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. The Ocean Saloon is the largest, and is recommended for couples and families with up to two children. Located close to the cliff, it enjoys unobstructed ocean views.
The spacious master bedroom features a high domed ceiling and faces the ocean to the west. The second bedroom has walls lined with original handmade blue and white tiles, and looks out over the private east patio.
The living room is defined by the original open fireplace and its iconic high painted-wood ceiling. Seven glass doors open onto the ocean-facing terrace, and a freestanding bathtub is a delightful treat. Handmade wooden furniture, created by artisan and neighbor Glen Samuel Friedman, strikes a balance between rustic and modern.
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.
