Colares, on the Atlantic coast of Portugal, is known for its ability to grow ramisco and malvasia grapes for wine – they’re rooted deep into 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 Portuguese architect Raul Lino, who has designed many historic buildings throughout Portugal, 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. One of its dwellings is the North Casita, a standalone apartment with a free-flowing living area. Surrounded by sea views, it is appointed with rustic-modern furniture handcrafted by a local artisan.
The North Casita 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.
