Drawn to the crumbling charm of their Ibiza home, homeowners and interior designers Clémence Pirajean and James Michael Lees were determined to give Casa Lodo a new lease of life.
Weather-beaten, centuries-old and perched on a cliff beneath Dalt Vila’s towering defences, Casa Lodo was waiting to be revived, which is precisely what owners and interior designers Clémence Pirajean and James Michael Lees did. Co-founders of eponymous London-based studio Pirajean Lees, the pair painstakingly transformed the once modest dwelling into a family home in tune with its surroundings.
Two decades after first falling for the island’s authenticity and craftsmanship, when the property behind the old fisherman’s house came up for sale too, the couple took a leap and combined both buildings to create a striking townhouse – something of an anomaly in Ibiza Town. One side still overlooks the ocean and Formentera beyond as it always has, while the other surveys the pedestrian Old Town and the bustling harbour, bringing a best-of-both-worlds feel.
“The building is also UNESCO protected, so it's not just our will to keep it authentic; it's our duty to make sure it's preserved as part of the fabric and heritage of the old town.”
For Clémence and James, stepping back to understand the story of a space is central to their design philosophy – what a property was and what it needs to become is critical. “We’re narrative designers,” says Clémence. “We always follow a process of creating a narrative before we look at the design and the aesthetics.” This methodology, the couple explains, allows room for the soul and character of a building to shine. In Casa Lodo’s case, the narrative revolves around its long-held connection to the land and sea. “The building is also UNESCO protected, so it’s not just our will to keep it authentic; it’s our duty to make sure it’s preserved as part of the fabric and heritage of the old town.”
Casa Lodo’s location might have felt idyllic, but the property itself was far from it. Exposure to the elements had reduced the home to wrack and ruin. When the couple first went to view it, there was no floor, only half a roof and just two rooms were accessible, but this didn’t stop them visualising what it could become.
Traditional, honest materials have helped to rewrite and revive the home’s history. The structure is now part of the decoration, with preserved and refurbished original stone walls and exposed timber beams providing the backdrop for modern Ibicencan-inspired furnishings. The result is understated yet luxurious “but not in an ostentatious way”, Clémence is quick to add. “We’ve called on makers from the island for everything from the joinery to the ceramics and lighting. We’ve used a lot of rattan, rope and natural textures that were weaved on Ibiza to breathe new life back into the building, all the while retaining its modest charm.”
“We’ve used a lot of rattan, rope and natural textures that were weaved on Ibiza to breathe new life back into the building, all the while retaining its modest charm.”
Having both grown up within creative families, it’s no surprise that Clémence and James made fine craftsmanship, artistry and one-off pieces from the Pirajean Lees furniture collection central to their home’s overall design. The couple’s handcrafted headboards and coffee tables adorn bedrooms and living spaces, while wall niches and disused doorways are now bookshelves and nooks for worldly trinkets.
“The living room is a really lovely spot,” smiles Clémence. “You can sit with a coffee and just watch the world go by. From the boats going in and out of the harbour, to observing the weather and the waves, – you don’t need a TV.” The couple’s favourite space is up on Casa Lodo’s rooftop, where a covered terrace’s wraparound vistas and accompanying kitchen are ideal al fresco living.
A haven of natural tones and textures, Pirajean Lees has certainly succeeded in restoring Casa Lodo to its former glory – and beyond. A pocket of privacy amid Ibiza’s hustle and bustle, it speaks to the past, present and future. “We’re next door to what used to be the harbour master’s office,” notes Clémence. “From the house, we can see every boat that comes in and out of the harbour, just as they would have done all those years ago. That’s what makes this place so special – it’s part of the history of the local area and it’s been a privilege to be part of its story.”
Casa Lodo is for sale for €1,990,000
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