José María de Palacio y Abárzuza (1866-1940), Count of Las Almenas, joined together a magnificent art collection, mainly represented by furniture and 15th and 16th century paintings. Thanks to Arthur Byne, he was able to export this collection from Spain and had it auctioned in New York in 1927. He also erected his country house, called "Canto del Pico", in Torredolones (Madrid). A queer residence built with many different sculpture and architectural remains from several locations. The country house was declared historic-artistic monument in 1930 and after the Count's death, was left to General Franco.