A former farm turns boutique art retreat in rural Alentejo

A former farm turns boutique art retreat in rural Alentejo

Portugal’s rural Alentejo region, best known for its wide plains punctuated with whitewashed medieval hilltop towns and olive groves, is now home to a unique, art-filled boutique hotel

Portugal’s rural Alentejo is now home to a unique, art-filled boutique hotel, Dá Licenca. It comes courtesy of Victor Borges and Franck Laigneau, who met 12 years ago in Paris, where Borges worked as director of textiles and silk at Hermès, and Laigneau as a gallerist. The pair came across the site, a cluster of 19th-century former agricultural buildings, while searching for a holiday home in Borges’ native Portugal.

Arriving as the fierce Alentejano sun set on the surrounding cork, fig and olive trees, they fell in love with the place. No matter that it was too big for a simple private retreat; the couple decided to up sticks, abandoning their Parisian existence in order to bring the buildings back to life.

Once the farm owned by nuns from a nearby convent and later used by an olive oil cooperative, the buildings were transformed and extended by local architects Procale. The main house now contains three guest rooms, while the nearby outbuildings have been turned into five spacious suites, two of them with private pools. A series of terraces and two further swimming pools complete the project, and offer prime spots for stargazing on dark Alentejo nights.

Borges and Laigneau designed the interiors themselves, complementing the dark granite floors with limewashed walls and hand-carved basins made of the local pale pink marble. Laigneau’s extensive collection of art and furniture, mostly drawn from the Scandinavian Jugendstil and Rudolf Steiner’s Anthroposophic movements, is dotted throughout the hotel and showcased in the former olive mill, which is set to open as a restaurant in spring next year. The eclectic selection includes pieces such as an antique Norwegian wooden cupboard sculpted in bas-relief by Lars Kinsarvik, a metal sculpture by contemporary Portuguese artist Rui Chafes, and a Steiner-influenced table by Hans Itel.

SUITES
Four luxury suites between 50 and 180 sqm each, decorated with refine and elegance. Large and spectacular bathrooms, two of them with bath in local marble block. All the washbasins are individually sculpted by a local artist. Large patios or terraces for more privacy and incredible views over the natural landscape. Two suites with private pool in marble finish and saltwater treatment. The interior of the suites have private and unique Art pieces.

THE ROCK
The suite is infused with Japanese ambience, shaped as an amphitheatre so you can lie back and contemplate the stunning views.

THE LOFT
The loft is a large, open studio with three main spaces – bedroom, living area and bathroom. Immerse yourself in a relaxing and meditative environment. All have natural, open windows opening onto the landscape.

MY POOL
Architecturally reminiscent of a yacht and little boat, the Pool Suite offers soothing comfort and style with Scandinavian furniture.

SKY POOL
The sky is the only limit in this suite. Feel as free as a bird and enjoy the beauty of the Alentejo olive hills.

DINING – TABLE FOR TWO

For an extra dose of romance, be sure to dine in one of the three private period rooms located in the main house. The ever-changing menu features recipes made with the finest ingredients from the farm is complemented by our wine selection. The decor is unique and features a private art collection.