Villa Extramuros by Vora Arquitectura

In the heart of a preserved landscape of cork oaks and olive trees, and in a region rich with centuries of history and culture this minimalist holiday guest house, Villa Extramuros by Vora Arquitectura,in Arriolos, Alentejo, midway between Lisbon and Spain, is really making us feel it's time for a week in the sun.  

Inspired by the traditional design of latin mansions and medieval convents the living spaces are hidden and protected from the outside in order to allow more privacy, but offer luminous views from inside. Orange trees, a fountain and sheltered and panoramic terraces, enhance the attractiveness of the building while the internal fittings feature raw concrete, glass and marble. The ground is of waxed concrete.

The interior decoration courtesy of the Parisian owners comprises pieces by the likes of Jean Prouve and Charlotte Perriand, Marc Newson and Konstantin Grcic, Pierre Paulin, Joe Colombo and Jasper Morrison. All nestle alongside  pieces of local Alentejan handicraft - carpets, blankets, cork, bowls and tiles. Somewhere to think about when the Olympics finish. . .