Casa do Gadanha
ESTREMOZ / HOTEL / TRIED & TESTED
Casa do Gadanha is the newly opened empire extention from the gatekeepers to Estremoz’s burgeoning contemporary food scene, chefs Michele Marques & Rúben Trindade & their partner Mário Vieira. The brains behind Mercearia Gadanha - one of the Alentejo’s top destination restaurants that focuses on hearty fare & local produce - have transformed a traditional townhouse into a temple of tantalising deliciousness where you can literally roll from the restaurant to retire for the night in one of eight quiet bedrooms that sit in what were once a noblemans quarters.
While stays here are guaranteed to be tasty, they are equally as tranquil thanks to the careful consideration that has gone into the renovation of the space. An ornate traditional door opens to a grand, original marble staircase, yet the fussiness ends there. Once inside, you’ll be hugged by a canvas of simplicity; of whitewashed, calming walls & thoughtful details that add to a sense of heart-warming homeyness. Michelle has decorated the house herself, keeping what she could salvage from the original dwelling: stained glass in the art deco style, classic Portuguese tiles, marble sinks & iron railings. It is this thread of quiet respect for retaining what once was, combined with her passion for serene simplicity that merges to create the magic here.
Those who choose to stay overnight here will regularly frequent the rooftop bar (with a discreet guest pool) for the views of Queen Isabel’s stark marble castle & the hodge-podge rooftops that lead up to it. If you can pull yourself away from Ruben’s wood-fired cooking in his streetside eatery downstairs, there’s a weekend of gastronomical delights to be explored. This is the perfect place to base yourself for a frivolous foodie foray into this region of Portugal’s gastronomical uprising.
Room Service
Location: Estremoz, Alentejo.
Price: From 150€ per night.
Sleeps: There are 8 rooms / suites throughout the hotel sleeping 2 people in each.
Highlights: Save room for breakfast which is hands-down the best in the country. Made on the spot, the first meal of the day includes a three-course affair, featuring local products served elegantly & sumptuously. The home made yogurt is something to write home about.
Service: The humble, local staff are kind & attentive, under the watchful eye of Michelle herself, who ensures everything is always aesthetically pleasing. The kitchen staff are keen to show off their skills & knowledge of the area’s vast gastronomical heritage.
Designed by the owner, Michele Marques.
Photography by Design Escapes.
The Neighbourhood: Estremoz is home to a riotous Saturday flea market so ensure you time your stay to tie in with this first & foremost. The wineries in the surrounding terroir are also a reason to visit, along with the historical sites. The town is home to the largest private collection of Portuguese tiles in the world…don’t miss it!
Casa do Gadanha is a member of the Design Escapes Club, tried & tested personally by us.
The Map
Casa do Gadanha is located just in the town of Estremoz. Fly to Lisbon & rent a car for a little road trip & some freedom while you’re there to explore the region.