Casa Melchior

An Art-Filled, Historic House by a Dutch Artist in Portimão’s Old Town

A build-your-own lodging within beautiful historic walls, this property was redesigned at the hands of Dutch artist and gallerist Meinke Flessman. It was created to be two independent homes for four or a larger space for eight or even 12, with the Cocoon added by request when the property is rented in its entirety. Brimming with fine art and delicate objects, the refined space is ideal for groups of friends or families with children over eight, who can appreciate the beauty on display worry free.

Melchior One: An artistic refuge, this traditional space is a color-splashed backdrop for two king bedrooms, both ensuite, with walk-in showers. A casual living room lets you unwind in an artistic embrace, and there’s a separate small TV room and dining area for six. Even the kitchen is lined with art, and there’s an outdoor lounge area and parking on request.

Melchior Two: Also created for four guests with two king bedrooms and baths with bathtubs, a walk-in shower and a guest WC, this house offers a sitting room with a fireplace, a dining area for six, an art-filled kitchen, and both indoor and outdoor dining, the latter for up to eight. There is parking on request.

Melchior Cocoon: Rented solely as an addition for bigger groups needing extra space. The Cocoon can be rented with Melchior Two or with the house in its entirety. It is not available paired with Melchior One for access reasons. The Cocoon features two double, ensuite bedrooms with walk-in showers, a living room alcove, and an outdoor lounge/dining area.

Around

A port city in the Algarve region of southern Portugal, Portimão is best known for its Old Town where Casa Melchior is located, its busy marina, and its striking beaches. Traditionally a ship-building, sardine fishing and fish-processing center, the city flourishes today from tourism, leisure and retail activity. A scenic seafront promenade has replaced the city’s former fishing docks, and Portimão’s historic center is broken up by leafy plazas and pedestrian shopping zones. A casual, beach town atmosphere prevails, and the city’s waterfronts and historic heart are alive with markets, cafes, boutiques, churches and museums, including one dedicated to the region’s fishing heritage in a restored 19th-century cannery. The Jardim 1er de Dezembro Plaza is a classic Portuguese square clad in traditional azulejos, and the town’s Gothic Nossa Senhora da Conceição church is also covered in the tiles.

Three kilometers south of town, the Praia da Rocha is the city’s landmark beach. Actually an independent community near Portimão, Praia da Rocha is a busy city in its own right, packed with hotels, bars and restaurants along a sandy strip backed by ochre cliffs. This area offers many outdoor recreation options, from hiking and kayaking to bird and wildlife watching in the estuary of the River Arade.

Location

Nearest airport: Faro (55 miles)

Best time to visit

April to October