La Casa La Favorita in Blanca
A stylish country residence built by the first Condesa de Montornés
The Casa La Favorita stands today in the fruit orchards just outside Blanca as a monument to the eclectic styles of those choosing to establish country residences in the Ricote valley in the 19th century, and is often bracketed together with the Casa del Conde in the town of Blanca as both buildings were created by the same family. Casa La Favorita was used as a summer holiday home by the family, who maintained the Casa del Conde as their main residence andenjoyed their privacy, also owning all of the land surrounding the house.
The house was built by the Condes de Vallesa, a noble family, in the latter years of the century, although unfortunately no documentation has been unearthed which would allow more specific dating, and stands out from other out-of-town homes due to its prominent position and red and white colouring (although it is believed that the white areas were originally yellow). Access to the only door is via a stone staircase.
The house, which consists of two main floors, was named “La Favorita” by its owners, and the name is still visible in yellow letters at the top of the main façade. It’s not hard to guess why they gave it this name: the location next to the River Segura in what is known as the Barrio del Catre, south-east of the town centre of Blanca, affords beautiful views of the mountainous countryside of this part of the Region of Murcia and is close to the reservoir.
At present the house is owned by Enrique María Trénor y Lamo de Espinosa, the third Conde de la Vallesa de Mandor, who is also the second Conde de Montornés and the eighth Conde de Noroña.
It was originally built by his grandmother, Caridad Despujol y Rigalt, the first Condesa de Montornés, who married the first Conde de la Vallesa de Mandor, Enrique Trenor y Montesinos.
The Casa La Favorita is currently awaiting restoration, and unfortunately it is not possible to visit the inside. However, it is difficult to miss this attractive house driving along near to the reservoir, the Embalse de Ojós, and even more difficult not to pause and have a peek through the railings at the house from the road.
