Casa da Lila

Studioarte Reveals a Striking Conversion of a Traditional Silves Townhouse

This newly renovated vacation home for rent in Portugal is a treat for the senses. A modern conversion tucked behind a traditional facade, it's not only visually striking, but it's also designed for relaxation.

Enter the property via the traditional timber front door, and you'll find yourself in a hallway flooded with light and with traditional hydraulic mosaic tiles on the floor, leading to the living room filled with eclectic design pieces. We love the curved wall-mounted bookcase in the living room that dates back to Fifties Czechoslovakia, the Vistosi Murano chandelier made with 36 glass disks in the hallway, and the Jiri Jiroutek black-and-white chest of drawers in the multi-functional room (both from the Sixties).

Recently featured in DETAIL #5 by Archiworld Publications, and the coffee table book, Architecture Today, published by Loft Publications, the book celebrates the work of 37 architecture studios around the world that are devoted to housing, including studioarte. 

A well-deserved honor.

The house is filled with photographs of the region and local contemporary art, and bold handmade tiles are used liberally. The hallway and living room floors feature Projecto Mosaico tiles from Sintra, the master bathroom, lower level bathroom and the kitchen are lined with ArteVida tiles from Estremoz. These are the only two factories in Portugal that still make hydraulic mosaic tiles.

The living room is a cozy space that leads into the kitchen and the first of three terraces, which has beautiful views across the town. A staircase leads to the open-plan master bedroom/bathroom with its vaulted wooden ceiling and free-standing bath. It, in turn, leads to the top-floor lounge terrace. The place to spend afternoons and watch sunsets, this terrace has a lounge sofa, as well as an outside shower and an outdoor 'kitchen'.  

There is an additional double bedroom on the lower level, with a huge bed and large window; and a multi-functional room between the staircases that can serve as an additional bedroom or lounge. On the lower level, you will also find the third and largest terrace with sun loungers, and parasols, as well as another outside shower. There is also a refreshing plunge pool. 

The terraces offer beautiful views across the rooftops and are great spaces in which to unwind after spending a day exploring the Algarve.

SILVES

Situated along the Arade river, Silves is one of the oldest and most historically significant cities of the Algarve. From the ancient Moorish castle and 12th-century cathedral to the great cafes and outdoor markets, the village is compact and walkable to take it all in. This is also a great spot from which to explore the coast, the countryside and the Monchique mountain from where you'll have a view from the highest point in the Algarve. It's within walking distance of several great bars and fine eateries, including Marisqueria Rui, one of the best seafood restaurants in the Algarve.

Downtown, with its quaint boutiques, is 200m from the house. The nearest beach is 15km (15-20 minutes by car), and there are 20 golf courses within a 30-minute drive.

LOCATION

Silves, Algarve, Portugal. Nearest airport: Faro (63km).

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring to fall. Discounted rates are offered for winter.