Meet the people behind the place - Hill House La Sella
Meet the family behind Hill House La Sella in Spain: Wim, a passionate entrepreneur and winemaker, his wife Christel, a former teacher who brings her creativity to life in the project, and their three children. Together, they’ve created a unique place where luxury, architecture, and nature come together. Read on to discover why this villa, with its breathtaking views and exceptional service, is the perfect destination for an unforgettable holiday!
Before we dive into the details, could you briefly introduce yourself and your family?
We are Christel, Wim, Lotte, Pieter-Jan, and Anton. We are a close and warm family that deeply values authenticity, creativity, and quality. Just like our wine project, this exclusive villa is an example of how a simple idea can grow into something unique: the result is truly exceptional and beautiful.
We’d love to share something about you as a person with our customers. Could you tell us more about yourself?
Wim is a true entrepreneur who always strives for quality and integrity. As a consultant, he is passionately involved in optimizing businesses, focusing on production processes and the people behind them. Additionally, Wim is an experienced wine enthusiast and a passionate winemaker. He is also a dedicated philanthropist, actively involved with Rotary. His favorite hobby is golf, which provides a great outlet alongside his work. Near the villa in Spain lies the Les Freses vineyard, where we have become well-known through shared interests and activities. We are often warmly welcomed there by friends who share a love for winemaking and golfing, all situated near the Marriott hotel.
Christel, the warm mother of the family, is now enjoying her retirement. After a long career as a primary school teacher, she can fully dedicate herself to her hidden talents. The project in Spain has rekindled her passion for contemporary, stylish living. Together with architect Eduardo, she sought natural materials and structures that exude both a historical and Mediterranean character. In her free time, Christel loves spending time with the family. She enjoys cooking, drawing inspiration from various international cuisines. Christel also stays active by golfing with Wim or joining friends for Pilates or yoga sessions. She is involved with the women’s organization "Best Pittig," which focuses on culture and leisure for women with shared interests in art, gastronomy, and culture.
Our children, Lotte, Pieter-Jan, and Anton, are now grown. Pieter-Jan and his wife Willemijn have a young daughter. The family often gathers at the villa in Spain to relax and enjoy quality time together.
When and how did this property become part of your life, and what motivated you to make it such an integral part of your journey?
The villa was born out of our search for a warmer climate and a place where Wim and Christel could relax with the family after all the children had moved out. The unique location, the character of the site, and the ideal climate were key factors. Autumn and winter in Belgium can often be gray and gloomy, making it a joy to escape to this villa. We also wanted to give other families the chance to enjoy this incredible place. For the interior, we collaborated with Gero Wonen, Jumelle Interieur, and Abitare. Although this is a rental property, we opted for high-quality design and luxurious materials to attract clientele who can truly appreciate it. Building this villa was a major challenge, as we first had to excavate the rocky terrain. The rocks were later incorporated into the construction, creating a harmonious blend. Large glass panels allow plenty of natural light, while shade and innovative architectural elements are used to optimal effect.
What makes your property truly special to you? Are there specific memories or moments that make it extra dear to you?
The unique location and climate make this villa a year-round favorite for us. The wide range of sports and leisure activities ensures that every family member has something they enjoy. Our youngest son Anton loves the trendy bars and clubs in Jávea and Denia, while Lotte takes her road bike through the hilly landscapes and stops at the cyclist-friendly Syncrosfera hotel. Our son Pieter-Jan has also found his favorite spots to take his family to the beach. There’s so much to do and even more to discover. The evening sunset is an experience unto itself—utterly silent, as if new dreams are awakened. The sense of renewed energy for the challenges of the next day is indescribable.
How would you describe the ambiance and interior of your property?
The ambiance of our villa is warm, cozy, luxurious, and Mediterranean.
Which part of your property do you find most beautiful, and why?
The upper floor, or the "upper terrace," accessible from the top bedroom or the fully equipped kitchen. This terrace boasts a cozy lounge area, a BBQ, and stunning ocean views that make you forget where you are. For sporty guests, there’s also an icy plunge pool that offers a refreshing challenge.
Are there any sustainable or eco-friendly features in your property that you’re proud of?
Yes, the water is purified through a greywater filtration system. We also selected sustainable materials that keep the villa warm in winter while leveraging the coolness of the rock walls and natural shading to minimize the need for air conditioning in summer.
What inspired or motivated you to rent out your property to guests?
As we don’t plan to live in the villa permanently at this time, there are plenty of available periods for rental.
Could you give a vivid description of the overall experience guests can expect during their stay?
Guests can expect peace and relaxation. They will be impressed by the grand structures and the combination of the surroundings and the villa’s quality will leave them feeling rejuvenated. The entire property is brand new, and you can feel that freshness immediately. Guests can also make use of our concierge service. Isabel, our keyholder, knows our family well, ensuring that guests never feel out of place in an unfamiliar setting. From private dining experiences to transportation, reservations, and complete peace of mind, this level of service was a new concept for us—something we had only seen in movies before. There’s never a dull moment, and the combination of support, unparalleled hospitality, and the beauty of the villa makes for an extraordinary experience.
What’s the best compliment you’ve received from a guest?
We always love hearing that everything was to their satisfaction and sometimes even exceeded expectations.
Do you have any recommendations for guests to make the most of their vacation? Your valuable tips will be displayed on your property’s page!
- Explore the local gastronomy
- Shop in nearby villages
- Ensure restaurant reservations are made in advance or let the concierge handle them
- Visit the Labarda Garden
- Attend a concert
- Explore nature
- Hikers and climbers will find plenty to enjoy
- Cyclists: book a high-altitude training session at the nearby Syncrosfera Hotel and have your fitness tested
- Rent a boat or jet ski
- For children: visit the local zoos and waterparks
- Bring your cycling or golf gear—or use the equipment we provide
- Adventurers: the currents and waves are perfect for surfing
- And don’t forget to use sunscreen!