Casa Melides

Tucked into the rolling cork‐oak hills of the Alentejo, Casa Melides is a 540 m² modern
villa conceived as an artist’s retreat. Designed by the owner’s mother—an architect who
spent a decade sourcing the perfect olive‐grove perch—the home reads as a series of clean,
orthogonal volumes clad in pale lime render. Floor‐to‐ceiling glazing dissolves edges
between interior and exterior, inviting the shifting hues of dawn and dusk into living,
dining and studio spaces.
Inside, a restrained palette of honed concrete floors, white walls and bleached oak joinery
anchors an eclectic art collection, showcasing Portuguese and international works. The
master suite unfolds as a private pavilion, with its own living room, office and direct pool
access; nearby, three double bedrooms and a detached studio suite extend the villa’s
minimalist ethos. A central courtyard frames views of a 14×9 m pool, while on the upper
level a yoga and playroom overlooks the landscape. Throughout, bespoke furniture, hand‐
woven textiles and an emphasis on natural light foster an atmosphere of calm
contemplation.