Pa.te.os
WHERE MINIMALIST LUXURY MEETS NATURAL BEAUTY
Photography by Francisco Nogueira
Alentejo's Hidden Gem
Nestled in the heart of Portugal's Alentejo region lies an idyllic haven, cherished by local holidaymakers in search of tranquil moments amidst sprawling vineyards, cork farms, enchanting hamlets, and vast, unspoiled beaches that seem to stretch on endlessly. Alentejo's unhurried ambiance has also ensnared the hearts of slow travel aficionados, those seeking an alternative to the bustling Algarve. Yet, one might argue it's almost too popular, judging by the luxurious hotels, stylish villas, and chic beach clubs that have sprouted up in the past decade around the charming town of Comporta. Fortunately, for the discerning traveler, Alentejo still retains its serene, unspoiled essence, providing a seamless escape from the frenetic pace of daily life, a place where one can surrender to the allure of simplicity. This is the very essence that hoteliers Sofia and Miguel Charters of Primosfera envisioned when they conceived "Pa.te.os," a collection of four distinct holiday houses nestled near the picturesque village of Melides.
Concrete Oasis
Conceived as quintessential homes away from home, these concrete dwellings, artfully designed by renowned Portuguese architect Manuel Aires Mateus, are strategically positioned between the pastoral countryside and the beckoning shoreline. These houses, featuring a series of picturesque courtyards or "pátios" in Portuguese, which lend their name to the project, seamlessly blend privacy with an intimate connection to the surrounding landscape. Here, a symphony of pine forests, olive groves, and vineyards harmoniously coexist with the grandeur of the Atlantic Ocean. While exuding stark minimalism in architecture and embracing a soothingly ascetic aesthetic, an inviting warmth permeates thanks to the artisanal craftsmanship of local carpenters, stucco artisans, and stonemasons, as well as personal flourishes like carefully curated artworks and handpicked books, all selected with care by the owners themselves. Whether one gazes through the thoughtfully framed vistas of the surrounding nature from within or beholds the sweeping ocean panoramas from the communal swimming pool that seems to hover above the coastal expanse, "Pa.te.os" revels in the untamed beauty of Alentejo while nurturing an atmosphere of tranquility and contemplation.
Bridging Past and Present
Courtyards, deeply rooted in the region's architectural heritage dating back to the Romans and Arabs, serve multifaceted purposes. They shield from the relentless sun, promote natural cooling, and enhance the microclimate of the property. In rural settings, courtyards serve as the bridge between the interior and the majesty of nature itself. Thus, it was imperative for Sofia and Miguel to incorporate these elements into the houses' design while infusing a contemporary sensibility that reflects their modern vision of hospitality.
In response to this, Mateus applied a minimalist architectural vocabulary characterized by clean lines and elegant geometric forms. He conceived four identical, house-shaped concrete enclosures, each housing a unique arrangement of indoor and outdoor spaces. These properties are oriented in different directions to ensure uninterrupted panoramas, with a triangular infinity pool at the epicenter. The result? Angular volumes that form a series of sculptural installations, mirroring the undulating landscape—an architectural testament, as Mateus describes it, to "ruins lost in time."
Serenity and Simplicity
Whether a one-bedroom retreat or a more spacious three-bedroom haven, all four properties share an intimate connection between the natural and the human-made. They achieve this through meticulously framed vistas, artisanal natural materials, and expansive glass patio doors that, when open, seamlessly erase the boundary between interior and exterior.
Rooted in a muted palette of earthy tones, the interiors echo the minimalist architectural ethos with a blend of cast concrete, untouched plaster, and natural oak finishes. Scandinavian and Italian furnishings maintain the unadorned elegance. "With no hidden tricks," Sofia and Miguel emphasize, "Pa.te.os" embraces the authenticity of materials without compromising comfort and functionality. The soulful simplicity of the interiors mirrors the owners' appreciation for life's uncomplicated pleasures, as evident in the chosen artworks: petite kinetic sculptures adorn the bedrooms, while Portuguese artist Olga Sanina created four large paintings, one for each living room, using foliage collected from the property.
Complementing the meticulously designed serenity of "Pa.te.os" are indoor wood-burning stoves and al fresco showers, underscoring the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. Additional amenities such as freshly prepared breakfasts, a curated selection of local wines, and on-demand massage treatments and yoga sessions embrace the ethos of slow living. Finally, a custom-made fragrance by British perfumer Lyn Harris completes the sensory experience, capturing the essence of Alentejo with its sea breezes and aromatic pine trees.
