Nestled in the heart of Portugal's Alentejo region, Casa Nossa showcases the authentic Portuguese charm. This exclusive estate, meticulously crafted by acclaimed chef José Avillez and his wife, Sofia Ulrich, offers an immersive retreat where guests can experience the serene beauty of the Alentejo landscape.
A Secluded Sanctuary in Alentejo
Casa Nossa is situated near the picturesque village of Campinho, adjacent to Monsaraz, one of Portugal’s most enchanting small towns. The estate encompasses 65 hectares of natural landscape, featuring centuries-old holm oaks, native plants, fruit trees, aromatic herbs, and a thriving vegetable garden that yields the finest seasonal produce. This secluded location ensures complete privacy, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the tranquil surroundings.
Architectural Elegance and Design
At Casa Nossa, the architecture tells a story—a story of harmonious fusion between traditional Alentejo design and refined, contemporary elegance. The estate's main house unfolds across an impressive 1,500 square meters, with 11 spacious suites, each carefully crafted to provide an atmosphere of comfort and luxury. Within these walls, an intricate selection of traditional Portuguese craftsmanship adds an undeniable charm, grounding each space in an authentic connection to the local culture. It’s not simply a place to stay; it’s a place that feels alive with Portugal’s essence.
But beyond its architectural beauty, Casa Nossa holds a personal touch, one that brings a sense of intimacy to its vastness. This retreat is the brainchild of renowned chef José Avillez, who, in his youth, dreamed of becoming an architect. For Avillez, discovering Casa Nossa was like unearthing a canvas ready to bring his long-held vision to life. Inspired by the retreats and architectural marvels he admired around the world, Avillez transformed this estate into a luxurious sanctuary that feels like home from the moment you step through its doors.
Every piece within Casa Nossa has its own story, chosen to enhance the depth and continuity of the space. From the delicate ceramics to the finely crafted wood furnishings, each detail reflects Avillez’s impeccable taste, creating a cohesive atmosphere that envelops guests in warmth and beauty. It’s a space that feels intentionally lived in, a place where time seems to pause.
The experience of Casa Nossa goes beyond a night’s rest; it’s about immersing yourself fully in the life it offers. Many guests book stays of a week or more, embracing the rhythm of the estate as if it were their own personal villa. Here, the real luxury lies in the chance to “live” within this private haven, savoring the slower, richer pace of Alentejo life. It’s the kind of stay that isn’t rushed but instead unfolds slowly, allowing guests to soak in every detail, every nuance, every breath of the landscape that surrounds them.
Gastronomic Delights
A lakeside villa crafted by a Michelin-starred chef naturally raises curiosity: just how exquisite might the food be? The answer, as it turns out, is an exceptional culinary experience rooted in warmth, authenticity, and comfort. At Casa Nossa, all meals are included with your stay, ensuring that each day begins, unfolds, and ends with Chef José Avillez’s impeccable approach to cuisine. This all-inclusive setup feels like a privilege—a way to surrender to the flavors of Portugal’s Alentejo region and beyond, crafted with ingredients so fresh that many are harvested from the estate’s own gardens.
Imagine rustic platters of sumptuous shareable dishes, reminiscent of a countryside manor in a European film. Meals here evoke the feeling of gathering around a large communal table in the countryside’s most beautiful home. Large, fragrant servings—think deep-red carabineros prawns nestled into a savory rice or a traditional Portuguese stew simmered to perfection—are laid out in a style that invites everyone to relax and connect.
There is an enchanting familiarity in every dish, a nostalgic comfort as though the food were prepared by a beloved relative who knows precisely how to evoke those memories of soul-satisfying meals. Guests from diverse backgrounds often find themselves remarking on the universal warmth of these flavors, discovering an innate connection between the hearty dishes here and those from their own home cultures. It’s a reminder of the universal language of soul food—a taste and energy that transcends nationality and brings people together over food that is, quite simply, honest.
The experience is beautifully enhanced by Casa Nossa’s impressive wine cellar, which houses over 800 bottles, with more than 120 of Portugal’s most renowned and unique wines, alongside a curated selection of international labels. Each wine pairing complements the food, accentuating the deep flavors and carefully crafted elements of each meal.
Amenities and Activities
Casa Nossa is designed as a sanctuary where relaxation meets indulgence, catering to every whim and desire of its guests. The estate offers a stunning swimming pool with an uninterrupted view of Lake Alqueva, Portugal’s largest lake, shimmering under the vast Alentejo sky. It’s a pool that invites you to immerse yourself fully, with the lake’s serene waters stretching out before you, creating a scene that feels almost like your own private paradise. For those craving warmth, a spacious outdoor Jacuzzi awaits, making it a delight to bask in the hot water surrounded by crisp air and open skies, even in winter. There’s something deeply rejuvenating about soaking in warmth while surrounded by the untamed beauty of Alentejo's landscape.
For guests looking to rejuvenate body and mind, Casa Nossa offers wellness-focused amenities, including a selection of gym equipment and yoga mats. These are set up to allow you to work out or stretch in the fresh air, blending the benefits of exercise with the calming embrace of nature. Water enthusiasts, too, will find themselves catered to with a range of activities on Lake Alqueva. Kayaking on the tranquil lake waters is an experience of quiet adventure, where every paddle stroke brings you closer to the surrounding hills, creating a connection with the natural surroundings that’s both meditative and invigorating.
When the evening calls for a different kind of escape, Casa Nossa opens up a world of entertainment within its walls. The private cinema and showroom feature a large screen and plush seating, making movie nights a luxurious, immersive affair. And for a slower pace, a cozy bar awaits, ideal for winding down with a drink, sharing stories, or simply enjoying the gentle hum of the evening. The estate’s library, curated with a selection of books in multiple languages, invites you to lose yourself in literature while overlooking the landscape.
A Personalized Retreat
Casa Nossa offers a level of exclusivity that is rare even among the world’s finest retreats. Available only as a single-property rental, it ensures that every stay is private, intimate, and deeply personalized, accommodating up to 20 guests—sometimes a little more if needed. This arrangement allows Casa Nossa’s attentive, highly trained staff to tailor every experience down to the finest detail. They seem to anticipate needs before they arise, crafting each moment to be memorable and utterly unique. Whether it’s arranging a serene, private boat tour across the expansive Lake Alqueva, organizing a bespoke wine tasting with some of Portugal’s most prestigious vintages, or designing an evening dining experience beneath the Alentejo stars, the Casa Nossa team transforms simple requests into extraordinary memories. Here, even small touches—the softest slippers laid beside your bed or a handwritten welcome note—reflect an unparalleled dedication to guest comfort and delight.
Beyond the estate’s luxurious offerings, Casa Nossa opens the door to the Alentejo region’s rich heritage, allowing guests to venture into Portugal’s cultural and natural landscapes. Just a short drive away is the enchanting medieval town of Monsaraz. With its narrow, cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings, and panoramic views over the Alentejo plains, Monsaraz feels like a step back in time. Its charm lies in the details: the handcrafted pottery shops, historic walls, and the profound stillness that fills the air. Monsaraz is also a gateway to the region’s robust wine culture, and Casa Nossa can arrange visits to nearby vineyards, where guests can savor the rich reds and complex whites that define Alentejo’s wine heritage.
For those enchanted by nature, Lake Alqueva provides endless possibilities. As Europe’s largest man-made lake, it stretches across 250 square kilometers, offering a unique ecosystem and one of the most pristine natural settings in Portugal. Guests can enjoy leisurely boat trips, tranquil fishing outings, or simply stargaze under some of the clearest skies in Europe—Alqueva is a designated Dark Sky Reserve, providing a stargazing experience that rivals any other in the world. The serenity of the lake is mirrored in every corner of Casa Nossa, creating an experience that is both luxurious and seamlessly connected to nature.
Magical sky at Casa Nossa, Nov 2024
In every sense, Casa Nossa is a portal to experiencing the authentic beauty and spirit of Portugal’s Alentejo region. The estate's harmonious blend of traditional Portuguese architecture and contemporary elegance, coupled with unparalleled service and breathtaking surroundings.
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