Oceanfront Villa in Porto

Modern Villa Facing the Douro River

A polished reinvention of a historical structure, this home's design prioritizes vertical flow and natural light. The aesthetic is crisp and uncluttered, utilizing a palette of white walls and natural wood to frame the shifting blue hues of the river outside. It feels less like a rental and more like a private, curated home.

The ground level is dedicated to gathering, featuring an open-plan living and dining area anchored by a sleek, fully equipped chef’s kitchen and a dedicated wine bar. Board games and books add a domestic touch, while the upper levels retreat into privacy. Smart design choices, such as a tranquil reading nook on the landing, maximize every square meter, ensuring spaces for both connection and solitude.

The crowning jewel is the top-floor patio attached to the master suite. It serves as a private observation deck for watching ships navigate the Douro or enjoying an evening aperitif as the sun dips below the Atlantic horizon. Just outside the front door lies the verdant Jardim do Passeio Alegre, acting as the property’s extended front lawn, complete with palm trees and mini-golf.

What we love

We love this modern reinterpretation of the traditional Foz townhouse, where the tiled façade and indoor shutters balance privacy with a warm welcome. The interiors feel genuinely cultivated, mixing sophisticated art pieces with a lived-in atmosphere that feels like a home, not a rental. Our favorite spot, however, is the rooftop terrace, the ultimate perch for watching the sunset drift over the river.

Layout

This vacation home for rent in Porto sleeps up to six guests. Spanning three floors, the home accommodates guests across three sleeping quarters. The first floor hosts one guest bedroom sharing a hallway bath, plus a waterfront suite with a private bath and walk-in closet. A separate office is also located here. The top floor is dedicated to the primary master suite, featuring exercise equipment and direct access to the rooftop patio.

Good to know

The house is spread over three levels with stairs, which may not suit those with limited mobility. A car is not essential thanks to the tram and bus, but street parking is generally available nearby. The laundry area doubles as bike storage.

Amenities & services

Air conditioning, central heating, fast wifi (500 mb/s), smart TV with cable, sound system, fully equipped kitchen, dishwasher, washer, dryer, wine bar, coffee maker, bathtub, hair dryer, bed linens, towels, beach essentials, baby bath, high chair, travel crib, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, carbon monoxide detector

Around

The villa is situated in Foz Velha, a sophisticated enclave known for its old-world mansions and palm-lined promenades. The Jardim do Passeio Alegre is immediately adjacent, a 19th-century garden perfect for leisurely strolls. Food lovers will appreciate the proximity to the Mercado da Foz for fresh produce and high-end dining options like Casa de Pasto da Palmeira for petiscos. The Atlantic beaches are a short walk west, while the UNESCO center of Porto is easily reached via the historic Elétrico 1 tram or a scenic 20-minute drive along the river.