Education real estate investment manager Peterhouse Partners has made its triumphant entry into the Spanish market by acquiring and transforming Villa Angelita, a stunning bourgeois mansion in Barcelona’s exclusive El Putxet neighborhood, into an elite educational institution. This initiative is the result of a collaboration between Alfareal and Tarantula Capital, led by Jorge Arqué, founder of Videomedia, known for TV series such as “Hospital Central.”
The Rebirth of Villa Angelita: From Summer Village to Elite School
Villa Angelita, built in 1900 as a summer villa in the distinguished area of El Putxet, has been acquired by Peterhouse Partners 123 years after its construction. The mansion will undergo a comprehensive renovation and reopen as an elite school that will apply the Montessori method, an educational approach that empowers students by giving them greater control over their learning.
The Campus-School Design: Over 3,000 Square Meters of Excellence
The Peterhouse project envisions transforming Villa Angelita into a large campus-school of more than 3,000 square meters. The modernist elements of the original tower will be maintained and respected. A noteworthy detail is that the gardens will not be simple green areas, but will become open-air classrooms. This additional space, which covers more than 2,500 square meters and includes a swimming pool and tennis court, will enrich the educational experience of the students of this exclusive school.
Administrative Challenges: Delays in the Authorization Process
Although the new Peterhouse school is passing through the processing stages at the Barcelona City Council, it has faced some delays. Initially, the school was scheduled to be ready for the 2023-24 school year, but the approval process is currently stalled at the local administration. Despite this, it is expected that the educational center, which will seek to establish agreements with the public network, will be able to open its doors with an investment of less than 700,000 euros.
Peterhouse Partners: A New Actor in Quality Education
The elite school in El Putxet represents the first asset in the portfolio of Peterhouse Partners, a relatively new and unknown education investment vehicle. The fund has ambitious plans to establish new level schools in cities such as Madrid, Seville, Valencia, Bilbao, Malaga and, of course, Barcelona. This initiative seeks to offer quality education in multiple regions of Spain.
The Origin of Peterhouse: An Alfareal and Tarantula Capital Initiative
It is important to note that Peterhouse is a spin-off of Alfareal Group, a fund founded by financier Guillaume Taurignan. In addition, Tarantula Capital, the investment firm led by Jorge Arqué, co-founder of Videomedia and creator of television hits such as “Hospital Central,” is involved in this venture. Together, they have solved an intriguing situation in El Putxet.
The Episode of Villa Angelita: From Sale to Transformation
The rebirth of Villa Angelita as an elite school marks the end of a story that began when the property went on sale for €3.5 million at the end of 2022, brokered by Engel & Völkers. Its appearance on the market followed the controversial sale of Casa Tosquella, another protected property, which was finally acquired by the Barcelona City Council itself.
In summary, Peterhouse Partners’ arrival in Barcelona with the transformation of Villa Angelita into an elite school is an exciting development in the educational and real estate markets of the city. This project promises to provide quality education in an exceptional environment and represents the first of many plans for educational expansion throughout Spain by Peterhouse.
Peterhouse’s First Steps : Founding and Expansion
The history of Peterhouse dates back to 1280, when Hugo de Balsham planned to establish a college on land that is now part of St John’s College. However, it was in 1284 that Hugo acquired two houses to house a Master and fourteen “worthy but impoverished teachers,” thus marking the official founding of Peterhouse. During the same period, a hall was built, which is now the oldest building of all Cambridge colleges. Balsham’s death in 1286 left a monetary bequest that was used to acquire more land, cementing Peterhouse’s presence at the university.
Peterhouse in the Age of Andrew Perne and John Cosin
In the 16th century, under the mastership of Andrew Perne, the college stood out as a center of Arminianism, a theological current. During the 1630s, Master John Cosin promoted a Laudian version of religious observance at Peterhouse, which contributed to its reputation as a place of intellectual debate and religious development.
20th Century: Peterhouse in Science and History
In the 20th century, Peterhouse earned an excellent reputation in both science and history. The college has been home to notable scholars, including Adolphus William Ward, Harold Temperley, Herbert Butterfield, Hugh Trevor-Roper, Maurice Cowling and Niall Ferguson in the field of history. In science, leading figures such as Aaron Klug, Max Perutz and John Meurig Thomas have made their mark at Peterhouse.
Peterhouse and Politics: A Partnership with Conservatives
In the 1980s, Peterhouse established a notable association with conservative politicians, followers of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Influential figures such as Maurice Cowling and Roger Scruton were prominent and sometimes considered key elements in the so-called “Peterhouse Right,” an intellectual movement associated with Margaret Thatcher. Notable conservative politicians such as Michael Portillo and Michael Howard also studied at Peterhouse. This tradition of intellectual political thought was consolidated with the creation of the Peterhouse Political Society.
The Peterhouse Legacy in the 21st Century
Throughout its rich history, Peterhouse has been a beacon of learning, intellectual debate and political development within the University of Cambridge. His commitment to quality education and his role in the evolution of British political thought remain relevant in the 21st century. With its century-old legacy, Peterhouse continues to be a unique and distinguished college on the British and world academic landscape.
