Property for sale in Fornalutx

Named the “most beautiful village in Spain” twice in recent history, the Fornalutx we see today began to take shape after the Catalan conquest back in the 13th century. Great efforts to preserve the village’s cultural, natural and rural Mallorca heritage mean Fornalutx has remained largely unchanged over hundreds of years. Its antiquated architecture is an attribute which attracts visitors and tourists from all over, as well as many expats who choose to put down roots on the island. Despite its popularity the village is home to just 700 inhabitants, with recent population growth mainly coming from an influx of Northern Europeans, predominantly semi-retired British and Swedish purchasing holiday homes or settling more permanently.

Fornalutx’s allure comes from the tranquil slower pace of life and the village’s authentic, unspoiled charm. Ancient winding alleyways and traditional stone houses are flanked by the jaw dropping mountainous landscape and tumbling terraces of vineyards, olive groves and orchards. In the village itself you will find pretty townhouses with plenty of character and original features, while the outskirts are peppered with larger fincas as well as newer villas with private land.

As a little village, there are not specific and defined zones in Fornalutx as such. The old centre is known for its typical Mallorquin townhouses, especially around the main square – Plaza de España, where you will also find several cafés and the general store. Prices can vary in a small area, however, depending on the property’s level of modernisation and position in the village.

The main residential streets within 150-metres of the square are Calle de Sant Joan, Calle Esglesia, Calle de Sant Sebastiá or the Calle del Metge Mayol which is actually a long stone staircase lined with old houses. Additionally, there are some properties around the Torrent de Fornalutx, and as you head out of the village you will find larger fincas and villas dotting the landscape.

• Houses located in the old centre are difficult to reach by car. Getting around on foot is a must.
• No sea views. However, the nearest beach is Port de Sóller which is approximately 9km away.
• In the summer months the village can become crowded with an influx of foreigners, tourists, hikers and cyclists.
• During the winter the village is very sleepy and quiet, although livelier Sóller is only 5-minutes by car.
• Second homes and holiday residences may be a bit inactive during the winter period.
• Fornalutx is a very small village and with limited development potential real estate can be in short supply compared to nearby Sóller.

In the Village Centre

Fornalutx village provides wonderful examples of typical Mallorcan mountain buildings. These centuries old stone townhouses and small fincas dominate the town’s centre, many accessible via the quaint and charming “steps of Fornalutx”. Traditional green painted wooden shutters, Arabic red roof tiles, and old carved wooden doors adorn the ancient houses, and colourful plants in pots bedeck the facades along the cute alleyways. The townhouses often have a small courtyard or roof terrace (some with a pool), perfect for enjoying the plentiful sunshine and spectacular mountain views abounding from every point in the village.

On the Outskirts

The surrounding countryside of Fornalutx offers a greater variety of properties including larger detached family homes with land and swimming pools, as well as small charming stone fincas with original features, and more modern large luxury properties. Many boast Mediterranean gardens with pretty flowering cacti and cascading Bougainvillea blooms in vivid magenta. The privileged position of properties on this part of the island allow for breath-taking 360-degree views over the Serra de Tramuntana mountains and Sóller valley. The surrounding farmland and scenic terraces are pervaded with olive groves and citrus trees.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

Fornalutx is BIC (Bien de Interés Cultural), which means it is considered to be a very important and valuable cultural asset due to its ancient buildings. The authorities therefore want to preserve the authenticity of the village with urban restrictions. As a highly protected area, all renovation/building works must be approved not only by the Town Hall of Fornalutx but also by the department of “Patrimonio” of the Consell of Mallorca (central Government of Mallorca). In general terms you can only renovate the existing legal buildings, and there are very few plots remaining to construct new houses in the heart of the village (which is urban land). This is less of an issue on the outskirts which is agricultural land, however authorisation for construction may still prove difficult. A good real estate agent should be able to address all basic concerns and give a potential buyer the necessary assurance prior to purchasing a house or a land plot.

Whether you’re in need of a top-class construction company or architect to help renovate your new home, a property lawyer to help you through the legalities of the buying process or an interior designer to guide through the world of Mallorca furniture stores, the below businesses can make your property dream in Fornalutx a reality.

Other important factors to buying a property in Fornalutx also include choosing a reputable real estate agent and entrusting in a good mortgage provider. From hundreds of potential clients to work with, we’ve selected only the best talent there is to help you settle in and live well in Mallorca.

The small village of Fornalutx is an architectural jewel in Mallorca’s northwest surrounded by some of the most stunning landscape on the island. Residents here revel in the slower pace of life and delight in soaking up the peaceful ambience of this lovingly preserved mountainside village. Those who choose to move to Fornalutx will be welcomed into a growing community of international expats and Mallorquin locals alike. Although busier during the summer months with visitors, hikers and cyclists rotating through daily, the lack of touristic businesses means the village is not overwhelmed with ‘out-of-towners’ and doesn’t lose its authentic essence. Living in Fornalutx is like stepping back in time, truly allowing one to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with tradition, culture and nature in all its splendour.

Photos provided by Soller Studio