Just one hour south of Lisbon and nestled within the unspoiled land of Mentmor o Novo, Alentejo Portugal, lies the newly renovated family farm of João and Andreia Rodrigues. The property, consisting of nearly 1000 acres of vast golden plains peppered with ponds and shaded by olive and oak trees, has been in the family for years and it was the couple’s desire to link past generations with future through the creation of a “Casa no Tempo” – a “Timeless Home”.
Designed in collaboration with famed Portuguese architect Manuel Aires Mateus, the fruits of the team’s labor bore a low-lying, modern, minimal structure infused with elements of its regional past. The owners’ primary goal for the home was to maintain a strong connection with the land – a goal achieved by outfitting each room with expansive windows that stretch through to the floor. Floors were paved in a rustic, local clay block, lying in stark contrast to the pristine, white architecture. Furthering this play in contrast – the living spaces and four bedroom suites are outfitted in a combination of contemporary white upholstery, bedding and furnishings juxtaposed against simple, locally made wood furnishings. And outside… outside lies a sculptural 400 sq meter swimming pool surrounded by unblemished Portuguese countryside as far as the eye can see.
Casa no Tempo is available for guest stays year round, with pricing beginning at 500€/day with a minimum stay of three days in off season (September – May).
Photography by Nelson Garrido