Historic Farmhouse Turned 18th-Century Residence Near Barcelona
Located in the hillside district of Canyet in Badalona—just 15 minutes from the Barcelona city boundary—Can Ferrater stands as one of the most architecturally significant farmhouses in the region. The estate is now offered for €2.935 million with Barcelona & Costa Brava Sotheby’s International Realty—bringing a rare piece of Catalan heritage to market.
Originally constructed in the 15th century, the property was transformed into a noble residence in the 18th century by then-owner Joaquim Mascaró. In 1783, it was acquired by Antoni de Ferrater i Soler; his descendants have retained ownership ever since, making the Ferrater family stewards of this historic estate for over 240 years.
Architecturally, Can Ferrater is a striking hybrid between a traditional masia—the rural farmhouses found across Catalonia—and a manor house. Arched portals, arcaded galleries, an Italianate courtyard, and a sculpture-lined pond give the home its unique character.
Inside, the residence spans 647 square meters (6,965 square feet) over two floors and includes five bedrooms. Its interiors preserve the elegance of its 18th-century transformation: vaulted ceilings, thick masonry walls, exposed beams, and 16th-century Catalan furnishings evoke quiet grandeur.
The home sits on nearly 0.7 acres (2,814 square meters) of urban-zoned land. From its elevated position, it offers open views across Badalona and the Mediterranean, with glimpses of Barcelona’s skyline on clear days. A 180-square-meter (1,938-square-foot) rooftop terrace adds additional outdoor living space.
Below the main residence, a vaulted cellar—once used for olive oil and wine production—still houses its original stone tanks and historic press. Today, the space has been restored as a private events venue, preserving its architectural legacy while offering a new function.
Can Ferrater is the most historically significant farmhouse in the village of Canyet. Its grounds include a ten-arch aqueduct and the neoclassical Sant Crist de Canyet chapel—both listed as architectural heritage. The chapel, once part of the estate, now sits across the Montcada road after 20th-century infrastructure divided the property.
Badalona: A Coastal Counterpoint to the City
Once a Roman settlement and now one of the most livable municipalities in Catalonia, Badalona offers a rare combination of walkable charm, green space, and coastal access. Just northeast of Barcelona, it features five kilometers of beaches, a revitalized waterfront promenade, and a residential feel that’s attracting more international buyers looking to exit the core. Private schools, medical facilities, and direct metro access to central Barcelona make it an increasingly strategic address for families and second-home seekers alike.
Canyet, the hillside enclave where Can Ferrater is located, is among the most exclusive and peaceful zones in Badalona—bordering natural parkland and offering panoramic views. Large plots and heritage properties are scarce, and the area maintains a quiet privacy even as surrounding neighborhoods evolve.
Barcelona: A Global Magnet for Culture, Design, and Real Estate
Barcelona remains one of Europe’s most desirable cities for high-end real estate—thanks to its architectural identity, Mediterranean climate, and vibrant cultural life. While regulation has tightened in the urban core, surrounding areas like Badalona offer more space, better value, and far fewer restrictions.
Spain allows foreign buyers to purchase freely, and while the Golden Visa program ends in April 2025, private HNW individuals have no barriers to acquiring residential or legacy properties like Can Ferrater. For those seeking to establish a foothold near the city—but outside its congestion—this hillside masia presents both rarity and long-term potential.
A Legacy Estate with Cultural and Investment Value
Zoned for residential use with the option for hospitality licensing, Can Ferrater is more than just a house—it’s a generational estate with deep Catalan roots, panoramic views, and adaptable future uses. For design-forward buyers, collectors of heritage properties, or those simply seeking quiet proximity to one of Europe’s most magnetic cities, it offers something Barcelona proper increasingly cannot: space, history, and serenity—all in one.
All photos belong to the listing agency.