Casa da Volta

Promotório Architects Crafts a Contemporary Home Modeled on Ancient Fortifications

On a remote plot of over 20 acres of dramatic, arid landscape, this holiday home in Portugal is a contemporary redefinition of rural living and design. Designed in collaboration with Lisbon-based Promotório Architects and Silva Cravo Architects, it embodies the character of the Alentejo in a unique new way, weaving together a striking geometric minimalism with nostalgic timelessness.

Created to echo the ancient Portuguese practice of “Alcáçova”, the design was influenced by the fortified houses from the past and built using traditional techniques and local materials and craftsmen.

The dense boundaries envelope and encapsulate the home, creating a central interior reminiscent of North African oasis, while simultaneously focusing outwards to the amazing scenery.

Composed of clean lines, cool concrete and bleached whites, the home's interiors are peaceful and elegantly simple. Designed in collaboration with interior designer José Luis Barbosa, furnishings and decor exude soft minimalism with mid-century modern pieces paired with rustic handcrafted items and a gallery of intriguing artworks and curiosities with a North African twist. Each element hand-chosen to fit its purpose of place and pay homage to the culture and the unique heritage of the owners.

The central living room is a bright and airy space overlooking the land and the pool with an adjacent dining room and a fully equipped eat-in kitchen. The five double en-suite rooms are spread around the central courtyard in the main house while the sixth is separated by the main entrance to the house.

The interior courtyard includes a dining area under the ancient olive tree and the vast pool area includes an additional lounge and a shaded alfresco dining area.

Encouraging guests to downshift to a slower, more connected pace, this thoughtfully designed property tunes you into the rhythms of nature.

Around

Located in a rural Serra do Grandola valley, just outside of the small town of Grandola, the house is ideally positioned to enjoy both the countryside and the Atlantic coastal areas of the Alentejo.

Thirty minutes to the coast, Praia de Melides is a five-mile-long stretch of sand that separates the sea and the lagoon with lots of unspoiled beach access.

The house is just a short drive north to the lovely fishing town of Comporta and the Troia Peninsula which is fast becoming a popular spot for the stylish crowd but thankfully retains its laid-back vibe and windswept natural beauty. Santiago do Cacem, the ancient Moorish and later colonial community, is 30 minutes west with quaint cobblestone streets and fortifications.

Nearby Abela and Alvalade are small Alatejan villages along the river Sado near Santo Andre Lagoon and the long stretches of white sand beaches. The stunning ancient Celtic settlement of Mirobriga is a short drive away and not to be missed. Setubal and Lisbon are just over an hour north.

Location

Melides, Portugal. Nearest airport: Lisbon International (114km)

Best time to visit

Year round

Photography: Frame Fotografia