Casa dos Pássaros

Devoted to the Decorative Arts

This ancient luxury villa in Portugal is a revival of the values of old-world elegance and the art of graceful style. A long road to restoration returned the house to its noble roots while infusing it with colorful character and whimsy. We love the decorative nature motifs, the handcrafted details and ornamentation, and the modern themes that bring it up to date.

Read an interview with the owner of this house in our Stories section here.

Located in the heart of the Alto Alentejo, in the 13th-century town of Crato, this luxury villa in Portugal was conceived and designed by a Parisian-based designer whose work focuses on the art of home and hospitality.

The townhouse is typical of the Alentejo, with bleached white limestone exteriors, ochre trim, and granite stonework and features an ancient cross of Malta discovered during the renovation. For over two years the house underwent an extensive and careful restoration which brought its distinctive character and elegant dignity back to life.

Reinterpreting the traditional decoration of Portuguese noble houses, the owner instilled her artistic sensibilities and sense of refinement through the use of decorative painting, stucco, ceramics and ornamental textiles that complement the original design of the villa.

The grand Baroque staircase greets you in the hall around which the other rooms of the first floor are organized. Decorated with hand-painted frescoes and découpage that recreate the peace and tranquility of a Baroque garden, the handcrafted nature theme continues throughout the house.

Accessed through the hall, the living room is a fresh and light space awash in hues of blue and white and extends to the adjoining terrace. Overlooking the upper terrace and the pool, the kitchen is modern and well equipped with a central island and plenty of space for entertaining with a private chef at your disposal.

The three en-suite ground floor bedrooms and one upper bedroom are unique in style with a different decorative theme created by the owner of mythological figures, naturalist engravings, sea beds and handprinted textiles.

With a mixture of family furniture, vintage pieces and other custom-made items, the house is a unique creation of artistry and individuality. The exteriors were conceived as an oasis - sheltered by reeds and protected from view - with fountains on both the upper and lower terraces around the pool in perfect harmony with the spirit of traditional Portuguese gardens.

Created as a universe centered on the art of hospitality and love for the decorative arts, this uniquely designed home celebrates the simple and relaxed way of life.  

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Breakfast included with rate along with daily housekeeping (2hr per day). Wifi throughout, cable TV. Optional services include: Private chef for additional meal services with grocery stocking, additional housekeeping services, private driver and airport transfers. Activities that can be organized include: Culinary and wine experiences with a local chef, guided horse riding, cultural tours of the region, falconry.  

AROUND

The historic town of Crato lies in the heart of the Alto Alentejo northeast of Lisbon and is located in one of the most beautiful regions of Portugal, dubbed by those in the know as the "Portuguese Tuscany." Just a few kilometers from the Spanish border, the town is full of life, history and authenticity and is renown as the former headquarters for the Knights Hospitaller - later known as The Order of Malta.

The area is an important frontier district with remnants of both Moorish and late 16th-century battlements and fortifications. Well preserved and with many beautiful Baroque palaces, this region is a medieval gem, with the fortified UNESCO towns of Elvas, Estremoz and Evora an hour south, and the nearby hilltop towns of Marvão and Castelo de Vide crowned with castles. 

Bordered by the Serra de São Mamede to the east, the area is one of the wildest and least known regions of the Iberian Peninsula, with peaks reaching a thousand meters and the world's largest concentration of megaliths and dolmens dotting the landscape.  

LOCATION

Crato, Portugal. Nearest Airport: Lisbon (200km)  

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through Fall for the best weather