Casa no Jardim
Hidden amidst a garden on Rua do Almada, Casa no Jardim is an industrial-inspired holiday rental in Porto. As a creative space, it is eclectically decorated with vintage furnishings and local artworks
Because it’s so small, Casa Oporto is like a refuge in a neighbourhood that has retained its authenticity.
Casa Oporto
A rare chance to stay in a house designed by the Pritzker Prize-winning architect Eduardo Souto de Moura.
How would you describe Casa Oporto in a nutshell?
It’s one of the first works by architect Eduardo Souto de Moura that brings together the characteristics of its setting with the contemporary language of design while offering all the details of today’s modern life.
What was the inspiration and story behind Casa Oporto?
I love architecture and (if I could afford it) would love to have a collection of Modernist houses. I’ve always holidayed around art and architecture and when I moved from Lisbon to Porto for work 20 years ago, I had a colleague of Souto de Moura's design my house.
In 2015, this property in Foz went on the market and I decided to buy it. Souto de Moura’s houses are always expensive but as this one was quite small, it was more affordable. We started renting out the house the following year and, just recently, I purchased another Souto de Moura design in Tavira at the Convento Das Bernardas.
What is it that you particularly like about Souto da Moura’s architecture?
I would call Souto da Moura’s architecture Post-Modernism. There are distinct elements of Modernist design but he doesn’t overlook the past or the history of the local region. He combines the language of Modernism with regional influences while incorporating transparencies into all of his designs.
How would you describe the atmosphere at Casa Oporto?
Because it’s so small, Casa Oporto is like a refuge in a neighbourhood that’s retained its authenticity. It was one of the first areas to be settled in Porto and despite becoming one of its most expensive neighbourhoods since the mid-20th century, there’s been continuity in terms of the people who live there. It hasn’t become artificial like some other areas of the city.
Is Casa Oporto suitable for families with children?
It is suitable for families but not for children under 7 years of age because of the stairs. I always check with parents in initial correspondence to make sure they are okay with this and willing to take responsibility.
Casa Oporto is comprised of two separate buildings, which are linked by two interior gardens. The main building was originally constructed as a single-floor fisherman’s house and was completely rebuilt by Souto de Moura. It features two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a kitchen and a living room that all exhibit fine craftsmanship in their marble and woodwork.
A small garden leads to the second building where you’ll find the third bedroom, plus an en-suite bathroom and a small living space. It has a completely different feel from the main building due to the use of glass in the design and because it connects with another small garden.
Here is an overview of the bedrooms:
Garden Loft room: 25 sqm double room with a WC, a small living room and a private garden. There is a queen-size bed (1.60m) or two single beds. Located on the ground floor with a private small garden and entrance.
Double N: 15 sqm double room with a WC. There is a queen-size bed (1.60m). Located on the first floor.
Double S: 15 sqm double room with a WC. There is a small bed (1.40m). Located on the first floor.
Casa Oporto is self-catering but we do leave a few items (a basket of fruits, cake, tea/coffee) for guests when they arrive. Weekly cleaning is included in the rate but we can provide it more frequently on request.
The house is perfectly located to explore the old neighborhood of Foz Velha in the junction of the Douro River and the Atlantic Ocean, and the UNESCO old city of Porto. If you’re into contemporary architecture, then you can’t miss the works of Souto da Moura and Siza Vieira around the city, including the Leça Swimming Pools just to the north in Matosinhos.
Another highlight is the Museu Serralves, which was recently voted as one of the top contemporary galleries in the world. It’s not only the exhibitions that are impressive but also the surrounding park and its views across the sea and river. The main museum was designed by Siza Vieira but there’s also an Art Deco villa in the park that dates from the 1930s and served as the iconic home of Count Carlos Alberto Cabral.
In the medieval part of Porto, I’d highly recommend the churches of São Francisco and Santa Clara, both of which are good examples of the unique Portuguese Baroque style. The Douro Valley is famous for its port wine and there are plenty of opportunities to visit the old cellars and learn about the winemaking process.
Casa Oporto is located in the heart of Foz Velha, a historic seaside district of Porto around 10 minutes by bicycle, tram or bus from the centre of Porto. There are beautiful views of the city if you walk along the river into the centre while the beach is just five minutes on foot. A few minutes walk from the property you’ll find gourmet supermarkets, an organic market, cafes, several very good restaurants along the river and a two-star Michelin restaurant that’s just 30 metres away. Porto is widely considered to be Portugal’s best city for food and there are a number of Michelin Star restaurants, as well as superb seafood.
All the year is good but the best is probably from March until the end of October, with the beach enjoyable from around May onwards.
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