9.11.12 Palacio Domecq is sold

Juan Rodriguez, a Jerezano with interests in bars and catering in Jerez is to buy the historic old seat of the Domecqs from Beam for 4 million euros. The deal was signed yesterday after 6 months of negotiations.  Sr. Rodriguez is involved with Alta Cazuela, a catering firm (which provided the food at the Alcazar recently for the Grand Tastings for the Fiesta de la Vendimia), and the famous traditional Bar Juanito. He sees great possibilities in the building for hotel and up market catering, creating another top quality venue in Jerez.

What held up negotiations for so long – six months – was the question of what was to be done with the contents of the palace; numerous works of art including paintings, tapestries, photographs, and all the trappings of the Domecqs’ position in Jerez for 300 years.

The fact that the palace is a listed building (a Bien de Interes Cultural) and is so centrally situated (in the Alameda Cristina) appealed to Sr. Rodriguez, and keeping it open to the public features in his plans. The building dates from the XVII C, was renovated in the 1970s and is in excellent condition. It is listed for domestic use which restricts but doesn’t impede its use for weddings for example.

Interior Patio of the Palacio Domecq

31.10.12 Beam sell Palacio Domecq

Beam Global puts the Palacio Domecq up for sale

The emblematic XVIII century home of the Domecq family in the Alameda Cristina in central Jerez is being put up for sale by its owners, the American multinational Jim Beam.  Things are already quite advanced with a group of hoteliers planning to use the building as a venue for celebrations. It has already been the scene of celebrations with, most notably the wedding of the famous bullfighter “El Juli” to Rosario Domecq.

In 2003 the Junta de Andalucia declared the building, which occupies nearly an entire block, as being of Cultural Interest. In recent times, since the 1960s, the house has ceased to be the Domecq residence, and has been used to accommodate company executives. Yesterday the sign outside with the visiting times was being removed, "simply because the season is over", according to Beam sources.