Casa Luum

If there was ever a combination of colors to evoke instant vacation vibes, this architect’s villa in the Algarve is where we would find it. Whitewashed walls frame the semi-open pool with turquoise water, surrounded by nothing but endless blue sky and the green of olive, almond and cork trees. It’s quite possible that guests get into the vacation flow so quickly that they forget to unpack their suitcases. This is an extremely good sign, because switching off and slowing down really does come naturally in this place. Where once there was just a ruin at the end of a country lane, there now stands an extraordinary, ultra-modern house with interwoven structures—created by the architects Pedro Domingos Arquitectos from Lisbon, who have won many architectural awards and who also designed the neighboring sister property Casa Agostos. The geometric building, which extends over two floors, is characterized by clear lines and minimalist design with white walls and concrete floors. Casa Luum with its four bedrooms is completely surrounded by nature and designed to open up to it in all directions and on all levels: Through large windows and doors, several terraces and an inner courtyard. The rooms are spacious and minimalist. The interior is decorated in earthy colors. Wood and textiles made from natural materials create a warm atmosphere. All of the rooms offer a wonderful panoramic view of the nature reserve. And if you’ve just arrived from those climes where it’s rather gray and rainy, you’ll need a few days to fully arrive and realize that it’s not just all a really nice dream.

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• How harmoniously the villa blends in with its natural surroundings, creating a free and airy outdoor feeling inside too
• The whitewashed concrete staircase that leads from the roof terrace directly to the pool in the courtyard. There’s no more stylish way to dive in!
• The natural stone used for the pool, kitchen worktops, sinks and benches is stunningly simple and of high quality.
• The beautiful ceramics, pottery and blankets produced by the interior design label Casa Cubista in Olhão, as well as the wooden furniture handmade in the neighborhood
• So much emphasis is placed on sustainability at Casa Luum through the use of solar energy and high-quality insulation for natural heating and cooling.
• The gardens were created by Sigmetum, a Lisbon-based landscape gardening company, using seeds of wild plants from the region to showcase the beauty of the area. Amateur chefs are welcome to help themselves to the herbs and other aromatic plants in the garden!
• The house offers plenty of space for all occasions and requirements, both indoors and outdoors.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• The house has four bedrooms and is suitable for six people; two shower rooms are available.
• Both accommodations—Casa Luum and Casa Agostos—which are not far from each other can be rented together, perfect for days together in a larger group. Casa Agostos offers space for six people in three bedrooms.
• On the first floor, there is a fully equipped kitchen with a large cooking island and a dining area with access to the terrace, ideal for al fresco dining. On the second floor is the living room with fireplace.
• Towels, beach towels and bed linen are available for an additional fee and are changed weekly; Aesop care products are provided.
• The house can be booked on a weekly basis from Saturday to Saturday.
• A baby bed is available in the accommodation, but the house is recommended for children aged six and over due to the stairs having no banister.
• Sand between your toes? Fresh back from the beach, you’ll be glad of the outdoor showers to rinse the little grains off your skin.
• Feeling adventurous? Some of Portugal’s best golf courses are only 10 to 15 minutes away by car. The area is famous for its wineries so a wine tasting is definitely a good idea.
• The nearest village is Santa Bárbara de Nexe, four-and-a-half kilometers away, where you’ll find shops and a few bars and restaurants. Faro airport is just 15 kilometers away.
• Some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, suitable for both swimming and surfing, are only 20 minutes away.
• There are many ways of experiencing nature here: Cycling, hiking or bird watching in the Ria Formosa Nature Park, a boat trip to go fishing, and kayaking and canoeing tours. At night, the clear view offers a view of the night sky that almost rivals a planetarium.
• Tranquility and seclusion can be found here, but there’s also the opportunity to immerse yourself in everyday Portuguese life: The peaceful town of Almancil and Faro, the capital of the Algarve, are not far away. A visit to Loulé’s historic market hall is also an experience worth having.