Casa Utspan
EAST ALGARVE / HOME / WATCH LIST
I first met owner Birgit Sfat - the creative mind behind Casa Utspan - on Instagram and was immediately hooked by her beautiful photography of her families journeys from their origins in Munich to San Francisco, and over the last few years, to Portugal. Creative director and photographer Birgit, her husband Raul, and their daughter Milla have always had a passion for travel, photography and beautifully crafted things. We shared a passion for travel, often exchanging tips as we simultaneously explored the world, by plane, train and automobile. Collecting stories, experiences, and treasures (theirs often documented in blogs and coffee table books) that now fill the rooms of their new holiday home.
Tucked away on a sun-drenched hill in Portugal’s Eastern Algarve, Casa Utspan is a dreamy hideaway where rustic charm meets laid-back cool. Originally built in the 1980s and lovingly reimagined by Birgit and her family, what they have created is an enchanting retreat and a tribute to handcrafted beauty—think locally made clay tiles, custom ceramic sinks, and warm, sun-kissed textures that whisper stories of the land. With each corner thoughtfully designed, from cozy nooks bathed in golden light to breezy terraces perfect for lingering over morning coffee, Casa Utspan feels like a love letter to slow living and sun-soaked escapes.
But the magic doesn’t stop at the doorstep. Wander outside, and you’ll find a playground for the soul—an inviting pool for lazy afternoon dips, a yoga shala where the ocean breeze carries your worries away, and even a skate bowl and basketball court for those who like a little adrenaline with their relaxation. As the sun dips below the horizon, fire up the pizza oven, pour a glass of local wine, and let the night unfold under a sky bursting with stars. Just 15 minutes from the untouched beaches of Ria Formosa, Casa Utspan is not just a place to stay—it’s a world to sink into, a story waiting to be lived.
Room Service
Location: Moncarapacho, Algarve
Price: From 190€ per night in low season and from 240€ in high season for up to 2 adults and 2 kids, additional guests pay 35€ per night.
Minimum Stay: Minimum stay July and August is 7 nights with check-in and check-out on Saturday. Minimum stay rest of the year is 3 nights.
Sleeps: With 3 bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom, the house accommodates 6 adults or 7 guests when kids are included.
Highlights: The concrete skate bowl and basketball area are great for family holidays. Well behaved pooches are also allowed with an additional cleaning fee of 20€.
Services: The house is self-catered, but a weekly turndown service is available on request. Your stay includes bath towels, pool towels, bed linen, WiFi, air conditioning, firewood for the pizza oven or fireplace, luxurious Rowse amenities, and hair dryers. While there is no TV, a monitor is available for connecting your laptop to watch movies. Bluetooth speakers are provided both inside the house and in the pool area for your enjoyment.
Designed by Birgit Sfat.
Photography by Casa Utspan.
The Neighbourhood: Perched on a small hill alongside neighboring homes, Casa Utspan lies just beyond Moncarapacho in the Eastern Algarve, or Sotavento Algarvio—a region famed for its scenic towns and breathtaking island beaches within the Ria Formosa. Moncarapacho itself is a tranquil village, home to a handful of shops and restaurants, offering a glimpse into the everyday rhythms of Algarve life. A short drive opens the door to Tavira, rich in historic charm; Olhão, bustling with its vibrant market and deep-rooted fishing culture; and Fuzeta, a quaint fishing village with effortless access to the serene Ria Formosa islands.
Things to know: Casa Utspan is a beautifully designed and effortlessly cool retreat, offering style and character without the pretension of a luxury vacation rental, reflected in the super affordable rates.
The Map
Casa Utspan is located in the countryside of Moncarapacho, around a thirty-minute drive from Faro. Fly to Faro & rent a little car, taking 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 on your journey.