Standing out in contrast to the earthy rural environment, this striking holiday home in Portugal is defined by beautiful geometric block forms, spare clean lines and pristine whites.
Set within an expansive nature reserve in the hills of Faro and surrounded by acres of olive groves and peaceful countryside, the bleached structures form a series of interrelated living areas following the fundamental principles of contemporary Alentejano architecture.
Designed by internationally-renowned Portuguese architect Pedro Domingos, this modern installation employs a fresh, selective approach to minimalism and simplicity.
Expansive and bright, with simple understated luxuries and smart, minimalist decor including locally made ceramics, pottery and blankets by Casa Cubista in Olhao, each of the living areas are bright airy spaces punctuated with multiple windows and angles that capture and reflect the natural light.
The living room features a fireplace designed in 1965 by architects Alfonso Mila and Federico Correa surrounded by lounge areas next to the eat-in kitchen with both indoor and outdoor dining areas.
With four large bedrooms and two full baths, the house sleeps six comfortably and is family friendly. Each bedroom features private terrace access in peace and privacy. The house has also integrated many eco and sustainable practices such as solar energy and high grade insulation to heat and cool naturally.
The gardens were designed by Sigmetum, botanical architects based in Lisbon, who have collected and cultivated wild seeds, encouraging and protecting native species found throughout the region. The lovely sheltered pool features shaded lounge areas and there’s a fantastic rooftop terrace for dining, lounging and star gazing.
This peaceful retreat offers the best of sophisticated living with laid back country charms.
Find out nearby property Villa Agosto here.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
High speed wifi throughout. Weekly housekeeping (€75) and laundry facilities. Ample parking.
AROUND
The villa is located a few minutes from the picturesque village of Santa Barbara de Nexe in the Alentejo Province just 50 km from the Spanish border and within a short distance to the coast and downtown Faro.
Seville is just an hour and half away and Lisbon is just over a two hour drive. Locally the town of Loule and the beautiful city of Tavira are within a short drive and the beaches of Almancil are just twenty minutes as is the coastal nature reserve of Rio Formosa. Other points of interest include: Evora, Flor do Crato, Ilha Deserta, Silves, Monchique, Sagres, Troia, Praia da Marinha, Vale do Lobo, and Quinta do Lago.
LOCATION
Faro Province, Portugal. Nearest Airport Faro International
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through Fall are high season in the Algarve region with cool winter off seasons where the focus turns away from sun and sand, but it’s nevertheless a lovely year round destination.
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Jeremy, June 18, 2019
What a fabulous experience we had in this gem of a house. Time melted away with the purity of materials and careful framing of the environment.
Jeremy
Maria Guedes, May 15, 2019
Casa Luum is so beautiful and peaceful we didn’t want to go anywhere else while staying there (we did, but the best moments were at home). The kids loved the pool and how the house had so many little corners to explore, and we loved the peace and quiet (and of corse the amazing exterior and interior design) . Every room was so beautiful it was an experience in itself – the kitchen, the living room, the outdoor shower, the rooftop. Looking forward to coming back really soon. Lovely experience and the nicest people. Thank you for the wine and coffee, as well as all the amazing restaurant tips.
Maria Guedes
Kristien & Ian, September 30, 2018
Casa Luum is without doubt the most stunning house we have holidayed in to date. It is at one with its beautiful setting and surrounding countryside; a credit to owner Kristoff and his architect. Simply and elegantly furnished with the same attention to detail that we had already experienced in its sister property and neighbour, Casa Agostos, several years back. Remote and deliciously secluded yet still only a short drive from magnificent beaches, the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve (a must!), with plentiful spots to visit and restaurants to enjoy.
The perfect first-day welcome in the capable hands of Fred plus we were luck enough to meet our hosts. Kristoff, it was a pleasure and your passion for the Casa Luum project is infectious. We’re on board!
Kristien & Ian
Marlis Ritter, August 29, 2018
I doubted whether I should place a comment on “Casa Luum” – not to let out the secret but I decided differently as my heart speaks out loud – still under the spell of our unforgettable stay. Do not know where to start the praise – is it the location? (isolated, impossible to find by GPS) or the moonlit sky? (no artificial light pollution all around except the lit trees in the meadow and the lit pool) the design furniture? (Hay, Artemide, Eames chairs, Grashopper Lamp /Greta Grossman, Acapulco Chairs to name but a few) so many places to daydream and relax – a daily fight over the hammock – design kitchen to die for (as was the food we prepared) roaming the markets each morning – returning home with our treasures, aperitif on the roof terrace, – squid,fish,lamb … all that is on offer in Cockaigne=Portugal. 1/2 hour drive to stunning beaches (deserted in July !!!) Nele the house manager does any effort to please the guests – the music system can be connected to your I-Phone I-pad or whatever tablet and we danced away the night to our own tunes. Cannot praise it highly enough
Eye Candy wherever you address your eyes to
Big Tx
Marlis Ritter
Wim, August 8, 2018
Without any doubt, the most beautiful house we ever stayed in: the architecture and decoration of the house are (close to) perfect, the pool is a gem (with the beautiful stairway), the roof terrace a dream (watching the starred roof above your head from there is a delight) and the outdoor shower a treat. Communication with owner Kristoff was swift and easy and some first teething problems (we were one of the first guest staying in the house) were dealt with very professionally. And his tips for restaurants, shops and outings were all great. The only thing that we missed, was a bit of shadow above the outside table, at the hottest moment of the day. Of course this all comes at a price, but it’s really worth it: we had an unforgettable stay. We would surely want to come back once.
Lodewijk, Nico, Ann, Els, Korneel and Wim, from Belgium
Wim
Antwerp, Belgium