The Restoration: Bringing New Life to Can Morgat

Restoring Can Morgat begins with a profound care for its unique essence. Our mission is to safeguard its legacy while breathing new life into its spaces, ensuring that the past and present harmoniously intertwine. Guided by a philosophy that cherishes the estate’s natural beauty, every decision in Can Morgat's restoration reflects a harmony between honouring history and embracing renewal.

The Ancient Building: A Careful Touch for Ancient Stones

The ancient part of Can Morgat will be restored to its original form, inviting visitors to step back in time and experience the legacy of the Morgat family first-hand.

The building's ancient stone walls and rustic wooden beams will be meticulously restored, safeguarding their strength while preserving their imperfections as authentic reminders of centuries gone by.

The stone vestibule at Can Morgat’s main entrance will once again come alive as the heart of the masía, serving as a gateway to the building’s historical spaces and the stories they hold.

Original stone stairs and Catalan terracotta floor tiles, worn by countless footsteps of all who once walked them, will be gently cleaned to reveal their tones and textures hidden beneath the patina of time.

The large kitchen fireplace, with its wide, tall chimney and rustic wood oven, will be restored with the utmost care.

The kitchen’s wooden beams and doors, blackened by the many moments when the fireplace radiated warmth, will be cleansed and treated to preserve their strength and beauty, ensuring they remain firm for years to come.

The curved vaulted ceilings and arches will remain a focal point, preserving their unique charm.

Cracks and weathered surfaces will be thoroughly stabilized, and parts of the ancient building that have suffered significant damage from time and nature’s elements will be carefully consolidated and renewed to ensure their safety and durability for generations to come.

Additionally, the restoration will introduce natural light in the darker, enclosed spaces of the ancient building, imbuing these interiors with warmth and vibrancy.

The New Building: A Contemporary Vision

While the ancient building will hold fast to its origins, the newer building will undergo a transformation rooted in timeless natural elegance. Artisanal craftsmanship and inspiration from nature will guide the design, combining textures, shades, and elements of the surrounding landscape to create a warm, cosy, and elegant environment. The result will be a harmonious blend of modern comfort with the historical essence of Can Morgat.

The restoration of the new building begins with securing its foundations, structures, and roof, which have been extensively impacted by time and the abundant growth of nearby trees. The roots and towering crowns of these trees disrupted parts of the foundations, while strong winds caused tree branches and trunks to damage the roof, breaking sections and allowing water and humidity to enter the building. Over time, this led to significant deterioration of wooden beams, walls, windows, and floors. Today, a temporary metallic support structure holds parts of the roof intact until restored.

The outdoor terrace structure of the new building has suffered from humidity trapped by overgrown vegetation, preventing sunlight from drying the surfaces. This area will be renewed in its entirety, protecting both the terrace and the ground areas below from further damage.

Inside, the spaces will be redesigned to flow seamlessly, creating a welcoming environment where practicality and beauty coexist.

An exciting discovery during the early restoration work revealed a hidden doorway connecting the ancient and newer buildings. Concealed by walls on both sides, this hidden door hints at a connection between the two buildings, possibly from the moment the newer section was constructed.

Our vision for the connected buildings includes streamlining access and circulation. Currently, three separate staircases lead to different areas of Can Morgat, creating disjointed housing spaces with many steps in-between. The new architectural plan envisions one central staircase integrated within both the ancient and newer buildings, providing access to all parts of Can Morgat from one single access point.

The Hermitage: A Sanctuary of Spiritual Connection

Can Morgat's hermitage, a symbol of spiritual devotion and the Morgat family’s enduring influence, will receive special care. Large cypress trees nearby have shifted part of the hermitage’s foundation, causing the floor to drop and a large crack to appear in the ceiling, linked to the gradual displacement of the wall. Stabilizing the foundation and restoring the interior will require delicate work. Once restored — whether for quiet reflection, spiritual exploration, or simply as a historical gem — the hermitage will continue to inspire awe and foster a sense of connection.

Gardens and Surroundings: Beauty with Purpose

Can Morgat’s gardens and surrounding landscapes will be revitalized with a commitment to natural beauty and harmony — restoring what once was. Ancient olive trees will be nurtured, and new olive trees planted to replace those lost over time. The "Fig Tree Field," once a thriving part of the estate, will be restored by clearing overgrown areas to make space for existing fig trees and planting new ones where old trees have died. In addition, Can Morgat's pathways will be restored, inviting visitors to explore the estate’s terraced woodlands and agricultural heritage.

Thoughtful planting designs will transform the landscape into a harmonious retreat, filled with scents of herbs and blossoms, enhancing the estate's natural charm. Every addition to Can Morgat will reflect a philosophy of beauty with purpose, where each element — whether a placed stone or a planted tree — builds on its legacy.

The Architects Leading Can Morgat's Restoration

For a complex restoration project such as Can Morgat — where historical architecture, diverse building styles, and cultural significance intertwine — finding the right team to bring the new Can Morgat vision to life is of paramount importance.

MOEM ARQUITECTES, a local Banyoles team renowned for their passion, vision, and expertise, joined us on this journey. Knowing the architectural projects they have undergone, we are truly excited for Can Morgat's future!

Led by Mònica Rovira Lliberia and Emili Salavedra Espígol, the MOEM team combines an understanding of historical preservation with a talent for contemporary reimagination. Their ability to craft practical, flowing designs while preserving the estate’s unique character has made them an invaluable partner. We are profoundly grateful for their courage, professionalism, and dedication to breathing new life into Can Morgat while preserving its enduring spirit. Collaborating with visionaries such as MOEM has been a true pleasure!

As the restoration unfolds, we eagerly anticipate seeing Can Morgat regain its charm and grandeur.  We look forward to keeping you updated on the journey and sharing the progress with you.

With heartfelt anticipation,

Maarten & Monika