Secret Gardens: House of Robert Graves, Deia

A tour around La Casa de Robert Graves

Robert Graves was a renowned author and First World War poet. He moved to in Deià, Mallorca, in 1929, where he lived until his death. The landscape of Mallorca provided a rich location for Graves’ writing, who wrote I Claudius during his time on the island.

Graves built the house in 1932 with his companion of the time, Laura Riding. Set against the Serra de Tramuntana mountains in Mallorca and overlooking the Balearic sea, it has been restored and preserved for public visitors.

 

The house contains two studies, the wooden desks laid out with his possessions and typewriter. His home has been beautifully curated as if the writer has stepped out to his garden for a wander.

 

The garden has many varieties of planting; from cypress and olive trees to bright pink bougainvillea. The vegetable patch yields squash and marrow. Graves planted an orange grove, with bitter oranges and tangerines for him to make marmalade from.

 

 

The Robert Graves Foundation maintains the house and garden, so it can remain open for visitors.

How to get there

Travel:

  • Bus route 203 from Palma, Valldemossa or Sóller. Stops: Deià (8 minute walk) or s’Empeltada. For timetables see: Transport públic de Mallorca
  • By car. The closest parking to the Casa de Robert Graves is next to the bus stop at s’Empeletada (4 minute walk). Parking can be difficult in the village so plan to arrive early.

Entry: €7 for an adult

Opening times: Monday - Friday only, varied times throughout the year. Check website for latest.

Find out more on the La Case de Robert Graves website.