Casa Cortiça

Once a simple cork warehouse, the house has kept its original structure and industrial spirit while meeting modern energy standards. The walls are insulated with cork, the roofs have been reinforced and the entire building was designed with sustainability in mind, which is why it now proudly carries an A energy rating.

Set in the heart of a medieval town that has remained virtually unchanged for five centuries, the villa offers direct access to history. Just a few steps away, the summer medieval festival brings the streets to life, and a visit to the Moorish castle or the Roman bridge feels like a journey into the past.

The décor of Casa Cortiça brings together modern design and natural materials. The wooden floors draw inspiration from Scandinavian style, and the light colours and soft textures create a calming atmosphere throughout the house. In the kitchen, the locally crafted Amsterdam table adds a Portuguese touch to a piece with Dutch roots.

Art is present in every room. Most works are by Erik de Bruin, an artist based in the Algarve, while a playful fried egg painting by Tjalf Sparnaay brightens the kitchen. Each bedroom has its own bathroom with a walk in shower and organic Egyptian cotton linens, and the top floor suite includes a Finnish sauna for complete relaxation.

« We wanted guests to feel the well being, comfort and warmth of the house from the moment they arrive, without ever losing sight of its history », says Marissa.