Tenerife Council Launches Restoration of Historic El Boquín Estate

The Tenerife Island Council is restoring the El Boquín estate in Icod de los Vinos, aiming to balance historical preservation with modern agricultural development. Officials recently visited the site to outline a plan that turns the property into a model of sustainable management, blending its rich history with traditional farming.

Owned by the Council since 1997, the 17-hectare estate is located in the Barranco de Caforiño within the protected La Culata Cliffs landscape. It is valued not only for its 17th-century architecture—notable for its traditional stonework and woodwork—but also for its biodiversity, terraced fields, and historic water systems. The current project follows two years of public consultation and focuses on restoring both the buildings and the surrounding natural environment.

The estate also holds significant intellectual importance. Between 1921 and 1922, it served as a retreat for the anthropologist Bronislaw Malinowski, who wrote parts of his groundbreaking work, Argonauts of the Western Pacific, while staying there. This connection means the restoration must honor both the physical structure and its status as a site of global intellectual heritage.

Led by officials Valentín González and Isabel de Esteban, the Council’s strategy moves away from isolated repairs. Instead, the goal is to create a vibrant center for rural activity that strengthens local identity. By managing water resources, protecting native species, and reviving traditional crops, the Council hopes to ensure that this landmark remains a useful and beautiful part of northern Tenerife for years to come.