Cá na Serra - Gentle Traveller

‘Here in the mountains’, as the Portuguese name ‘Cá na Serra’ translates, lies a complex of three separate buildings. A former settlement has now become the center-point of the house, surrounded by 2,6 hectares of grassland with cork oaks, pines and olive trees.

Modern interior of a living space with a light blue sofa, wooden table, and large windows showcasing greenery outside. — Framing nature like art: Cá na Serra’s big windows.
© Jan Liégeois

The view

Like living works of art, the windows frame the landscape, changing with the shifting light and seasons and drawing the eye to old oak trees and lush green hills. Cá na Serra’s design emphasises the natural environment and draws attention to the scenery, a concept influenced by artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe and the interiors of Casa Malaparte.

Modern building with large windows nestled among greenery, framed by a tree in the foreground. — Embedded in the grassy landscape, the façade acts as a canvas for light and shadow.
© Jan Liégeois

The architecture

Brutalism, minimalism and modernism have strongly influenced the architecture of this holiday home. Its unusual angles and shapes are the result of strict building regulations, difficult terrain and an existing settlement—factors that ultimately proved to be an advantage.

Thanks to the simplicity and purity of its form, the low, single-storey building blends seamlessly into the sloping terrain. A rather modest relationship between the building and the surrounding nature. Achieved through Luís Perreira Miguel’s understated design approach and Cathérine Hanssen’s touch, which ensured simplicity and refined elegance.

Modern architectural structure with wooden accents, surrounded by greenery under a clear blue sky. — Cá naa Serra’s brutalist facade.
© Jan Liégeois

Minimalist outdoor space with a wooden chair and round table between two beige walls, bathed in soft evening light. — Calm areas within the buildings.
© Jan Liégeois

Modern interior featuring sliding wooden doors, a minimalist shelf with a vase, and a concrete wall. — Using different angles turned cons into pros.
© Jan Liégeois

A look inside

Unusual angles, reduced colours and plain forms continue into the interior, resulting in interesting perspectives. The three-part building complex consists of a main house, a guest house, a garage and a laundry room.

The main house includes a living area, a kitchen, a relaxation room with a daybed, a bedroom and a separate bathroom, while the adjoining guest house has two interconnected bedrooms and a small bathroom. The roof terrace offers panoramic views over the hills, while the swimming pool overlooks the Serra de Melides and its beautiful sunsets.

Modern bathroom featuring a minimalist design with a shower, mirror, and sleek cabinetry. Natural light enters from a window. — Minimalism down to the last detail.
© Jan Liégeois

A minimalist dining area featuring a wooden table with a round blue artwork, a vase with flowers, and a red chair. — Cleverly placed colour accents add the finishing touches.
© Jan Liégeois

Minimalist interior view of a softly lit bedroom with a bed, sheer curtains, and a glowing lamp. — Soft lights, reduced colors and furniture.
© Jan Liégeois

Surrounding area

A great lagoon runs through the land of Melides and flows down to beaches on the west coast, which are popular spots for horse riding, paragliding and surfing.

Wide view of Praia da Galé beach in Portugal, featuring golden sand, gentle waves, and cliffs under a clear blue sky. — The long sandy beaches of Praia da Galé-Fontainhas.
© Vitor Oliveira from Torres Vedras, PORTUGAL, Praia da Galé-Fontainhas – Portugal (50669304077), adjusted colors, CC BY-SA 2.0

Interesting spots

After a stroll through Melida’s picturesque streets, the beaches offer the perfect way to cool off after a long day. One of these beaches is Praia da Galé-Fontainhas, which impresses with its striking rock formations.

Woman in a black bikini wading in clear turquoise water under a bright blue sky in Melides, Portugal. — Cooling off after a hot day.
© Tiago Almeida senhor_tiga, Melides, Portugal (Unsplash), CC0 1.0

Sandy beach with people enjoying the sun near Lagoa de Sto André, Portugal, with clear blue water and waves. — The beach near Lagoa de Sto André.
©Vitor Oliveira from Torres Vedras, PORTUGAL, Lagoa de Sto. André – Portugal (462597314), adjusted colors, CC BY-SA 2.0

What we love about it?

The brutalist approach and its strange angles. At Cá na Serra, form follows function, creating an unusual architectural stage where light and shadow are the main actors.

Modern kitchen with light wood cabinetry, minimalist decor, and natural light streaming in from a nearby window. — Unusual angles result in more intriguing perspectives.
© Jan Liégeois

Minimalist architectural space with light-colored walls, a tiled floor, and a cat standing near a bench under a clear blue... — A play between light and shadows.
© Jan Liégeois

Minimalist interior featuring a wooden chair and round table with flowers, against a light concrete wall and closet. — Simple shapes and a reduced colour palette.
© Jan Liégeois

Who is this place best suited for?

For all brutalist lovers—and everyone else, of course. Minimalism enthusiasts will be delighted here, as the design approach permeates every area of the house, down to the smallest detail.

Minimalist kitchen corridor with light-colored cabinetry, a circular skylight, and a framed artwork on the wall. — Simple yet cosy: the kitchen area.
© Jan Liégeois

Modern wooden table and stools in a bright room with large window overlooking greenery. — Reduced shapes and forms.
© Jan Liégeois

Modern villa with a pool, sun loungers, and surrounding greenery under a clear blue sky. — The perfect place to relax and unwind.
© Jan Liégeois

Details:

Rates and Conditions

Low season: October till May—minimum stay of 3 nights | Price: 475 euro / night
Mid season: June—minimum stay of 3 nights | Price: 775 euro / night
High season: July & August—minimum stay of 7 nights | Price: 890 euro / night
High season: September—minimum stay of 3 nights | Price: 850 euro / night
Refundable warranty: 2.000 euro
Cleaning fee: 180 euro
Amenities

Rooms

Living room
Mediaroom
3 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms
Kitchen & indoor Dining area
Laundry
outdoor Terraces and Pool
Garden, vegetable garden & orchard

Included in the rates

Free parking on premises
EV charger
Off-grid solar energy
Airconditioning
Wireless internet & Smart TV
Sonos Audio system
Towels & bed linen
Toilet paper & soap
Hairdryer
First aid kit
Beach towels & sunbeds
Indoor fireplace
Clothes hangers
Filtered tap water
Cookware and utensils
Coffee machines & Kettle
Refrigerator & Dishwasher
Washing machine & dryer
Welcome basket

Regarding the stay

Maximum capacity: 6 adults
Catering and room service are not included
Weekly cleaning as an extra service
Smoking and pets not allowed