What is the name of your accommodation?

Braciosa

Could you introduce yourself and share a bit about your life, such as your interests, hobbies, or background?

My name is Marta. I’m a designer and a mother of four. My husband is an architect, and together we run an architecture studio based in Lisbon. Our family loves art, music, and nature, and we enjoy being surrounded by family and friends.

How did your property become part of your life? When did it happen, and what inspired or motivated you to take it on?

We were looking for a property to renovate as our countryside home, no more than one hour by car from Lisbon. When we found this place, it was love at first sight. Having been unused for many years, the land offered us, as an architect and a designer, the opportunity to renovate it exactly as we envisioned.

What was the process of creating your property like? Tell us about renovating, furnishing, or styling it.

The renovation of this house was carried out with great respect for the existing structure, and sustainability became the central piece of the entire project. We made use of what was already there, without any extensions, using lime-based mortar to guarantee the breathability of the walls, cork for thermal insulation, a timber structure, and timber-framed windows. It’s a project with no pretensions to show off, where every decision had energy efficiency, financial efficiency, and a thoughtful selection of contemporary materials at its core, following the logic of the decisions made in the past. The corrugated sheet roof is an example of this: a material often associated with something poor or precarious, used here in an elegant and coherent way.

What makes your property truly special to you? Do you have any favorite spots, cherished memories, or personal touches that make it dear to your heart?

We invited family and friends to join us in finishing the renovation, helping with painting, gardening, and carpentry, and their involvement made the house even more special.

How would you describe the atmosphere and interior of your property?

The warm tones of the house stand out and invite relaxation. The décor includes family heirlooms, local handicrafts, and a few pieces of art by Portuguese artists.

Are there any sustainable or eco-friendly applications associated with your property that you are proud of?

Yes, we used lime-based mortar to ensure the walls remain breathable, cork for thermal insulation, a timber structure, and timber-framed windows.

What motivated or inspired you to rent your property to guests?

There's nothing like our home in the area, and we see this as a wonderful way to help keep it well maintained. Sharing it is also part of the way we choose to live.

What can guests expect when staying at your accommodation? Share the experience, the highlights, and perhaps the best compliment you’ve received from past guests.

A true retreat for those seeking to slow down and connect with the tranquility of the countryside. Inside, natural textures create a sense of serenity and coziness.

What do you hope guests will take away from their stay, and do you have any special tips or recommendations to make their holiday unforgettable?

We hope guests leave feeling more connected with nature and truly refreshed. They can take walks around the surrounding area, relax by the pool, and enjoy a place where they can escape everyday life.