CASA ENGRENYÓ
This mid-19th century house belongs to one of the most important families in Jávea, along with the Sapena, Bañuls and Cholbi families, the Cruañes were knights and nobles since ancient times and with the reconquest, they settled in the town.
JULIO CRUAÑES
One of their descendants, Julio Cruañes Soler was a key figure in fin-de-siècle and early 20th century politics. A lawyer and politician, he was the most prominent member of the Conservative Party, a friend of Joaquín Sorolla and a resident of the Engrenyó house built by his ancestors. The street where the house is located was named Cánovas del Castillo, (the leader of Julio Cruañes' party).
Significant after dinner political meetings were held in the house at the height of the Restoration. The dining room is still preserved just as Julio Cruañes left it. The artist who painted the stature of Salvador Abril, who in his memoirs of his trips to Jávea recounted how much fun he had at his friend Julio's house and where he also spent the night in his guest rooms.
STRUCTURE.
The building occupies an old site, possibly from the 16th or 17th century, of which only part of the tosca has been used. The street was known as the "Carrer dels Cavallers" because of the houses that were inhabited by distinguished residents since ancient times. Until a few years ago, it was one of the best decorated streets during the festivities of San Juan. It has also enjoyed a certain bohemian prestige for having housed renowned art galleries in several of its houses.
The house is divided between the old part, façade and installations from the 19th century which have been beautifully renovated, and the modern part starting from the courtyard. This part of the house is a 21st century construction with access to the Calle dels Cups. The singular partition provides ample space to accommodate a house/museum with additional guest rooms, few people are able to stay overnight in a museum. Even if the figure of Julio Cruañes is not that well known, the museum can focus on a period of Jávea when sultanas, the bourgeoisie, traditional dresses and furniture were of great importance and present a part of history that will intrigue tourists and visitors. It is possible to incorporate a restaurant in the back street or a literary café on the ground floor.
Building: 426 m2