Portuguese family turn grandparents' home into a stunning hotel

On the south coast of Portugal, in the heart of the beautiful Parque Natural da Ria Formosa sits Casa Modesta, a new getaway that offers a taste of rural tourism with a contemporary twist. Finished by Carlos Fernandes and his sister Vânia who is an architect, it’s not your typical hotel, and was originally the home of his grandparents, who served as the inspiration for the project.

Guests who visit Casa Modesta can choose from nine rooms, all of which have private patios. There’s even a solarium to relax in, and a garden with a section for organically grown vegetables. There are steps that lead up to a rooftop terrace and an outdoor swimming pool, while bedrooms have ocean views.

Exploring Portugal's most remote corners

Visitors can get a taste of country living, from seeing clams being gathered, bread being baked and the picking and drying of fruit. There are rides on traditional boats, birdwatching, and stargazing. According to Carlos however, it’s the story behind Casa Modesta that makes it so unique.

kitchen Casa Modesta — The accommodation has a cosy homestyle kitchen © Guilherme da Rosa

“My grandfather Joaquim Modesto de Brito was born in 1931 and died in 2000. He was a fisherman, and was known by his colleagues as “The Champ” or “O Campeão” in Portuguese. He was one of the founders of the Casa Modesta project and it is full of his memories. It’s now dedicated to our Grandpa, our first master, the champion of the sea,” Carlos told Lonely Planet.

casa modesta portugal — Case Modesta has ocean views, patios, and sunny rooftop terraces © Guilherme da Rosa

Carlos’ grandfather began transforming the land and the house into a playground for himself, decorating the garden with trails surrounded by small rocks, mini lakes, and recycled objects, while the trees were decorated with glass bottles. A large brick oven in the hotel is where his grandmother prepares bread and teaches workshops, with the hotel wanting to keep a homely feeling for guests. When Carlos and his sister inherited it, they decided to continue in the same spirit and transform it into an accommodation.