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 fully-equipped kitchen.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Each room has an electronic code system safe, individual remote air-conditioning, a radio alarm clock, and an iPod Station. The double rooms have 3D Smart TV and LCD TV with DVD, while the loft room has an IMAC 27” system with TV, CD and DVD. Bathrooms have 100% cotton bathrobes and towels, slippers, hairdryers, and Anne Semonin cosmetics.
There is a washer-dryer, a Lavazza coffee machine, air conditioning, an iPad for in-house use, and an iPod station in the living room. There will also be a welcome basket on arrival.
AROUND
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.
LOCATION
Oporto, Portugal. Nearest airport: Sá Carneiro International Airport (15km, 15 to 20 minutes by taxi).
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Year round, though May to October is the best time to enjoy the beaches.
Photo credit: Tiago Casanova
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