A FRANK CHAT WITH ÈVE CAZES
Restoring a historic building to new splendour. From rustic-chic fincas to state-of-the-art, luxurious villas, there are a lot of spectacular properties in Ibiza. And just as fascinating are the people who have made them their own. From architects to interior designers, artists to fashion mavens and tech entrepreneurs, the eclectic international creatives who choose to build or buy on the White Island like to think outside the box.
One such visionary is Ève Cazes, who has spent three years breathing life back into a historic townhouse at the heart of Ibiza’s Old Town to let it shine in new splendour. Designed by renowned Ibicencan architect Juan Gómez Ripoll, who also created the iconic Hotel Montesol and the newly reopened Teatro Pereira, the 1896 neo-colonial building is a rare find and represents an authentic piece of island heritage. Having been divided into multiple apartments by its previous owners, most may have found the challenge of taking on a project of such scale and historical importance daunting.
However, as an independent, well-travelled and adventurous business woman with strong ties to the fashion and art worlds, French gemologist Ève spotted the proverbial ‘diamond in the rough’ and turned Palacio Orféo into something truly spectacular. Housing three bedrooms and five bathrooms across 464 sqm, the property elegantly combines traditional elements with modern, clean lines - dressed with carefully sourced and exquisitely fitted interiors.
Special touches to look out for include the Sahara marble handrail, a mirrored elevator that takes visitors from the grand entrance hall up to the open-space salon and kitchen area, and floor-to-ceiling Emperador marble walls adorned with antique Venetian mirrors in the master bathroom. And then, of course, there are the views. The ability to sip your morning coffee in the golden sunshine or enjoy aperitifs on a balmy summer’s night on your private roof terrace under the watchful eye of the ancient cathedral that crowns UNESCO World Heritage site Dalt Vila is not something many properties can offer. We found out what it took to turn the ‘sleeping beauty’ of Palacio Orféo into a shining jewel in the crown of Ibiza Town’s multi-faceted architectural landscape.
Ève, how did you find this spectacular property?
I’ve been coming to Ibiza since 1973, when my mother first brought me to the island on a family holiday. After renting for 20 years, we bought a finca in the countryside. When I was still working in Paris, I would only come once a year, in August. But I got fed up with the humidity in the ‘campo’ and I like to invest, so I bought a two-floor apartment in Ibiza Town. For me, an apartment means city life, so I felt like I was back in Paris. But from that location I could see this building. It was my dream to own this house, but I thought the owners would never sell it. So as soon as I saw the ‘for sale’ sign, I bought it.
With its pastel-yellow colour and neo-colonial facade it does stand out from the white-washed sugar cube houses we usually associate with Ibiza…
For me, this is the most beautiful house. It reminds me of a Hotel Particulier, it looks completely different to the traditional buildings you see in Dalt Vila. Maybe in my subconscious it reminds me of Paris. But when I go outside, it’s Ibiza, it’s an adventure. So I love the contrast of these two worlds.I love living in town, because I can go downstairs and I have everything on my doorstep - for example, tomatoes from the market or croissants from the famous Croissant Show bakery. And it’s only a 15-minute walk from the sea. I walk a lot - you don’t need a car, and that, for me, is a luxury.
What state did you find the property in and what was your vision for the house?
There were a lot of rooms that were being rented out individually. But I didn’t want that many rooms, and I didn’t want a lot of doors either. So we completely gutted the inside to create open spaces. Also, privacy was very important. The layout was created so everyone could have their own world.Then, I met an architect from Paris, Pascal Cheikh Djavadi. He had already designed four houses here in Ibiza, including the most beautiful finca in the countryside, and I decided to work together with him. We truly destroyed everything, down to the last details. Were placed some of the wooden structures with iron, we added in a lift, and we restored the ornamental elements of the balcony.
Many people would feel overwhelmed by such a challenge. How challenging was the process?
Personally, I love it because it is nice to bring a property that has been abandoned and looks like it’s dying back to life. I like to turn a ruin into something extraordinary.
What are your favourite parts of the house?
Honestly? The master bathroom - it’s all marble, and I put an old Venetian mirror on the wall. I also like the library, it has such a warm and welcoming feel. And when I have friends over, we like to sit in the sun room.
Are you going to find it difficult to let go of this one-of-a-kind property?
When I’m finished with a project, I enjoy bringing it together with its perfect owners. For Palacio Orféo, I envision a couple who love to host people and who enjoy the finer things in life. Or a collector of paintings, an art lover, because you have a lot of walls, beautiful lighting and spaces to display art pieces.
Discover more of Palacio Orféo, listed at 6.500.000 €.