Inside with — Nuria Val a home among the olive trees

Nuria Val has long been drawn to creativity and nature. This passion, shared with her husband, Coke Bartrina, led them to a serene secondary home in southern Catalonia. There, they lovingly restored a tranquil retreat nestled among olive trees, where the melodies of migrating birds fill the air. The home exudes a sense of peace and inspiration, offering an idyllic backdrop for family life.

Nuria Val, co-founder of Rowse—a skincare brand focused on nature’s gifts—began her journey as a model at 17, sparking a love for photography and travel. It was this passion that eventually brought her to the region for a photoshoot, where she and Coke discovered a landscape of rolling groves, beautiful beaches, and a calm that instantly drew them in. After spending two summers there, they decided they wanted something more permanent, a place to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature.

They found a little white house with a slanted roof, abandoned and neglected for 30 years and completely overrun by forest. Restoring it was a two-year effort filled with care and dedication. The land, untouched for decades, felt like it was waiting for them. They named their newfound home "L'Oliveta" after the olive trees that now thrive on the property, thanks to their care and the region's rich soil and warm climate. From these trees, they produce “Oli de L’Oliveta,” a reflection of the land's natural heritage, which has become a meaningful part of their lives.

Reading in the afternoon sun – Framed by blurred olive branches, Nuria and her daughter relax on the Settle Sofa on a sunlit patio. She reads aloud from a book, while the child leans against her, nestled in the soft upholstery. The terracotta tiles, warm wooden shutters, and natural surroundings create a tranquil, inviting atmosphere.

Aerial view of a Mediterranean home – A two-story white stucco house with a terracotta-tiled roof sits among olive trees, bathed in golden light. Wooden shutters and doors accentuate its rustic charm. In the foreground, a cozy outdoor seating area with two brown cushioned chairs and a bench blends seamlessly into the dry, earthy landscape.

What was the restoration process like?

When we bought the house, its original charm had been altered by renovations from the early 2000s that were not well executed. We wanted to bring back its essence. These homes were built as simple shelters for workers in the fields, and many are abandoned now as traditional olive harvesting declines. But it's wonderful to see young people, especially from Barcelona, reclaiming these spaces and reviving the craft. We kept things minimal, being selective with the furniture pieces we included and using local materials like handmade tiles for the floors and ceilings. These earthy tones connect the house to the landscape. The process was slow but rewarding.

How did you choose the pieces for the house?

The house has a timeless simplicity, but we wanted to combine traditional pieces with modern ones. We included some classic items, like a custom-made table and desk. We paired them with contemporary pieces, such as the Set Lamp. This blend of styles complements the house's overall aesthetic. The pieces we chose are personal to us, and since the house is small, we made sure everything was thoughtfully selected. Every piece here has a story.

“The house has a timeless simplicity, but we wanted to combine traditional pieces with modern ones.”

Where does your family spend the most time in the house?

We spent time in this house from June to September. Upstairs, there’s a little nook with black Workshop Chairs—a perfect spot for quiet work. The kitchen is also where we come together, especially in the mornings when sunlight filters through the windows.

Outside, we're often on the patio, where the Settle Outdoor sofas have made all the difference. When we first worked on the outdoor area, we didn't have a lot of furniture, but once we added the sofas, the space really transformed. They're incredibly comfortable, and we spend a lot of time outside, relaxing, reading, and watching birds from the nearby reserve as they migrate from South Africa. During migration season, the sky comes alive with their movement. Watching flocks soar above while feeling the warmth and breeze brings a profound connection to nature.

“Outside, we’re often on the patio, where the Settle Outdoor Sofas have made all the difference. We relax there, watching birds from the nearby reserve as they migrate from South Africa.”

How do you bridge the indoors and outdoors?

We wanted the transition between indoors and outdoors to feel seamless, creating a natural flow that connects the two spaces. To achieve this, we chose the same handmade tiles for both the interior and exterior, establishing a sense of unity. These tiles, crafted by local artisans just 10 minutes away, are made from clay sourced directly from the earth, giving them rich, earthy tones that blend beautifully with the surrounding landscape. We felt it was important to capture the natural warmth and greenery of the region in this choice. We also added outdoor showers, enhancing our connection to the natural rhythm of the place, allowing us to experience its heat and surroundings in a more intimate way.

How has your lifestyle and surroundings inspired Rowse Beauty?

When I started Rowse, I realized that everything I had done before was connected to nature. I wanted to find a way to care for ourselves using nature's gifts. We chose to work with oils, the purest form of plant-based care. Our first product, the Winter Body Oil, was made using plants that thrive in tough conditions, making it suited to nourish and protect the skin during the colder months. Over the past 5-6 years, my co-founder and I have evolved with the brand. We also value working with artists and designers who inspire us. Minimalism is key to our approach, and we aim to create timeless products that will last.

Arranging wildflowers in a sculptural vase – Nuria, dressed in a white top and embroidered green pants, kneels on the sunlit patio, placing dried flowers into a terracotta-colored U-shaped Kink vase. Soft shadows of branches dance on the stucco wall, enhancing the natural, earthy feel of the setting.

Close-up of a cozy desk setup – A detailed look at a wooden workspace with a sculptural Set Lamp, cork organizer, and a black chair. Below, open built-in shelves store books and a soft gray storage bin, seamlessly blending practicality with the rustic, minimalist decor.

What rituals help you find balance as a mom and entrepreneur?

The house itself is a ritual. Last weekend, we planted seeds, imagining the flowers that will bloom in spring. A few weeks ago, we harvested olives. It’s always busy, but in the best way! We also hike in the mountains or take long walks by the beach— even in winter when the cold brings a quiet, peaceful stillness. Watching my daughter Olivia interact with this place is special. She knows so much about plants already and loves being part of everything we do.

“Watching Olivia interact with this place is special. She knows so much about plants already and loves being part of everything we do.”

What does “home” mean to you?

For me, home is peace. It’s where I can connect with nature and feel grounded. Even though we live mostly in Barcelona, this house is where I find myself. Every detail—the handmade tiles, the olive trees, the thoughtful design, the colors—reflects what’s important to us: simplicity, connection, and care.

“For me, home is peace. It’s where I can connect with nature and feel grounded.”