All photos courtesy of Casas na Ferraria

Casas Na Ferraria

Herdade da Ferraria, Portugal
www.casanaferraria.com

Hidden within the tranquil expanse of a 130-hectare natural reserve, just 45 minutes south of Lisbon, Casas na Ferraria emerges as a retreat where heritage and sustainability entwine in quiet elegance. This sanctuary unfolds across three distinct houses, reborn from a family legacy dating to the early 20th century, alongside two dedicated yoga spaces carved into the landscape. It beckons travelers to step away from the city’s pulse, immerse in the wild embrace of cork oaks and eucalyptus, and find solace in a design that whispers both history and heart. Here, the rugged beauty near Lisbon meets a refined simplicity, offering an escape that feels timeless yet intimately personal.

The houses trace their roots to a storied past, their weathered bones meticulously restored to honor classical Portuguese architecture. Clay walls and reclaimed wood glow under soft light, paired with modern comforts—cool shade in summer, radiant floors in winter—that cradle guests in warmth. Each space balances intimacy with openness, perfect for solitary reflection or shared moments, while the yoga pavilions invite stillness amid the forest’s murmur. This is a retreat born from intention, where every detail—from the natural materials to the preserved proportions—bridges a century of shelter with today’s quiet luxury, creating a haven where memories take root.

“Casas na Ferraria is more than a place to stay—it is a transformational experience. We encourage our guests to disconnect from the digital world, embrace slow living, and immerse themselves in nature, creativity, and meaningful human connection.”

— Alexandra de Campos Godinho, Owner

Casas na Ferraria embodies “slow living,” a rhythm that unfolds in the rustle of leaves and the stillness of dawn. The houses offer serene nooks for reading or tea, while the yoga spaces welcome movement and peace, drawing wellness seekers and retreat facilitators alike. The landscape near Lisbon amplifies the magic—a wild, unspoiled pocket where the city’s echo fades, replaced by forest trails and the promise of regeneration. It’s a retreat for conscious travelers who crave authenticity, design lovers who admire its understated craft, and anyone seeking a pause—be it a solo sojourn, a family retreat, or a mindful gathering.

Alexandra de Campos Godinho, a nutritherapist and art historian, and her husband Alexandre, an architect tied to this land from childhood, infused Casas na Ferraria with their shared vision. Her Belgian roots and his Portuguese heritage converge in a love for nature and well-being, evident in the plant-based cuisine born from local bounty and the sustainable ethos woven into every corner. More than a guesthouse, it’s a testament to renewal—between past and present, land and guest. From the houses’ gentle elegance to the forest’s timeless embrace, Casas na Ferraria calls to those who seek peace, beauty, and a moment to simply be, set against a pristine canvas near Lisbon.

ALEXANDRA’S LOCAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Alexandra shares nearby treasures: paddleboard on Lagoa de Albufeira’s serene lagoon, explore the oceanfront history of Cape Espichel Monastery, or hike Arrábida Natural Park for its dramatic cliffs and turquoise beaches—perfect complements to Casas na Ferraria’s calm.

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