Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Eduardo Souto de Moura, this holiday home in Portugal was completed in 1995 and was inspired by traditional architecture of the eastern Algarve with a modernists' take on the classic country house.
Illustrating Souta de Moura's dramatic but simple aesthetic as well as the utilitarian aspects of living spaces and landscapes, it's lived-in and real, with a naturally adaptive response to the traditional Algarve architecture.
The house in the words of the 2011 Pritzker Prize jury, “has a unique ability to convey seemingly conflicting characteristics — power and modesty, bravado and subtlety, bold authority and a sense of intimacy at the same time."
A versatile space that is stylish without being flashy, the home reveals the spirit and heritage of the Algarve. Now you can call it home.

Set within the coastal pine forests of the Ria Formosa National Park just outside of Tavira, the house is composed of clean lines and whitewashed box forms, interrupted only by slide away glass that reveal the sights and the sounds of nature and the wind from the Atlantic.

Distributed in just three ground floor areas, the east facing rooms welcome in the filtered morning light through the garden doors, with lovely views of Ria Formosa and the sea.  

The living spaces keep it casual and stylish with a loose mix of contemporary pieces, locally sourced textiles and furnishings, and a crisp, uncomplicated palette of color and form. 

With three double bedrooms, the house can accommodate up to six guests. 

Surrounded by grassy lawns, and national forest land, you'll have the best of the Algarve brought to you by an architect who knows it best.

THE RIA FORMOSA COAST

The property is surrounded by rolling countryside, salt pans, characterful fishing ports and the Ria Formosa coastline that sweeps south to Spain. The town of Tavira, on the river Gilao, is known for its Roman bridge and outdoor amphitheater, shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.  Ria Formosa national park is a lovely and protected stretch of wetlands and lagoons that features an ever changing diversity of flora and fauna and extends over thirty five miles. The outlying islands of Armona, Culatra, Farol and Deserta make great days trips and can be reached by ferry or water taxi.

Dating back to Roman times, nearby Olhao just east of Faro, is the Algarve's main fishing port where the extensive waterways and coastal bounty remain a vibrant and sustainable part of the local community. Don't miss the daily fish market (designed by Gustave Eiffel) and the Saturday market along the waterfront (which also supplies the many local restaurants) for some of the best seafood in the world. 

The old town has risen from disrepair and neglect in recent years and has undergone a cultural renaissance of sorts, attracting a creative and artsy crowd that have set about restoring the architectural mix of Moorish influences and the grandeur of the early manor houses. The area has thankfully escaped the more touristy beach destinations and crowds although there is over one hundred twenty-five miles of coastline and beaches just a short drive away including Praia de Tomates and Praia da Falesia.

Other local towns worth visiting include the charming fishing village of Fuseta, Santa Luzia and Santa Catarina.

LOCATION

Tavira, Portugal. Nearest Airport: Faro International (28km)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Year round