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Cucumbi: A Rustic Guest House in Portugal, Suited for Autumn

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Natural DecorIssue 39 — Global Warming

Cucumbi: A Rustic Guest House in Portugal, Suited for Autumn

October 9, 2019

If you needed another reason to visit Portugal, here’s one: Cucumbi, a four-room, three-apartment guest house on an organic farm, run by husband and wife Catarina and ToZé, and just opened a few months ago. But you’ll have to venture a bit to find it. The house, which formerly belonged to the couple’s family, is located in the rural village of Barrancão where, the couple reports on the guest house website, “once a week they have a public transportation to the city, three times a week the baker delivers some bread.”

Inside are rustic, earth-toned interiors left sparse—white walls, concrete floors, simple linens and natural textures, artful gatherings of dried leaves, and unexpectedly oversized light fixtures—all designed by Lisbon-based Sofia Albuquerque. Join us for a look.

Photography by Sanda Vuckovic via Cucumbi.

The guest house kitchen, with sculptural white shelves, a wood-plank table, and a tangle of dried leaves hung above. (For a similar autumnal look, see Bringing in the Sheaves: Harvest Table Inspiration from Caro of Somerset.)
Above: The guest house kitchen, with sculptural white shelves, a wood-plank table, and a tangle of dried leaves hung above. (For a similar autumnal look, see Bringing in the Sheaves: Harvest Table Inspiration from Caro of Somerset.)
Shelves hold stacks of cream and terra cotta-colored dinnerware.
Above: Shelves hold stacks of cream and terra cotta-colored dinnerware.
In another simple kitchen, a cabinet is fitted with linen skirt. Also on hand: a hand broom and woven trivet.
Above: In another simple kitchen, a cabinet is fitted with linen skirt. Also on hand: a hand broom and woven trivet.
Bundles of dried flowers and stems make for a sweet vignette above a dining table.
Above: Bundles of dried flowers and stems make for a sweet vignette above a dining table.
The guest house is located on an organic farm; breakfast (perhaps with fresh-laid eggs from the couple&#8
Above: The guest house is located on an organic farm; breakfast (perhaps with fresh-laid eggs from the couple’s chickens) is included.
A wood stove anchors—and warms—a living area; a basket keeps logs close by.
Above: A wood stove anchors—and warms—a living area; a basket keeps logs close by.
In keeping with the guest house&#8
Above: In keeping with the guest house’s organic ethos, living areas are kept spare, with natural-fiber rugs, palettes of whites and earth tones, and low-slung, no-fuss furniture.
Logs double as decor.
Above: Logs double as decor.
Another lounge area has original exposed-brick walls and a tucked-away wood stove.
Above: Another lounge area has original exposed-brick walls and a tucked-away wood stove.
Guest rooms are kept neutral, too, with pressed-flower prints and thick blankets.
Above: Guest rooms are kept neutral, too, with pressed-flower prints and thick blankets.
A mohair throw and oversized woven pendant add texture to another bedroom.
Above: A mohair throw and oversized woven pendant add texture to another bedroom.
Among the guest house &#8
Above: Among the guest house “amenities” are all-organic products, fishing, hiking, and walks to the on-site greenhouse.
Fieplace at Cucumbi Guest House in Portugal
Bedroom at Cucumbi Guest House in Portugal
Above: Details in the guest rooms, where branches are hung in lieu of closets. (For more, see The New Rusticity: 11 DIY Ways to Use Branches Indoors.)
A wood ledge extends sink-side space in one of the baths. Note the rustic pendant light, too.
Above: A wood ledge extends sink-side space in one of the baths. Note the rustic pendant light, too.
Not pictured: the guest house pool.
Above: Not pictured: the guest house pool.

Follow @cucumbihotel on Instagram for more. And check out a few more favorite properties in Portugal:

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