Portugal. To fall in love with.
It’s bohemian, vibrant and full of live. Whereever you look, there is a new source of inspiration which applies also to those incredible hideaways I had the chance to discover. Such as the eco friendly agriculture luxury farm São Lourenço do Barrocal, a hidden treasure with whitewashed cottages, vineyards, olive groves, an organic vegetable garden and an orchard in the heart of the Alentejo whispering untold adventures and a 200 year old family saga. Pritzker award-winning Eduardo Souto de Moura responsible for the quiet and distinct architecture created a true gem. It serves simple farm to table plates, but top quality using ingredients grown on its 778 ha estate where wild horses, cattle, fox and genet roam free and happy. The sun sets, the wine tastings start, the shadows grow longer and I just could not be happier to be here. It is a true green and sustainable sanctuary which does not oblige you to engage whatsoever but offering silence and rest if you wish. The quiet and unpretentious interior design by Lisbon architect and interior designer Ana Anahory reveals an honest identity with the region’s culture. There are cottages with high ceilings and spacy suites all with their own terraces overlooking the surrounding nature. Handmade rugs from the village Reguengos de Monsaraz keeps the cultural legacy of Alentejo rugs alive, but also offers a new perspective regarding such a rich tradition. Kitchen ceramics are equally handmade from the local village.
And when night falls I walk barefoot over the warm terracotta tiles; then further out towards the vineyards, looking at the rising moon, the shy wild horses and feel what it means to be alive.