and vaulted ceilings remain. The modern additions — underfloor heating, contemporary bathrooms, a wellness suite, and a professional kitchen — sit discreetly behind the historic fabric, so the estate still reads as a 15th-century property rather than a hotel project.

Living Across the Estate: Suites, Salons, and Courtyards

The estate accommodates up to 16 guests across the main masia, separate guest cottages, and a converted stable wing. Each of the principal bedrooms has been individually designed, with a mix of heritage pieces and contemporary furniture, and most open onto a terrace or courtyard.

The communal spaces are where the estate’s scale matters. There are multiple salons — a formal living room, a library, a billiard room, and a covered outdoor lounge — which allows a large group to split across different activities without anyone feeling crowded. The dining room seats the full group, and the professional kitchen supports the private chef team.

Outdoors, the property is built around a series of courtyards. The main courtyard is the estate’s social centre — shaded for most of the day, with seating around a central feature. Secondary courtyards lead to the pool terrace, the stables, and the estate’s private parkland.

World-Class Equestrian Facilities and Natural Parkland

Mas Mateu’s defining feature — and the reason it is unique in the Spanish luxury villa market — is its equestrian facilities. The estate includes stables, a riding arena, and direct access to bridle paths through the surrounding Empordà countryside. Guests can arrange riding lessons, guided hacks, or full-day rides through the natural parkland that borders the property.

The parkland itself is protected, which means the estate’s setting is not going to change. The surrounding land is a mix of cork oak forest, open meadow, and traditional Catalan farmland — the landscape that defines the Empordà and separates it from the resort coast.

For guests who want a break from the estate, the Costa Brava coast is 20–30 minutes by car, and the medieval villages of Pals, Peratallada, and Ullastret are all within easy reach. The Dalí sites at Figueres and Cadaqués are under 45 minutes.

Bespoke Gastronomy: Michelin-Level Private Dining

Mas Mateu’s kitchen is set up to deliver a level of dining that matches the estate itself. The private chef team works from a professional kitchen and produces menus built on Empordà produce — seafood from the Costa Brava coast, Palamós prawns, local game, and produce from the surrounding market gardens.

Menus are agreed in advance with the group, and the dining room seats the full estate. For larger events and celebrations, the team handles everything from a formal tasting menu to an outdoor Catalan barbecue on the main courtyard. Wine pairings draw on the Empordà’s own DO — a region producing serious reds and whites that rarely appear outside Spain.

For groups who want to eat out, the restaurant scene in the surrounding area is genuinely strong. The Empordà has a high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants, including several within a 20-minute drive of the estate. The concierge can arrange bookings in advance of arrival.

Booking Mas Mateu: Buyouts, Celebrations, and Gatherings

Mas Mateu is primarily booked as a full estate buyout — the property is exclusive to the group for the duration of the stay, and all staff, facilities, and grounds are included. The estate’s capacity and infrastructure make it well suited to three specific types of booking: weddings, corporate retreats, and multi-generation family gatherings.

The estate’s season runs from late spring through early autumn, with May, June, September, and October offering the most comfortable conditions. Summer weeks (July and August) are the most competitive for bookings and should be reserved 9–12 months ahead. For full details on capacity, staffing, and event logistics, see the Villa Mas Mateu estate page.

For the wider context — how a restored Catalan masia fits into the broader Spanish luxury villa market, and how the Empordà compares to other historic-estate regions in Europe — read our guide to luxury villas in Spain.

Frequently Asked Questions: Villa Mas Mateu, Costa Brava