Bart's inside view: Linda Wit – Casa Blanco Ibiza
Drum roll, we have it, the very first interior viewer from Bart Bouwt. We peek inside photographer Linda Wit. Linda lives with her husband and three children in a 300-year-old finca in the middle of Ibiza. We stayed in in September Casa Blanco, the casita that the couple rents out, and we have already written about it with many superlatives. We asked Linda why they left for Ibiza and extracted her ultimate interior design addresses.
The house is beautifully decorated with many natural materials and there are - how could it be otherwise - beautiful photos taken by Linda herself everywhere. The house is surrounded by an amazing garden with fruit trees, several cozy seating areas, nice sun beds and a swimming pool with a view over the valley. We are curious about the woman behind all this splendor, the reason for their move and Linda's shopping tips.
Can you tell us something about yourself and your family?
Bas and I have been together for 13 years and I am still in love every day and extremely grateful to have my best friend by my side. Together we have had to fall and get up many times, but fortunately problems are there to be solved. We have always believed in each other and stayed connected. Egos aside and in the end everything becomes more and more beautiful and intense, but you have to keep working for that. Teun (10), Isa (9) and Skye (5) complete our team, and of course our dog “mascot” Bobby. The children were all born in Amsterdam, so the five of us really consciously embarked on this adventure.
How long have you lived on the island?
We have been living on the island permanently for two years now. Before that we went back and forth regularly and in 2012 we also got married on the island. In between we saw many beautiful places, but arriving on the island really felt like 'coming home'. We just had to make this step.
Why did you make the switch?
In Amsterdam I quickly let myself be guided by the children through a world in which they have to do so much and reflect so much. In which they always wanted everything new and went through life like fashion dolls, without liking it themselves. This started to bother me, I wanted something completely different. Now that we live in Ibiza, they can develop into who you really are and not because of what they look like. There are few stimuli here, we are extremely close to nature and can completely go along with the 'slow living' mentality. There is no hurry here on the island, mañana mañana. The island does not cooperate if you want something too much or too quickly. We live in the countryside and when we are on the road we can easily feed the sheep, make up voices for the birds, look at the flowers or just watch the sun go down.
We play outside every day and I get dirty children at home who have been messing around in nature. In addition, the children learn to share. Because we rent out our casita, we regularly have guests on our property. The children grow up with that. Everyone is received enthusiastically, our children enjoy playing with the children who come to stay and share their territory and often also toys. An enormous growth in their social development. Everyone who stays can go about their business freely, creating respectful solidarity. Sharing your beautiful spot with other people and seeing them enjoy and relax gives you a very warm feeling.
How would you describe your interior style?
A mix of everything. We live in a 300 year old finca and you can still see details of the farm it once was. When this house with this amazing view came our way, we had no choice but to take it very quickly. We have been living here since February so we are still busy. Through my work I have some contacts in Morocco where I like to have some beautiful things made. I also collect vintage pearls from the thrift store and the finest quality linen from Étoffe Unique. The walls will soon all be treated with Bauwerk paint to make it a little warmer and add more atmosphere. We finish it off with things that we take with us during our travels. There is a Mediterranean touch everywhere and it slowly becomes your own.
What are your favorite addresses in Ibiza?
There are many interior design shops along the road on the island. You can drive right past it and it is often difficult to park, but I always want to take a look inside. Here you will find the nicest things. There are a number of nice vintage shops in Ibiza, including Troc. This is on the way to school, so on the way back we always have to stop to see if there is anything new. I already scored chairs, vases and lamps here. On Saturdays there is the large market in San Jordi, where I often take a stroll and never leave empty-handed. We also live near Sluiz, where I visit regularly. And I always walk into Zara Home.
Do you still have a dream for the house?
We are almost ready to renovate our garage. This will be an extra studio with its own garden and view over the valley, an outdoor kitchen and outdoor bathroom. I also want to tackle some small things, but above all, continue to enjoy it. Not a day goes by that I don't think 'we did it, look at us'. The olive grove is growing nicely and we think it would be great to make our own olive oil soon. And then your own wine!
Is there anything else you would like to tell the readers?
Do, do, do and keep believing. Dreams are meant to be fulfilled and there is always a way back. I think believing and thinking positively is real key. And above all, take a moment every day and look at yourself and your life and realize that it is enough, that you are enough. You've come a long way, take your time and enjoy it. Enjoy your life in the here and now, and it will become more and more beautiful without too many wishes and expectations. Everything is possible. Don't look at others and do what you think is beautiful and what makes you happy and happy.
