Guests at Quinta do Pinheiro stay in white-washed cottages within touching distance of a swimming pool created from the farm’s water tank. Located on the grounds of a still-working 19th-century agricultural estate, the retreat is set within Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, a protected reserve of beaches, dunes, and salt flats in Portugal’s Algarve.
The property belongs to a Dutch entrepreneurial couple who have become farmers in Portugal—and happen to have great taste. In addition to maintaining the avocado orchard and reestablishing the quinta’s vineyard, they hired esteemed Lisbon firm Frederico Valsassina Arquitectos to turn the existing farmhouse and surrounding structures into two- and three-bedroom guest cottages. The design, starting with the red-painted doors and window frames, draws from the traditions and materials of the region. Join us for a tour of two of the houses.
Photography courtesy of Quinta do Pinheiro (@quinta.pinheiro).
Casa Celeiro
Above: A newly introduced living room niche showcases relics found on the farm: one of the previous owners was a collector who ran his own small museum on the premises.
Casa das Flores
More cottage enclaves that we love:
- One, Two, Three Minimalist Guesthouses on the Coast of Portugal (Pools Included)
- Camptown in Upstate New York: 13 Perfect Summer House Details
- Converted Rail Carriages as Vacation Cabins at Settle in Norfolk, England plus A Lakeside Retreat
Frequently asked questions
Where is Quinta do Pinheiro located?
Quinta do Pinheiro is located within Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, a protected reserve in Portugal's Algarve.
Who are the owners of Quinta do Pinheiro?
Quinta do Pinheiro belongs to a Dutch entrepreneurial couple who have become farmers in Portugal.
Who was hired to design the guest cottages at Quinta do Pinheiro?
The esteemed Lisbon firm Frederico Valsassina Arquitectos was hired to turn the existing farmhouse and surrounding structures into guest cottages.
What materials and traditions did the design of the cottages at Quinta do Pinheiro draw from?
The design of the cottages at Quinta do Pinheiro draws from the traditions and materials of the region, including red-painted doors and window frames.
What are some features of Casa Celeiro at Quinta do Pinheiro?
Casa Celeiro is a converted barn with a living room/kitchen under an exposed rafter ceiling, Santa Catarina floor tiles, and red interior shutters.
What is unique about the kitchens at Quinta do Pinheiro?
Each cottage at Quinta do Pinheiro has a kitchen designed by the architects and built by a local carpentry workshop.
Can the whole property of Quinta do Pinheiro be rented for events?
Yes, the whole property of Quinta do Pinheiro can be rented for events such as weddings and retreats.
Have a Question or Comment About This Post?
Join the conversation