Colares, on the Atlantic coast of Portugal, is known for its ability to grow ramisco and malvasia grapes for wine – they’re rooted deep in the sandy soil, protected from the salty winds. At the foot of the Sintra Mountains, it’s an under-an-hour scenic drive to Lisbon, UNESCO Heritage Sintra or Cascais.
Within Colares is the whitewashed village of Azenhas do Mar, and just outside it is Casa das Arribas, perched on the cliffs and overlooking the craggy coast from Cabo de Roca to Ericeira. This villa in Portugal was built in the 1940s as a family estate by renowned architect Raul Lino, who has designed many historic buildings throughout the country, like the Moorish-style Casa de Santa Maria in Cascais or the neoclassical Tivoli Theatre in Lisbon.
The owners of Casa das Arribas carefully renovated the building and converted it into apartments. This unique one-bedroom apartment combines modern design with the cosy look and feel of original wooden details. The layout has been rearranged and original rock walls exposed. Around the freestanding stairs is a lofty gallery, connecting the upstairs bedroom with the downstairs living space and kitchen where a large glass wall opens to the private, east-facing terrace. Perfect spot? Swaying in the hammock outside the living room doors.
The apartment shares amenities with the rest of the property, and includes access to the 9,000 sqm garden, pool and tennis court. The wellness menu extends to a Finnish sauna, and a hot and cold plunge pool.
It’s all to say that Casa das Arribas is the beach house of Portuguese summer dreams.
