Portuguese architecture collective Atelier Rua, known for their minimalist approach and love of adaptive reuse, introduces a stunning new townhome in the heart of Algarve’s biggest fishing port.

Driven by an appreciation of buildings with interesting backstories, they discovered this former fishing warehouse and turned it into a secluded getaway. Soaring ceilings, an abundance of light and an open flow categorize the interiors, while a row of original arches lead out to the patio, a patch of paradise with a plunge pool. From here, climb the outdoor staircase up to the rooftop terrace, where views cast all the way across the Ria Formosa and the red tile roofs of Olhão - a lovely accompaniment while having sunset cocktails or dinner, while the soundtrack of a vibrant fishing village floats through the air.

This design-minded vacation rental in Algarve spreads across two stories, with two bedrooms that each have en-suite bathrooms. If you're considering a visit to the Algarve region and are searching for a place to stay with history and a link to the local flavor, a stay here would be highly advisable. 

The award-winning minimalist architects of Atelier Rua know a thing or two about taking heritage properties to the next level, creating spaces that maintain an intensely personal ambiance, touched by nostalgia and combined with careful curation and luxuries more typically found in boutique hotels. Casa Dois is the first in a series of homes that now includes Casa Um, Casa Três and Casa Quatro, each home recounting its own tale of a bygone era interpreted through a modern lens—places where materials, locations and local flavor give the properties their new raisons d’être.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Concierge service, luxury bedding, minibar on the roof terrace, honesty bar filled with hand-selected Portuguese wines, baby cots and additional beds available upon request, upon request, a receptionist who will meet you at the airport upon arrival with a shuttle service.

THE SCENERY AND SEAFOOD OF A VIBRANT FISHING VILLAGE

Dating back to Roman times, Olhao, just east of Faro, is the Algarve's main fishing port where the extensive waterways and coastal bounty remain a vibrant and sustainable part of the local community. Don't miss the the daily fish market (designed by Gustave Eiffel and just 600 meters from your doorstep) and the Saturday market along the waterfront (which also supplies the many local restaurants) for some of the best seafood in the world. The old town has risen from disrepair and neglect in recent years and has undergone a cultural renaissance of sorts, attracting a creative and artsy crowd that have set about restoring the architectural mix of Moorish influences and the grandeur of the early manor houses. 

The area has thankfully escaped the more touristy beach destinations and crowds although there is over 125 miles of coastline and beaches just a short drive away. Nearby Ria Formosa national park is a lovely and protected stretch of wetlands and lagoons that features an ever-changing diversity of flora and fauna and extends over 35 miles. The outlying islands of Armona, Culatra, Farol and Deserta make great days trips and can be reached by ferry or water taxi. Blessedly free of cars, each has subtly different character and vibes that echo a slower, simpler time and all feature pristine, nearly deserted beaches. One favorite water taxi experience is the one to Ilha do Farol, where the owners recommend you have lunch at A Do Joao (and make sure to ask for Anchova, a very tasty local fish variety!)

LOCATION

Olhão, Portugal. Closest airport: Faro (25-minute drive)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: May through September with peak season in July and August Foodies might consider coming in August, during the Festival do Marisco, the largest seafood celebration in the country.