PARADISE FOUND

IF YOU HAVE WANDERED ALONG THE WALKWAY ABOVE THE BEAUTIFUL BEACHES OF ARMA ÇÃ O DE P Ê RA, YOU WILL CERTAINLY HAVE BEEN DAZZLED BY THE SIGHT OF A SUMPTUOUS GRAND HOUSE – MORE OF A CHATEAU THAN A HOUSE, ACTUALLY – THAT AFTER YEARS OF RE-DEVELOPMENT IS THE NEWEST JEWEL IN THE VILA VITA COLLECTION CROWN

Words: SUSI ROGOL-GOODKIND Photography: KATHRYN BARNARD

BUILT IN THE centre of Armação de Pêra at the turn of the 20th century, what was then known as the Caldas e Vasconcelos Chalet remained the family’s summer residence for over 100 years.

Inspired by the opulent design style of the Belle Epoque, and the period’s creative influences that saw the emergence of the impressionism and the art nouveau movements, this is a building that was designed to combine grace and beauty, elegance and tradition, where every detail is meticulously planned and outstanding in its character.

Vila Vita Parc, the luxurious resort a little further along the coast in Porches, understands and values fine architecture, and also the importance of quality surroundings. And the Red House, known now as the Red Chalet, could not be a better representative of the portfolio… one that is driven by a passion for perfection.

Four painstaking years were invested in recreating the building and its interiors to produce an immaculate contemporary interpretation of the historic listed landmark. Teams of highly-skilled craftsmen, and the company’s own interior design experts, worked tirelessly to achieve an end result that can only be described as remarkable. Together they have produced a palatial environment that those looking for a very different break – one that is utterly glamorous – will be hard pressed to find elsewhere.

Renovation has been key to the equation, with original features retained but given a fresh lease of life, a twist on the classics, so to speak.

The wooden floors, the sparkling chandeliers and a magnificent staircase have been treated with respect for their origins. The intricate geometric design in the shutters and ceilings and the Moorish influences in the architecture, serve as a reminder of the historical and cultural richness of the region.

The main house of 260m² balances the comfort of today with the romanticism of yesterday. There are two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and dressing rooms and a living room with a terrace stretching out towards the incredibly blue sea. It has an expansive kitchen open to the dining area and stunning living room, where intricate ceiling carvings evoke the vineyards that once thrived on the same stretch of coast.

Another surprise is on the first floor, where a secret door leads to a further terrace at the top of the house. It is said that the owner built it, many years before, to better hear the prayers being sung in the Church of Our Lady of the Navigators for the safety of the fishermen out at sea.

The property’s emergence into the 21st century cannot fail to impress. Its 1,100m² includes beautifully laid-out terraces and ocean-facing gardens with direct access to the beach below.

Unsurprisingly, the Vila Vita Collection is seeing exceptional interest and a flood of enquiries from potential guests from across Europe, the USA and the UK. The average booking for the entire property is for five nights – in low season the minimum stay is four nights and in the high season seven nights. Prices range from €2,250 per night to €4,300. Many guests, as has already been seen, have a desire to sample local, traditional gastronomy, and this is mirrored in the repeated requests for a Vila Vita Parc private chef and also a team of sommeliers.

So what else can guests expect during their stay in this unique venue? A villa manager is on site eight hours a day; splendid continental breakfasts are served; there is daily maid service, on-site parking, the supply of essential goods including a welcome hamper of drinks and fresh fruit. A chef, personal assistant, private driver and security guards can be made available at an extra cost, as can DJs for those planning to stage their own events at the Red Chalet.

Residents at the Red Chalet have easy access to the services of the Vila Vita Parc resort, including the restaurants (the Michelin-starred Ocean Restaurant, the Moorish décor Aladin Grill, Mizu Teppanyaki that offers a zen atmosphere overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Adega for its signature celebration of traditional Portuguese and the new Italian eaterie, Giardino, which opened in June to rave reports), bars and the Spa. And there are boat trips and excursions that can be specifically tailored to meet individual tastes and wants.

And there is a small guest house, the affectionately-named White House, which while replicating some of the distinctive character of the main building – whitewashed, wooden floors and decorative details –features a more modern aesthetic. A duplex suite offers a stylish ensuite bathroom and a terrace on the upper floor, and a living room downstairs, along with a studio room. The style here is relaxed and laid-back, ideal for those in the group – perhaps the youngsters – who prefer to have their own space.

The furnishings and accessories throughout the property have been sourced from the finest collections available – both names and talents of importance in the Portuguese and international markets – and many pieces are bespoke, designed and made expressly for the Red Chalet.

That said, however, it has been noticed that Red Chalet guests tend to spend most of their time at the property itself, enjoying the comfort and facilities and privacy that are theirs for the duration of their stay. Many enjoy relaxing on the beach that is a few steps down from the terrace, which, as part of the sea wall, gives the impression of being on the ocean itself.

Despite its central location and the luxurious modern amenities that are integral to its special personality, the chalet – chateau – if you prefer – offers a refuge… a chance to travel back to a time when life was simpler.

Without question, it is an irresistible alternative to the modern hotel experience, and that might be the main reason why the guests choose to stay in their holiday home rather than take time away from it. And why they plan to return at a later date, for another visit.

Find out more at vilavitacollection.com/en/red-chalet