Cover The high ceilings give the house a lofty vibe
The high ceilings give the house a lofty vibe
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Located at the foot of the Aire and Candeeiros mountains, Maison Amarande’s Casa Alcanena seamlessly blends the elegant interiors of the house with the charms of the Portuguese countryside
Ensconced in picturesque Serra de Santo António in Portugal, at the foot of the Aire and Candeeiros mountains, are a number of urbanites seeking to reconcile their city and rural lifestyles with homes set amid the beguiling landscape.
One such example of these inhabitants is a discerning Belgian-Portuguese couple who divides their lives between the city and the countryside. The couple commissioned Lisbon-based studio Maison Amarande to reimagine an existing house as a sanctuary that would suit their sophisticated tastes, and the result is Casa Alcanena.
The designers left the fundamental layout of the house, which spans an impressive 3,767 sq ft, intact. However, every interior space was reinvented and rejuvenated to reflect the clients’ desire for comfort, tranquillity, and a seamless connection with nature.
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A wall painted in a bold hue serves to visually link the first floor with the mezzanine level
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To this end, most of the design inspiration came from the surrounding landscape of olive groves. “We wanted to create a dialogue between the interior of the house and the expansive olive-grove landscape by selecting natural materials and a specific colour palette,” explains Laurence Beysecker, Maison Amarande’s creative director.
A central axis to the scheme was conceptualised at the very beginning. “On our first visit to the house, we immediately thought that the two high open floors needed to articulate around a focal point, so we decided to create a wall block painted in a strong colour in the centre of the house,” recalls Beysecker.
Above The built-in sofa features a pinewood base and large cushions upholstered in a comfortable looped wool fabric
The built-in sofa features a pinewood base and large cushions upholstered in a comfortable looped wool fabric
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A bespoke fireplace adorned with burnt wood planks, treated using the Japanese shou sugi ban technique, takes centre stage in the living room. It is complemented by a plush velvet sofa from Desmedido and linen curtains that imbue the space with intimacy and warmth.
Up on the mezzanine, a multifunctional area comprising an office, gym and relaxation haven is bathed in natural light. Here, a pinewood countertop offers a commanding view of the mountains, framed by the glow of a Stûv fireplace. This space was specifically designed to meet the clients’ purposes: “The house is more than a weekend or a holiday house, as the owners divide their time between Lisbon and the countryside, and work remotely from there,” says Beysecker.
Above A sofa from Desmedido and a rug from Soufiane Zarib bring tactility to the living room
A sofa from Desmedido and a rug from Soufiane Zarib bring tactility to the living room
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In the kitchen, a symphony of textures unfolds around a magnificent island topped with Rainforest Green marble, juxtaposed against walls awash in the soothing Brutus green hue from Mercadier. Simple yet elegant oak stools and Long John pendant lamps from Rubn Lighting add a touch of refinement.
Each bedroom exudes understated luxury, with open closets adorned in hues that mirror the warmth of the surrounding landscape. “In each bedroom, we created a small open closet with a cabinet and a bench painted in the same colour as the walls, with a wool cushion made by Burel Factory,” says Beysecker. Pinewood headboards and bespoke cork rugs from Sugo Cork Rugs complete the sophisticated tableau.
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Above The deep-green mosaics of the swimming pool and the sandy-toned terracotta tiles mirror the home’s surrounding environment beautifully
The deep-green mosaics of the swimming pool and the sandy-toned terracotta tiles mirror the home’s surrounding environment beautifully
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The favoured palette of natural materials is particularly evident in the outdoor spaces, where lush green mosaics lend a refreshing ambience to the swimming pool, complemented by the warm terracotta tiles that echo the surrounding spaces.
Maison Amarande’s signature touch is evident in each bespoke creation that graces Casa Alcanena. From the striking fireplace with the shou sugi ban-treated wooden planks to the home’s meticulously curated selection of furniture and textiles, each element embodies the studio’s unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation.
The living area is organised around the fireplace, which was designed with burnt wood planks that also act as a backdrop for the TV
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The incorporation of three fireplaces was pivotal, Beysecker notes. “The overall brief was to create an ample, warm, comfortable and fluid space with hang-out nooks for gatherings with family and friends. Fireplaces are a key element in the clients’ lives, so we included a total of three fireplaces in the house to create a warm atmosphere.
The materials used throughout Casa Alcanena reflect the designers’ keen attention to detail and deep respect for quality craftsmanship. Every element, including the sublime marble on the kitchen island, the Riga pinewood fittings and the Equipe Ceramicas tiles, was selected to evoke timeless elegance and refinement. “Natural materials and a toned-down colour palette are the main protagonists of this project, along with a sophisticated selection of Portuguese and international design, lighting and ceramic brands, as well as bespoke creations,” she says.
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Above This light-infused bedroom sports a pastoral, earthy aesthetic with its pinewood headboard and handwoven cork rug
Above The bathroom is furnished with a Silestone Yukon countertop and Cielo ceramics, complemented by black taps and mirrors
This light-infused bedroom sports a pastoral, earthy aesthetic with its pinewood headboard and handwoven cork rug
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The effortless results speak of the smoothness of how the project went. “There were no real challenges involved. This was the second time we had worked with this couple, and we became friends,” muses Beysecker. “They are really respectful of our work, trustful and open to new ideas, and swift to make decisions. They are the ideal clients to work with. The only obstacle we encountered was finding subcontractors for specific work, as the house’s location is quite remote.”
Indeed, in Casa Alcanena, Maison Amarande has crafted more than just a dwelling; it is a veritable ode to nature and the art of graceful living. From its serene interiors to its breathtaking vistas, every aspect has been carefully calibrated for the enjoyment of its residents, as well as their lucky guests.
This outdoor space takes on a convivial air with its lounge-like seating arrangement
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Credits
Photography: Francisco Nogueira
Jennifer Choo is Regional Managing Editor of Tatler Homes, covering architecture, interior design, and art across Asia. Based in Malaysia, she oversees regional content on luxury residential design and contemporary art collections. Legally trained but choosing to pursue her passion for design, she previously led notable design publications and worked as an interior stylist and art consultant for property developers, design firms, and private clients.
