Mediterranean Gastronomy
A JOURNEY THROUGH NATURE, TRADITION AND FLAVOR
La Finca de Chávarri
Spanning 86 hectares of diverse and breathtaking landscapes, La Finca de Chávarri is a living testament to the vision of its founder, Ruperto J. Chávarri. Designed in the late 19th century as an integrated industrial estate to exploit the mineral-rich medicinal spring at Cerro de Cabeza Gorda, the finca stretches from the saline heart of the spring to the banks of the Tajuña River. This carefully planned layout reflects Chávarri’s sharpness, encompassing the origins of the water and the energy required to bottle and transport it.
A Tale of Two Landscapes: Tuscany Meets Jordan
To the north, near the Tajuña River, the estate boasts a fertile landscape reminiscent of Tuscany, with lush vineyards, orchards, and vegetable gardens thriving alongside a tranquil poplar grove. This verdant area symbolizes the estate’s agricultural heritage and connection to the natural abundance of the Mediterranean. To the south, on the slopes of the Cerro de Cabeza Gorda, the scenery transforms into a rugged terrain evocative of Jordan, featuring golden esparto grass, ancient olive trees, aromatic herbs like thyme and lavender, and resilient oak groves. This arid yet strikingly beautiful landscape reflects the timeless character of the Mediterranean region.
A Visionary Legacy of Water and Energy
The estate’s rich history is inseparable from its functional design. At its core lies the saline spring, celebrated since Roman and Visigoth times for its healing properties. The nearby hydroelectric plant, constructed by Chávarri along the river, supplied the energy needed to bottle the water for export. Across the road from the finca, Chávarri also built a bottling plant and a private railway station—Apeadero Chávarri—to connect Carabaña to Madrid and facilitate international distribution. Though these facilities no longer belong to the estate, they remain a testament to Chávarri’s foresight and the economic vitality he brought to the region.
From Heritage to Wellness Innovation
After Chávarri’s death in 1911, the estate remained under his family’s care throughout the 20th century. At the turn of the century, it was acquired by a hotel group, which undertook a meticulous restoration of the original buildings, preserving their architectural elegance and historical integrity. Now, La Finca de Chávarri is being transformed into a holistic wellness hub, poised to become Madrid’s only thermal spa—a destination unlike any other, where the legacy of innovation meets modern luxury.