The l’Aragall farmhouse is a very old country house located in Aiguafreda. Its name appears in documents dating back many centuries, to the Middle Ages. Initially, the name was spelled in different ways, but over time it became known as Aragall.
The farmhouse already existed in the 13th century and belonged to the Lords of Cruïlles, who governed this area. It is known for certain that people lived in the house in the 15th century. For many years, the farmhouse belonged to the Aragall family, who gave it its name.
During the Spanish War of Independence between Spain and France in the early 19th century, the farmhouse was looted. As a result, the owners moved to the town of Aiguafreda, but the house was not abandoned, as it was cared for and worked by tenant farmers.
The house we see today was built between the 17th and 18th centuries, incorporating parts of an older farmhouse. It has several floors, a round tower, and a semi-basement because it’s built on sloping terrain. Over time, renovations and expansions were carried out, especially in the 20th century.
Within the grounds is a chapel, built in the 18th century. It’s dedicated to Saint Thomas, a name chosen in the 20th century because it was the name of the new owner. For a time, the chapel was used as a stable until it was restored.
In 1956, the Pou family acquired the estate, which had fallen into the hands of speculators and was in a state of disrepair, although it was inhabited by the Vicens family, the tenant farmers. The house was almost in ruins: it had no running water or electricity, the basement served as a stable for cows, and there were leaks, sunken floors, and a lot of dampness. Even so, it retained very old elements, such as a stone inscription from 1604.
In 1959, the tenant farmers moved to the village, and a long period of reconstruction began. First, an annex was renovated to provide living space while the main farmhouse was being restored. A spring was located to supply water, a reservoir was built, and electricity and an access road were installed.
For years, bricklayers, carpenters, and other artisans worked diligently, striving to preserve the farmhouse’s traditional character. Gradually, the house became habitable, and the family began spending weekends, holidays, and celebrations there. Later, further improvements were added, such as the chapel, porches, and agricultural outbuildings, ensuring that the l’Aragall farmhouse was preserved and continued to thrive.
Today, the l’Aragall farmhouse stands as an important example of Aiguafreda’s historical heritage and helps us understand how people lived in the countryside many years ago.