Mo House
PORTO / GUESTHOUSE / TRIED & TESTED
When Rita Olazabal, a photographer from Porto, rescued an 18th-century noble building on one of the cities oldest & most characteristic streets, she created the Mo House. A sweet & stylish guest house that is an extension of her own home. Pulling off a renovation that makes everything comfortable but which leaves oodles of crumbling charm, here, nothing is perfect, & that’s the point.
On checking in, a cantilevered staircase limbers up to nine elegant rooms & suites, which once inside, reveal lofty ceilings & ornate plasterwork finished with original doors & windows. Curious furniture & art adorn the original wooden floorboards & delicate plasterwork, with some rooms featuring old, giant clawfoot bathtubs, perfect for recuperating in after a day traversing the hills of the city. In the evening, step out onto a wrought-iron balcony graced with sweeping views of the rooftops & river Douro below with a glass of wine. When wake-ups include the faint sound of boats pushing through the glassy water, breakfast calls in the conservatory or on the pretty terrace for alfresco dining on a balmy summer’s day. Then it’s time to go & get lost again.
Room Service
Location: In the old quarter of Porto, just a three-minute walk from the water’s edge and the Palacio da Bolsa.
Price: Suites start at 110€ per night.
Highlights: The location makes for a truly authentic stay, on one of Porto’s most picturesque streets. That, and the views from the bedrooms at the back of the house make this our favourite stay in the city.
Our favourite room: Room five is spacious & quiet on the second floor with a clawfoot bathtub & floor-to-ceiling windows which look out onto incredible views.
Services: Breakfast is served in the conservatory each day & daily turn down is offered.
Designed by owner & photographer, Rita Olazabal.
Photography by Design Escapes Portgual.
The Neighbourhood: A step out of Mo House & a wander through the surrounding streets leads to all sorts of delights. Stop at La Paz for cool & locally designed menswear inspired by the Atlantic, or the Armazém, a warren of flea market antiques & curiosities.
Things to Know: There’s no 24-hour reception, but the general manager is on hand via Whatsapp during your stay. Also, there are no lifts at Mo House so if you book a room on the top floor be prepared to carry your luggage.
Mo House is a member of the Design Escapes Club, tried & tested personally by us.
The Map
Mo House is located on the banks of the Porto with views of the rooftops & the Douro River beyond. Fly to Porto & explore.
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