Following Casa no Tempo, Cabanas no Rio and Casas na Areia, Portuguese architect Manuel Aires Mateus has recently transformed an 18th Century building in the historic centre of Lisbon into Santa Clara 1728, an enchanting minimalist hotel with six suites.
Photography © Nelson Garrido
Description from Santa Clara 1728:
The project:
Looking for a place to welcome our friends and guests in Lisbon, we stumbled across an enchanting 18th century building. It is located on one of the most romantic lisbon squares in Alfama, the most traditional and emblematic District of Lisbon. Charmed by the beauty of the place we soon discovered, that we have not only found a place to welcome our guests, but also our new family home.
The house:
The renovation was carried out under the guidance of our good friend Manuel Aires Mateus, just like our other projects (www.casasnaareia.com www.cabananorio.com www.casanotempo.com). Our aim was not only respect the original heritage, but also add serenity and comfort through the purity which defines Manuel Aires Mateus’ architecture. Traditional materials - like the ones used in most of Lisbon’s old Palaces, churches and monuments - such as the Limestone Marble “Lioz” from Sintra, Pine wood floors and handmade Tiles, are the main interior materials used at Santa Clara 1728.
The house now open its doors and welcomes their guests and visitors through a huge portal into a high ceiled entrance hall. A huge moon-shaped lamp, lounge sofas and an antique painting give it a special ambiance. The connected dining room gives place to a six meter long, specially designed oak wood table, offering seat for 20 people. Breakfast and light lunches will be served there, gathering people from different cultures and countries, all at the same table, just like at home ...
There is also a secluded garden to provide moments of quiet relaxation or reading. As a Family House, Santa Clara 1728 is alive with its daily routines, it has a pace, it changes with the seasons of the year, it invites its guests to join in, share its pulse, beauty and charm.
The suites:
Santa Clara 1728 offers 6 spacious suites, consisting of two different types:
Suite Santa Clara has approximately 70 square meters and comprises of a very large bedroom with stunning river views, a wide sitting room and a large bathroom overlooking the garden. This suite accommodates up to 2 adults and 2 children or 3 adults.
Suite Tejo has approximately 50 square meters and comprises of a very large room with river views, a sitting area and a bathroom. This suite accommodates 2 adults.
Interior Design:
The house is furnished and detailed with a delicate touch, thoughtfully embracing our guests' comfort.
Wide beds from B&B Italia/ MaxAalto, designed by Antonio Citerio, with natural cotton mattresses from ALMA Natura, Spain and pillows and blankets made in Portugal. Sofas are all from Living Divanni.
Chairs and tables from Carl Hansen (Designer H.J. Wegner), Denmark.
The very large bathrooms have bathtubs and sinks made out of the Limestone ‘Lioz’. The soft color of this special stone, combined with the Pine wood and white tiles, result in a harmonious and warm atmosphere of well-being.
The illumination of the Interior was personally selected by Davide Groppi (Italian light designer). Some of the best pieces of his collection like the ‘Moon’, ‘Simbiosi’ or ‘Mira R’ provide different and intimate lights in the house.
The generous windows frame the unique brilliance of the Lisbon light which spills over the city and is reflected in the river below.
Source: Santa Clara 1728
