History
Origins in the 15th century
The farmhouse El Vilar, which gives its name to the estate, was built in the 15th century by the Vilar family. This large house was dedicated to farming and cattle raising, with a close relationship with the church of the time. According to documents found in the house, the family also carried out work for other farmhouses in the area, standing out for its influence in the region.
Over the centuries, El Vilar was passed down from generation to generation. However, in the 19th century, the estate was left without a direct heir, as both daughters of the family married wealthy young men from Barcelona. At that time, the house began to be managed as a farmhouse, exploited by farmers who rented the property and gave part of the harvests to the owners.
Summer in La Torre del Vilar
At the beginning of the 20th century, the summer house known as La Torre del Vilar was built, and its construction was completed in 1935. At that time, the family was large and used the property to escape the hustle and bustle of Barcelona and enjoy the outdoors. The design of the house stands out for its large central patio with a balcony, inspired by an Andalusian patio, which was photographed during a trip to Andalusia at the beginning of the century. This space became the heart of the house, connecting the bedrooms and other rooms such as the hermitage and the library.
A pond was also built, which is now the property’s swimming pool. At the time, it served both as a water reserve for the house and to cool off on the hottest days. The arrival of the family to the property during the summers was an expected event in the village, generating work for local maids and cooks.
The Civil War and the Recovery
The fate of El Vilar took a turn during the Civil War, when the house was requisitioned by Republican troops and used as a military barracks. During that time, the estate suffered extensive damage, with horses even breaking into the property. At the end of the war, the property was returned to the family, albeit in a deteriorated state.
Decline and Renewal
Over the years, the house fell into disuse until the 1990s, when it began to deteriorate. Finally, it was left in the hands of five siblings who decided to sell the estate. In 2006, the current owners, Assumpta and Josep, began a restoration project with the aim of converting El Vilar into a rural tourism house. Today, what began as a farmhouse has been transformed into a small rural hotel with a unique essence.
The house, built with stone extracted from the quarry located on the estate, preserves the handmade tile floors in Vic and the iron from the blast furnaces of Catalonia. In addition, the original furniture has been carefully restored, some of which has great historical value. Within its walls are also preserved books and family documents, including business writings and period letters, many of them kept in the library.
Commitment to Sustainable Tourism
For Assumpta and Josep, as a farming family, it is a source of pride to continue cultivating the land and taking care of the farm. Rural tourism has been key to maintaining this tradition, allowing visitors to enjoy the history and surroundings of El Vilar, while contributing to the sustainable maintenance of the farm.
The house is located between Osona, Moianes and Lluçanès, surrounded by large pine forests and lots of wildlife such as roe deer, foxes, rabbits and wild boars, and away from the noise, amidst birdsong and starry nights. Located near Vic, on the old road from Vic to Manresa, now little traveled.
