Disconnection in a 16th century Cantabrian palace in the middle of nature. Voto (Cantabria)

La Casona in San Miguel de Aras is a 16th century Cantabrian building, built by Juan de Herrera on the land granted by Felipe II as payment for the Monastery of El Escorial and used to collect taxes.

The estate originally stretched as far as the village of Rada, on the estuary. It currently has a total surface area of approximately 2.5 hectares (25,000 m2), with two buildings, the manor house and a two-storey former coach house.

It was built entirely of stone, including its original staircase, which is carved out of a complete block. Its ashlar façade stands out.

The house is completely enclosed by a stone wall, has a magnificent garden, a car park separated from the house, a native forest of chestnut, oak and holm oak trees, and finally, a plantation of more than 200 walnut trees for agricultural use.

Its setting is of great beauty. The palace is located at the base of the forest, made up of chestnut trees, holm oaks, cherry trees, oaks, walnut trees, etc. It even has a water spring, lush gardens and an old esplanade where people used to play bolo pasiego in the 19th century.

Juan de Herrera entrusted the collection to his steward, Alvear (whose family coat of arms can be seen on the right-hand side of the main façade), and it later remained in his family. The palace was later owned by the Cerecedo family (coat of arms on the left).

The house was meticulously restored by the architect José Luis Uriarte, who undertook the first comprehensive restoration in 1988, adapting it to contemporary use and respecting all its uniqueness.

The house faces north and was designed in a “golden section”. Given that its purpose was to collect taxes generated by pastures, crops and livestock, it was oriented towards nature, giving it the best views and making it perfect for the summer season. The spaces were designed for this purpose and it was a summer house, as it did not even have chimneys. The two current ones were added during the restoration, and in particular the one in the living room is based on the fireplaces and mouldings of El Escorial.

The main hall retains an original 16th-century polychrome chapel cupboard.

Its careful decoration reminds us of the elegant houses of the English countryside, which will delight its occupants, transporting them to the past. A journey back in time with all the comforts of today.

Ideal for family getaways, celebrations, photo shoots and events. A house with history that opens its doors for the first time and is currently available for rent and for sale.