Casa del Limonero – A Palatial Andalusian Sanctuary Reborn
Where Centuries of Heritage and Contemporary Art Live Side by Side
A Hidden Story Behind Ancient Walls
Down a narrow lane in Seville’s storied Santa Cruz quarter, a grand wooden gate opens into another world. Hotel Casa del Limonero—a majestic 15th-century palace turned intimate boutique escape—welcomes guests into an atmosphere where the past breathes in every stone. The vestibule alone sets the tone: an extraordinary mosaic floor, preserved beneath layers of time and painstakingly revealed during restoration, showcases the rare almatraya technique and signals the house’s noble lineage.
The estate spans more than 3,000 square metres and is arranged around an elegant Moorish courtyard—a tranquil heart framed by arches and porticos leading to lush gardens of lemon and orange trees. Here, the scent of citrus lingers in the air and sunlight filters through foliage, casting playful reflections on the water of the pool. A private library, a hammam-style spa space, and a sweeping staircase with centuries of history under its steps complete this serene architectural embrace.
Art and Design in Harmonious Dialogue
Casa del Limonero’s interiors tell a story as rich and layered as Seville itself. The French art collector who owns the property keeps her identity private, but her artistic voice is everywhere—bold, curious, and filled with joy. Across three floors, fourteen individually designed suites serve as immersive galleries, displaying works by Walter Maurer, David Hockney, Joana Vasconcelos, Malick Sidibé, Manolo Valdés, Mat Collishaw, and more.
Heritage restoration has been executed with exceptional craftsmanship. Ceramic mural specialist Carmen Riego revived intricate Andalusian tilework; cabinetmaker Luis Balmaseda breathed new life into original wood features. Meanwhile, interior designer Ernesto de Ceano infused the spaces with sculptural intrigue—his fireplace, shaped like an elongated conch tower, anchors the rooftop lounge in soothing beige stucco tones.
Antiques, mid-century treasures, and avant-garde design mingle with ease: Savonarola chairs from Renaissance Florence, Pierre Jeanneret cane armchairs, ’60s Archizoom loungers, and a Jacques Adnet rosewood table exist alongside vivid contemporary glass and aluminium cabinetry by Doshi Levien. The effect is exquisite—a choreography of eras, origins, and influences.
Suites with Soul
No two rooms are remotely alike. The “Cabinet of Curiosities” suite dazzles with emerald walls and crimson-lit vitrines filled with artifacts collected worldwide. The “Italiana” junior suite contrasts a 19th-century carved bed with Arne Jacobsen chairs and a lacquered brass wardrobe inspired by Japanese tsugaru nuri lacquerwork. Guests seeking the perfect view choose Mirador—a terrace suite with an intimate, postcard-like panorama of La Giralda’s bell tower.
Outside the rooms, a gently shimmering pool and hammam area lined with Moroccan and Italian aquamarine tiles invite slow afternoons, while the rooftop terrace—with its firelit lounge and the skyline of old Seville spread beneath—sets the stage for evenings spent under a constellation of cathedral spires.
Seville at Your Doorstep
Situated in the heart of the Jewish quarter, Casa del Limonero lies steps from the city’s greatest marvels: the cathedral, the Real Alcázar Palace, the poetic patios of Casa Salinas, and museums rich with artistic legacy. Tapas bars like La Bartola and Casa Morales capture tradition without fuss; contemporary dining evolution awaits nearby at Sr Cangrejo. The hotel serves not just as accommodation, but as a gateway to Seville’s layered cultural landscape.
A Living Masterpiece of Andalusian Spirit
Casa del Limonero exists at the crossroads of memory and imagination. The hotel’s deer motif—found in its original 15th-century floor tiles and revived as a logo—captures its ethos perfectly: something ancient, rediscovered, and celebrated anew. The restored architectural heritage forms a quintessentially Sevillian canvas, while the eclectic decor and world-class art collection bring a striking cosmopolitan edge.
DNA Hotels Verdict
Hotel Casa del Limonero is a singular achievement—a sanctuary that honors time while defying it. Architectural grandeur, contemporary artistry, and the sensory magic of Andalusia converge to create a stay that is both intimate and extraordinary. For travelers who view hospitality as cultural immersion—who crave beauty not as decoration but as experience—this palatial hideaway delivers a story you won’t want to leave.
