Skinny House

Architect César Machado Moreira Transforms a 19th-Century Porto Townhouse

Designed by architect César Machado Moreira, this holiday home in Porto has been thoroughly transformed from its 19th-century beginnings. Skillfully remodeled to create open, light filled spaces, Moreira crafted a clever conceptual response to the tall, lean profile with a feeling of interconnectedness and intimacy.  

Climbing three stories high, each level makes intelligent use of the configuration, culminating in a fabulous rooftop terrace overlooking the river. The whitewashed interiors are simple and clean, with references to traditional materials such as wood and stone, and lightly styled to allow the spaces to breathe. 

Located just a short stroll from the Douro riverbanks in the Massarelos neighborhood, this holiday home in Porto is a modern version of its former self.

Redesigned by Portuguese architect César Machado Moreira, the tall and trim 19th-century townhouse has been smartly redesigned to take advantage of it's unique layout, with cleverly repurposed spaces that make sense of the format. The ground floor entrance leads up to the first floor that includes the living room with a juliet balcony, an elevated dining area, and a fully equipped built-in kitchen. There is a double bedroom with the building's original stone walls and a private balcony, and one bath on the first floor, and a second double bedroom on the top floor that leads out to a rooftop terrace with incredible views of the river.

Chic and understated, this is a uniquely designed home that keeps it simple.

Around

Located in the heart of "Caminhos do Romântico", the riverside neighborhood of Massarelos offers some of the best areas along the Douro for a leisurely promenade along the riverbanks and some of the most spectacular views of the city from the nearby Miradouro de Santa Catarina viewpoint. Home to the University of Porto, and the hip Mercado do Bom Sucesso, the area is known as a vibrant and youthful part of the city, with many cafes, wine bars and markets and the lush Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, Jardim Botânico.

Porto 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.   

Rich in Medieval history, the city is also famous for Santa Catarina street for shopping, traditional Fado music and the acclaimed Cafe Majestic along with Batalha Square where most of the city’s important cultural events and shows take place. Sights not to miss include the Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves and Rem Koolhaas’ Casa da Música.

And while in the city that created Port wine, enjoy the many cellar tours offered.

Location

Porto, Portugal. Nearest airport: Porto International 

Best time to visit

The city is fascinating year round.