Having a home in Cantabria: a special luxury for centuries

The North is in fashion, there’s no doubt about it anymore. While rising temperatures may have been the trigger for many to turn their eyes to the Cantabrian coast, the truth is that Spain’s northern strip has never lost its charm. For centuries, it has had a loyal base of summer visitors who wouldn’t trade their northern holidays for anything. And when someone would counter with “but it rains a lot,” they’d think to themselves, “Great—let them keep believing that.” Yes, it does rain, but given the current climate, a cloudy day can feel like a blessing—and if it’s going to rain, better a light sirimiri than a torrential downpour.

This reflection is meant to highlight how regions like Galicia, Asturias, and Cantabria have added new tourists and property buyers to an already active market. Silvia Hengstenberg, partner at The Sibarist, confirms this trend: “Cantabria has traditionally had an exceptionally loyal clientele, mainly from Madrid, the Basque Country, Castile and León, and La Rioja.”

This pattern is now also evident among foreign buyers. According to data from the College of Registrars, home purchases by international buyers in Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and the Basque Country—which represented only 1.8% of total transactions in 2020—rose to 3.9% in the last quarter of 2024. “In recent years, we’ve seen growing international interest, especially from European buyers seeking authenticity, a mild climate, lush landscapes, and a slower pace of life.”

“We’d describe this new international buyer as sophisticated—someone who appreciates traditional architecture, sustainability, natural surroundings, privacy, and our cuisine. They’re not looking for an overcrowded destination but rather a retreat with character and authenticity.” And for that, there’s no better place than Cantabria.

Cantabria is not just one thing

In many ways—but certainly in real estate terms—Cantabria can be split along its coast into two zones. The eastern part, stretching from Santander toward the Basque Country, includes long-established summer destinations like Laredo, Noja, and Santoña. The western coast, on the other hand, features classic towns such as Suances, Santillana del Mar, Comillas, and San Vicente de la Barquera.

It is this western area, in particular, that has seen a marked increase in new visitors and buyers. Notably, the areas surrounding Comillas—such as Lamadrid, Roiz, and Cabezón de la Sal—are drawing heightened attention from those looking to settle or invest.

These are buyers and families mainly from Madrid, and they are the ones driving the surge in new construction,” explains the expert. “There’s strong demand for plots of land, as the lack of available properties is leading more and more clients to design and build their own homes. However, urban land is scarce—especially in prime locations. Plots with views or those ready for immediate construction tend to sell quite quickly. As for prices, they vary significantly depending on the area, size, proximity to the sea, and views. They can start at around €250,000 and, in prime locations, reach—or even exceed—€2,000,000.”

“The typical buyer profile is a family looking for a second home with the option to work remotely—or even seeking a complete lifestyle change,” adds Silvia.

In the image above, we see a stunning 6,600 m² plot on Monte Jerra, with a license to build a 577 m² single-family home. It boasts magnificent views of the sea and the Picos de Europa mountains, offering a beautiful panoramic setting just minutes from Bellerín Beach—one of Cantabria’s most breathtaking natural gems.

However, due to the limited availability of land, the resale market remains the main avenue for meeting growing buyer demand. “The most sought-after home model is a detached house with land, natural views, a degree of privacy, and good connectivity. Proximity and views of the sea are highly valued features that significantly increase the property’s worth. The ideal price range is between €500,000 and €1,000,000, though buyers are willing to invest more if the property is truly exceptional,” explains the real estate partner.

Falling within that range is this beautiful, recently restored 316 m² home in Santa María de Cayón, just 15 minutes from Torrelavega and 25 minutes from Santander. Originally built in 1940 and fully renovated in 2025, the house retains its rustic charm thanks to a thoughtful restoration by Cotta architecture studio, led by Carlota Tapias. The renovation successfully blends traditional style with modern comforts, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Word of mouth continues to be effective, but more and more buyers are coming through digital channels, social media, or professional referrals. “Premium clients highly value personalized service, which is why they turn to specialized firms like ours. We offer a carefully curated selection, filtering only the truly worthwhile properties, and we provide full support throughout the entire purchase process,” explains Silvia.

“Often, we encounter typical regional challenges—such as properties with unregistered square footage, licenses still in process, complex inheritances, or unrecorded parcel subdivisions—and we assist in resolving these issues.” Although the process tends to be faster than in other markets, the spring and summer months are especially dynamic when it comes to buying and selling.

Comillas: The cultural capital of Cantabria

As mentioned, the most sought-after areas are in the municipality of Comillas and its surrounding towns—Trasvía, Rioturbio, and Ruiseñada—as well as in the nearby municipality of Valdáliga, where El Tejo and Lamadrid stand out.

The town of Comillas serves not only as the municipal capital but also as a cultural beacon, thanks to its rich historical legacy. It was once home to the Pontifical University of Comillas, housed in a stunning building originally constructed as a seminary in the late 19th century by Domènech i Montaner. Many renowned Modernist architects passed through the town, including Antoni Gaudí, following the invitation of the first Marquis of Comillas. After returning from Cuba with a considerable fortune, he sought to enrich his hometown.

In 1881, he even invited King Alfonso XII, who visited several times—followed by his son, Alfonso XIII. These royal visits, combined with the growing popularity of “wave bathing” (what we’d now call wellness tourism) in the late 19th century, attracted aristocratic and upper-class families from across Spain.

That appeal has lasted nearly to the present day, as seen in properties like this one—with privileged views of the sea and the Sobrellano Palace, another architectural jewel of the town.

It is a modern property, designed in the architectural style of Frank Lloyd Wright’s early years, featuring horizontal lines and dramatic overhanging eaves. It sits on an impressive 12,843 m² plot and includes a separate guest house. Space, history, outstanding architecture, and unparalleled views.

Trasvía and Rioturbio may not have the same cultural history, but they are surrounded by exceptional natural landscapes. Many properties there enjoy stunning views of the La Rabia estuary, while El Tejo offers spectacular panoramas of the Oyambre and Gerra beaches, as well as the Picos de Europa. These towns have established themselves as prime areas, highly valued for their scenic setting, tranquility, and exclusive, aristocratic character.

The ecological richness—and visual beauty—of these surroundings, with unmatched sunsets, is especially evident in this unique property, currently for sale with its own private dock on the Oyambre estuary. The house itself measures 200 m², and the total plot size is 3,580 m².

The Madrid-based buyer remains the predominant profile in the western part of the region and is increasingly open to discovering lesser-known areas—provided they offer peace, greenery, and charming architecture. Towns like Roiz, Caviedes, Labarces, and other small inland villages less than half an hour from the sea are gaining prominence in their property searches.

Precisely due to this high demand, several new-build developments have emerged in these areas. These are contemporary-style projects that place strong emphasis on natural and sustainable materials, while offering a full range of modern amenities and shared spaces—features that are often hard to find in traditional constructions.

There are also those who prefer to build their own home after purchasing a plot of land—fully tailored to their tastes and needs. The key to success lies in creating a dialogue with the area: respecting the local architecture and landscape while reinterpreting and adapting it to provide the warmth and comfort made possible by modern materials. A perfect example is this 189 m² property with spectacular views of the sea and the cliffs of San Vicente, located within the Oyambre Natural Park—a protected area that stands as one of Cantabria’s true gems.

Homes with history: the luxury of restoration

The homes that truly captivate us are those that preserve the weight of history—places that tell the story of their surroundings, while also evoking that comforting feeling of home. Achieving this balance means carefully restoring and updating properties with a rich past.

Casona La Calleja, located in San Miguel de Aras, is a 16th-century Cantabrian estate built by Juan de Herrera on land granted by King Philip II as payment for the construction of the Monastery of El Escorial. It was originally intended as a tax collection house. The estate once extended all the way to the village of Rada, by the estuary. Today, it spans approximately 2.5 hectares (25,000 m²) and includes two buildings: the main manor house and a former two-story carriage house.

It was built entirely of stone, including its original staircase, carved from a single solid block. The property was meticulously restored by architect José Luis Uriarte, who carried out the first full renovation in 1988. His work adapted the house for contemporary use while preserving all of its unique character.

Particularly charming is this home in Escalante—a stunning example of how a 16th-century manor house, once the residence of the Lamadrid family, has been beautifully updated into a space that truly nurtures you in every sense. The town of Escalante, often referred to as the “Santillana del Mar of Trasmiera,” is a small village in the eastern part of Cantabria, nestled along the Santoña marshes, a protected natural park. It’s just 3 km from one of Cantabria’s best beaches—the expansive Berria Beach, a gem for surf lovers.

This area also boasts an especially attractive culinary scene, including Michelin-starred restaurants such as El Cenador de Amós (the only one in Cantabria with three stars), La Bicicleta, and La Solana, along with a wide variety of acclaimed signature restaurants—further enhancing the appeal of the eastern region.

While the western coast is currently experiencing higher demand—particularly around sought-after spots like Comillas and its surroundings—it’s also where the shortage of fully renovated or move-in-ready properties is most noticeable. By contrast, the eastern region has a greater stock of unique homes and less price pressure, which helps balance the market and makes investing in this area increasingly attractive.

“We’re seeing charming villages like Escalante or La Cavada where historic palaces, village houses, and even old stables with land are being quietly restored,” Silvia points out. “These projects are often carried out by discreet buyers seeking local authenticity and a sense of anonymity. In the end, Cantabria’s A8 highway makes connections incredibly convenient—you can be in Santander or at almost any beach in just 30 to 40 minutes.”

The newly renamed Casa de Mareas is a traditional Cantabrian Montañesa-style house with a façade classified as a Cultural Heritage Site (BIC). Its full restoration process took nearly two years. Although the structure was in very poor condition, every effort was made to preserve as many original materials as possible—around 70% were salvaged from other local sites. The result is a home defined by natural materials, simplicity, and deep respect for its original essence.

It’s a home that offers beauty and nurtures in every sense, incorporating many principles from the WELL Building Standard to enhance comfort and well-being, making the environment healthier for its occupants. It features eco-friendly paints, a dedicated exercise area, an ergonomic coworking space, various pH filters for water, and many other thoughtful details—both big and small. Additionally, it embraces biophilic design principles, allowing nature to flow into the home through multiple touchpoints.

The property totals 600 m² on a 1,000 m² plot, distributed across 7 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms. It can be rented for short stays either partially—with 4 bedrooms for up to 8 guests—or in its entirety, with 7 bedrooms accommodating up to 15 people, and featuring two kitchens and multiple living areas.

“The majority of unique properties that come our way are in need of updating or renovation—particularly traditional casonas montañesas, palacetes indianos, or buildings with historical value. But that’s not a deterrent for our clients, who appreciate the distinctive character of these homes and view restoration as an opportunity to personalize the property while preserving its architectural features. Demand for this type of property has risen significantly, while supply remains limited,” explains the partner at The Sibarist.

It’s the North’s time—both then and now—with the key difference being that nowadays, almost no one minds if it rains. And even if it does, Cantabria offers endless leisure, culinary, and sporting options, as the region’s famous tourism slogan has always promised.