Casa de São Lorenço
SERRA DA ESTRELA / HOTEL / WATCHLIST
Casa de São Lorenço is a mountain retreat at the tip of the Zêzere Glacial Valley, constructed around the old hotel Pousada de São Lourenço of Manteigas. One of the first hotels of its kind in Portugal, the original story began in the 1940s when it was first built. After falling into disrepair, the sleeping beauty lay derelict for years until 2018 when João Tomás & Isabel Costa stumbled upon it & decided to rescue & raise it from the ashes.
The pairs’ emphasis lay on preserving the history of the existing old building and how it integrated into the surrounding landscape, a privileged position in the heart of the Serra da Estrela Nature Reserve at some of the highest altitudes in the country graced with snowfall in the winter months. Combining sleek design & interiors by Maria Keil, the result is a luxurious homage to burel wool, a local textile made in a bustling brick warehouse nearby, also revived by João & Isabel. The soft felted textures appear in patterns on walls, in tufts on ceilings & in the cascade of little stars that dangle in the heavenly restaurant.
Up here, you’re one with the breathtaking landscape, thanks to a floor-to-ceiling glass façade that frames the peaks & valleys, luring you to outdoor adventure & mountainside meanderings. After a day traversing the mountains, cosy into the mountain spa complete with hammam & treatments taken with foraged essential oils.
Room Service
Location: Manteigas, Serra da Estrela.
Price: Suites start at 190€ per night.
Highlights: The hotel restaurant serves a menu to behold featuring local produce & ingredients from the region. A visit to the Burel Wool Factory also puts the place in context & is a renowned project for its mission to revive a dying craft in Portugal.
Our favourite room: The panorama suites have the best views.
Services: Daily turndown services & breakfast ensure a hotel feel while the heated outdoor pool, steamy sauna sessions & tension-banishing spa treatments infused with foraged herbs ensure maximum relaxation. Guided walks among the mountains are superb.
Designed by The owners along with P-06 Atelier & Site Specific.
Photography by Design Escapes.
The Neighbourhood: Surrounded by natural beauty, leave the hotel to walk amongst wildflowers in spring or admire the changing leaves in autumn. Snow often falls in winter & small ski slopes are nearby. This is also home to one of Portugal’s most spectacular roads, which, when clear of snow & ice, is open to all to wind across while soaking in spectacular views of Europe’s largest glacier valley.
Things to know: The hotel is secluded in the mountains & good local restaurants are a drive away so be prepared for a bit of a detox when it comes to drinking unless dining at the hotel.
Casa de São Lorenço is a member of the Design Escapes Club, tried & tested personally by us.
The Map
Casa de São Lorenço is located in the mountains close to the village of Manteigas, around a three hour drive from Lisbon. Fly to Lisbon, rent a 4x4 & take a road trip while finding some freedom while you’re there.
Download the Design Escapes Directory for local inspiration & to ensure you don’t miss out on any spots during your journey.