Casa de São Lourenço

A Tribute to Portuguese Design And Culture

One of the country's first 5-Star inns in Serra da Estrela, this luxury boutique hotel in Portugal was initially designed in 1940 by celebrated architect Rogério de Azevedo.Focused on keeping the history of the building and its context in the landscape, the owners enlisted Lisbon based design studio, P-06 Atelier, who expanded the classically designed stone poussada with modern concrete wings and loads of glass for viewing the breathtaking mountain and Glacier Valley views.

Created by the Burel Factory, the company has revived the production of the burel wool used by local shepherds for centuries and is one of the main themes of the hotel, with hand painted panels and art installations that tell the story of the region's textile and its people.

The property is also a showcase of Portuguese design beginning with famed avant-garde modernist artist Maria Keil who, 70 years ago designed the interiors and furnishings which remain today. 

The rooms feature a who's who of contemporary Portuguese designers, with pieces by Marco Sousa Santos, Vicara, Cestaria de Gonçalo, Olaria de Molelos, Grestel, Nuno Gusmão, and Bordallo Pinheiro.

Rooted in tradition and inspired by the Serra da Estrela region's history and great natural beauty, this hotel is a love letter to Portuguese culture.

Sitting high above Zêzere Glacier Valley in the Serra da Estrella, this luxury boutique hotel in Portugal is a celebration of Portuguese design, culture and gastronomy of the region. 

Built in 1940, the original stone inn was one of the very first designed specifically to represent the Portuguese take on hospitality. Restored and expanded with a sleek concrete addition, the historic structure has been seamlessly integrated with walls of glass from every room that invite the spectacular views in.

There are a total of twenty one rooms (four are suites), each designed with understated sophistication and contemporary Portuguese design pieces and  softened with organic materials and handcrafted burel wool as decorative elements. 

The restaurant serves seasonal classics with local ingredients of the Beiras region, and features panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the spectacular views. There's a large communal terrace and a striking indoor-outdoor pool, both with magnificent views, and a full service spa with a sauna and Turkish bath for a little pampering.

Additional features

Fully staffed, touring and guided nature walks, breakfast  and afternoon snacks (4pm -7pm) included, complimentary bottled water and fruit basket in each room, wifi throughout, spa and massage services. Bicycles, sleds and snowshoes available for guest use, EV chargers, private parking.

Around

The mountain town of Manteigas is nestled within the beautiful Serra da Estrella range next to the magnificent Zêzere Glacier Valley. There are excellent hiking trails through the range crossed by rivers and the steep Ribeira de Leadres gorge where you won't want to miss the spectacular Poço do Inferno waterfalls.

The rural Guarda and Beira regions of central Portugal are located between the Douro and the Tejo rivers, and stretch from the Atlantic Coast all the way to the Spanish border. Dotted with well preserved ancient villages and the highest mountain ranges in the country, it’s a quieter, less-traveled area to explore and is famous for the Dao vineyards.

The historic city of Viseu is just over an hour drive where you’ll find everything from Roman ruins, to medieval, Gothic and Baroque remnants of civilization. Don’t miss the centuries old Sao Mateus Fair in August with artists, crafts, music and food that lasts for up to a month.  

The highest town in Portugal with fortifications dating back to the 12th century, the city of Guarda is an hour north and the medieval cities of Coimbra and Conímbriga with the most famous Roman ruins in Portugal, are a two hour drive.

Location

Manteigas, Portugal. Nearest airport: Porto - Francicso Sa Carneiro (200km)

Best time to visit

Year round