Foz do Douro Hideaway

Porto, Portugal
6 guests
3 bedrooms
3 bathrooms

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Superbly Simple: A property that meets our exacting standards, with everything you need, nothing you don’t, and above all thoughtfully designed.

Beach house: A house on or near a beach

Urban: Cosmopolitan, big city locations

Architect Eduardo Souto de Moura Recasts A Historic Porto Townhouse As A Modern Urban Pad

This lovely house designed by architect Eduardo Souto de Moura is tucked away on a quiet back street in the center of Oporto, just minutes from the beach. A traditional building that has been given a pared-down contemporary makeover, it's simple and cozy. Perfect for hiding away in the big city.

Architect Eduardo Souto de Moura Recasts A Historic Porto Townhouse As A Modern Urban Pad

Wander down the cobbled backstreets of Foz do Douro, and you'll find this small house tucked away behind an ivy wall. But it's so worth searching for. Designed by Eduardo Souto de Moura, the 2011 Pritzker Architecture Prize laureate and one of the country's foremost architects, it was chosen as an example of architectural best practice in historic places by the Centre for Architecture, Creativity and Sustainability in 2012.

And it's very easy to see why. The appeal of this contemporary conversion is in its simple design. Colors are minimalist creams and whites, with limited decor and unfussy modern art. The exposed interior staircase has strong lines and a great sculptural feel.

Two of the three bedrooms are located on the first floor, and have their own bathrooms. The garden loft is on the ground floor, with a small living room, bathroom and private garden. There is also a communal area and a fully-equipped kitchen.

PORTUGAL'S SECOND CITY

Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal, but its historic center, the Ribeira district with its cobbled streets, old storefronts and plazas, is still largely preserved and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996.

Lonely Planet describes Oporto as "a colourful tumbledown dream with medieval relics, soaring bell towers, extravagant baroque churches and stately beaux-arts buildings piled on top of one another".

The city has undergone a transformation in recent years, with inexpensive Ryan Air flights bringing travelers to the city for weekend breaks. Sights not to miss include the Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves and Rem Koolhaas’ Casa da Música.