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 for rent 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 South Wing is in a privileged spot, just two steps away from the communal pool. Its interiors are filled with handmade wooden furniture created for the property by artisan and neighbor Glen Samuel Friedman. The original terracotta floors, the wood ceilings and the corner fireplace create a cozy space that’s perfect for up to four guests. The living room and bedroom have unobstructed views of the sea to the west.
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.
