What is the name of your accommodation?

Casa Lorena

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

Joana and I lived for many years abroad, working in high-intensity multinational roles. Those years taught us to value what truly matters: family, connection, and the art of slowing down. We discovered the beauty in seeing life with calm, enjoying small pleasures, and savoring moments that might otherwise pass unnoticed.

Our children, Beatriz and Bernardo, are the heart of our family, inspiring us with their curiosity and joy every day. Together, we follow our passions: cooking, exploring design and architecture, traveling, and sharing moments with friends. We savor the little details, the hidden corners, and the experiences that make life meaningful and memorable.

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

Casa Lorena holds a truly special place in our hearts. As a child, I spent endless summers here—wild races down the hills on a soapbox cart, scraped knees, rose bush scratches, and epic adventures with cousins. Afternoons by the river, playing Indians and Cowboys, chasing the sun until it disappeared behind the trees… every moment was pure freedom. Tomar became more than a place; it became a world of unforgettable memories, laughter, and the kind of joy that stays with you forever. 

The villa’s essence is inseparable from her spirit—a visionary ahead of her time. Independent, curious, and endlessly passionate about design, antiques, local traditions, and the stories embedded in people and objects; she treated the house with extraordinary care. For us, Casa Lorena is deeply special—not only because it holds these cherished childhood memories—but also because it was the true love of her life.

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

This house was conceived through a commission by my great-aunt Lorena to a modernist architect, Fernão Simões de Carvalho, in 1971. He was a distinguished Portuguese architect and urban planner who collaborated with Le Corbusier and A. Wogenscky, and his vision gave life to this unique home, nestled in the heart of the Tomar hills where a branch of the river meets a gentle slope.

Our renovation philosophy was simple yet intentional: honour the original architecture, preserve its spirit, and thoughtfully enhance comfort. The villa’s unique energy, set within such an extraordinary landscape, guided every decision. Naming the project Casa Lorena felt natural, a tribute to her vision and passion. Our aim is to share the house with the world as she would have, creating a space that embodies her spirit and celebrates the life we continue to cultivate here.

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

The villa now promotes a harmony of design, serenity, and intimate connection: spaces for long conversations with family and friends, quiet moments of reflection, or simply contemplating the surrounding nature. It offers a refuge for togetherness or solitude, a place to unwind, recharge, or find inspiration, whether writing a book, dreaming new projects, or simply listening to the whisper of the river and the wind in the pines. Our ambition is to share the house with the world as she would have, creating a space that reflects her spirit and allows the villa to continue its life, proud and vibrant, for all who enter.

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

Every intervention was guided by respect, subtlety, and sustainability, employing natural, living materials while minimizing environmental impact. The goal is to preserve the villa for generations, allowing it to age gracefully, adapt, and evolve over time as if the house were a living entity, shaped by its surroundings and the passage of years.

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

My great-aunt adored welcoming guests, showcasing the house, tending the garden, enjoying its unique views, and curating her collections. My mother, Luisa, the steward of our family legacy, nurtured these roots and passed on to me a deep love for heritage. When the opportunity arose, Joana and I, together with our children, embraced this legacy wholeheartedly.

Casa Lorena was reborn, a tribute to history, nature, and the art of slow living. Every corner tells a story, every view invites reflection, and every stay becomes a moment to savor, connecting past and present in a home that celebrates life, light, and lasting memories.

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.

Guests can expect a stay where architecture meets comfort and every view takes your breath away, especially the one overlooking the river that winds below the villa. The silence, or the gentle music of nature, is everywhere. Scattered across the estate are intimate spaces where one can breathe, read a book, or enjoy a conversation, all within an incredible setting.

Imagine waking up and picking fresh oranges, the scent of figs in the summer air, all accompanied by the comforts of home. This is a space for creating lasting memories with friends, for family gathered around the table, and for experiencing a true sense of freedom. Light floods through the windows, illuminating every corner and making each moment unforgettable.

Our constant goal is for guests to feel completely at home. Everything we do is exactly as we would welcome friends into our own home. This has always been the guiding principle behind this project: opening our aunt’s house to friends, sharing it with warmth, care, and authenticity. The best compliment we’ve received? Guests often say, “I’m coming back, and how lucky you are to have this house.”

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 with a smile and a sense of calm, their minds lighter and their spirits renewed. Here, lingering worries fade, inspiration flows, and every visit feels like a fresh beginning. Our goal is simple: the only concerns should be what’s for the next meal or whether your glass needs refilling. Slow down, wander through the gardens, listen to the music of nature, breathe in the scents of orange and fig, and savor every moment. Let the villa’s light, views, and serenity guide your days and leave feeling truly recharged.