Building in Menorca: The story of a french couple who created their dream home
Discover how Pierre and Caroline built their ideal home on the island, blending Menorcan tradition with personalized design. A story of inspiration and challenges overcome!
When Pierre and Caroline first set foot on Menorca, they felt an immediate connection with the island. Its authenticity, the warmth of its people, and the relaxed pace of life captivated them instantly. Originally from southwest France and with experience in home construction, they quickly began searching for a plot where they could build their new home.
A Dream with Menorcan Essence
Through Fincas Mantolan, they found a privileged plot in Santo Tomás, offering spectacular views of the southern coast and the Menorcan countryside. Rather than following modern geometric design trends, their goal was to create a home that reflected Menorca's traditional architecture and harmonized with the landscape.
"We wanted an authentically Menorcan house that respected the island’s identity," Pierre explains. To achieve this, they placed their trust in a local architect whose website had impressed them. "Fortunately, one of his team members spoke fluent French, which made communication much easier," they add. The final design perfectly captured their vision while complying with local regulations.
The Challenges of Building Abroad
Building in Spain turned out to be a very different experience from what they had known in France. Fortunately, since the plot was in an urbanized area, obtaining permits was a smoother process. However, finding trustworthy contractors, understanding the construction process, and navigating bureaucratic hurdles in a foreign language were not easy tasks.
The support of Fincas Mantolan was crucial at every stage. "They guided us in selecting professionals and helped answer many of our questions about local regulations," they say.
A Worthwhile Investment
From purchasing the land to completing construction, three years passed—longer than they initially anticipated. Additionally, the 21% VAT on land and rising construction costs per square meter pushed the final budget beyond their original estimates.
Despite this, Pierre and Caroline have no regrets: "Every effort and every euro spent was worth it. Now we have the home we always imagined, and we wouldn’t hesitate to do it again."
Inspiration for Future Homeowners
If you’re considering buying a plot in Menorca to build your dream home, Pierre and Caroline’s story is a perfect example of how a vision can become reality with the right combination of patience, planning, and expert local support. Discover the best plots and properties on the island with the help of professionals specialized in the Menorcan real estate market.
Every home has its story. If this transformation inspired you, don’t miss other "Before and After" property projects that also started with an idea and are now unique homes in Menorca.
