Before we dive into the details, could you briefly introduce yourself and any family members and share the name(s) of your accommodation(s)?

”We really want everyone that comes to Comporta to fall in love,” says Joana Bastos Gomes, who, along with her husband João, owns Pura Comporta House, an architecturally designed holiday escape located an hour south of Portugal’s capital, Lisbon. We are a family of 5, Francisco 8 years old, Carlota 5 years old and Mateus 2 years old, living in Lisbon.

We would love to share a bit about you as a person with our customers. Would you like to tell us more about yourself?

Joana is the proud owner of Portugal Jewels, a jewelry brand (https://www.portugaljewels.com/), and she enjoys exploring new destinations with her family to create cherished memories with her children and husband. Additionally, she shares a deep passion for architecture with her husband. Following their successful venture, Pura Comporta, they are already contemplating their next exciting project.

When and in what way did this property come into your life and what motivated you to make it a part of your life?

We embarked on this dream in 2017, captivated by a plot of land as we stood there with our little son. Now, four years and two more children later, every evening, the five of us gather for dinner, marveling at the breathtaking beauty of the sunset from our home overlooking the Ocean and the Serra da Arrábida coastline.

Can you tell us more about the process of renovating and furnishing your property?

Renowned Portuguese architect João Pedro Falcão de Campos is behind the design of Pura Comporta. Joana and her husband worked with the accomplished architect on their private home in 2011 and didn’t hesitate to engage the Falcão de Campos studio to lead their beach house project. “We love the attention to detail and how everything matters and is so consistent,” says Joana. She admires the architect’s ability to design contextual buildings that respond to the surroundings. “We were aiming for an architectural design inspired by the Alentejo houses with tiled gable rooflines and white walls,” says Joana, describing the region’s traditional village style. “This house could only exist on this plot in Comporta.”

On a personal level, what makes your property truly special for you? Any standout memories or moments that make it dear to your heart?

"Our guests are wowed by the architecture, the quality of the interiors, and the serenity of the surroundings,” says Joana. The jeweller and her husband live in Lisbon full time but stay at Pura Comporta when they need to unwind. “During the summer, our days are mainly spent between the beach and pool, with amazing sunset dinners and long night talks.” The ‘off-season’ sounds just as dreamy. “In winter, when the weather allows (which fortunately is very often), we have long lunches at beach restaurants, cycle around, or explore the Alentejo countryside, visiting Évora City or Monsaraz Village,” Joana shares.

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

Fresh, oceanic breezes flow across the villa’s interiors. Timber floating shelves span the living space to the kitchen, creating a calming sense of continuity. The warm wood tones repeat in the furniture, much of which has been handcrafted by Portuguese woodworkers. “We are fortunate enough to live in Portugal where there are great artisans,” says Joana. She also champions local craftspeople and native traditions through the jewellery company she established with her brother, Portugal Jewels. In meeting the makers, she says, you gain a deeper understanding of their creative process, ethics, and approach to sustainability. “Proximity makes everything more authentic,” the conscientious business owner enthuses. Alongside the bespoke beds and tables, midcentury design classics such as The Spanish Chair by Børge Mogensen and sleek lighting by Fritz Hansen add to the style credentials of Pura Comporta. Moments of texture add depth to the clean canvas of white walls and floors and Portuguese marble benchtops. The shelves are decorated with ceramics by Grau Ceramica from Lisbon, and the beds are dressed in linen by the Portuguese textile company, Lameirinho. Woven natural rugs from The Dharma Door play into the clean, beachy aesthetic.

Which part of your property do you love the most, and why?

The suspended decked terrace overlooking rural fields over which you can also enjoy spectacular ocean sunsets and extended views all the way to the Serra da Arrábida coastline and hear the ocean waves.

What makes the location where your accommodation is located unique and special?

Pura Comporta sits on a sandy hill straddled by dunes and green floodplains on a wild stretch of Portugal’s west coast known as the Alentejo. Rice farmers, fishermen, and salt makers have worked in the region for centuries. Canals criss-cross lush rice fields, and flamingos and storks pepper the wetlands. Described in travel guides as a pristine secret paradise, Comporta and its surroundings are covered by environmental protection laws and remain resistant to urbanisation. Barefoot walks and bike rides are the best modes of transport in this languid part of the world where slowness is embraced. Comporta has been a private refuge for the rich and famous for decades, and the boho-chic vibe prevails. Surfers, horse riders, and sun-worshipers dot the neverending stretches of sandy coastline. Casual beach restaurants and bars serve freshly caught seafood and spritzy cocktails, enjoyed while sinking your toes into fine white sand. “Where Pura Comporta is located - just a five-minute walk to Pego Beach - the atmosphere is calm and conducive to rest. Only the snaps of the storks’ beaks break the silence,” says Joana.

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

Natural materials used in the house and the simplicity of Comporta region.

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

Our guests are wowed by the architecture, the quality of the interiors, and the serenity of the surroundings.

Can you paint a vivid picture of the overall experience someone can expect when staying at your property?

The days at Pura Comporta are sun-drenched, blissfully barefooted, and endlessly restorative.

In what ways does your property stand out from others? What unique features or characteristics make it a one-of-a-kind experience for guests?

Pura Comporta is located - just a five-minute walk to the most well-known Pego Beach - the atmosphere is calm and conducive to rest. Only the snaps of the storks’ beaks break the silence.

Can you share the best compliment you've received from a guest?

You can read reviews from some of the families who have previously stayed with us at the following link: REVIEWS: https://tinyurl.com/4rmypjz5.

Do you have any recommendations for guests to fully enjoy their holiday? Your valuable tips will be featured on your accommodation's page!

Daily breakfast can be prepared at the house by our dedicated housekeeper. The breakfast includes items such as bread, eggs, cheese, ham, orange juice, milk, and coffee. Our housekeeper is also available for babysitting or assistance during meal times upon request, and she consistently provides excellent service.

We are more than happy to assist you in organizing various activities, including bicycle rentals, yoga and surf classes, horseback riding, boat rentals, dolphin watching, wine tasting, massages in the house, etc.