Medieval Maximalism: Inside the Casa de Pousada Estate

Located in the north of Portugal in the country’s ­oldest village, Ponte de Lima, Casa de Pousada sits on a 40-acre lot, flush with lush greenery and rich history. It’s a family property that has passed through generations, and is currently owned by sisters Cláudia and Catarina Soares Pereira after being ­inherited by their mother, Catarina Rosas. In 1992, Rosas founded the renowned Casa do Passadiço interiors studio, which is now run by her ­daughters. From upscale private residences to luxury fashion boutiques, Casa do Passadiço is bringing its bold, timeless and often art deco-inspired touch to spaces across Europe, North America and the GCC.

Manolo Yllera

Manolo Yllera

In May, Cartier unveiled its renovated Lisbon boutique, ­incorporating embroidered wall tapestries produced by the design duo. Featuring Indo-Portuguese motifs such as the tree of life, along with flora and fauna deeply rooted in the maison’s history, the ­intricate embroidery work took over 3,000 hours to ­complete. ­Earlier this year, they designed the interiors of ­Aquazzura’s ­first-ever hospitality venture – a secret garden nestled within a ­hidden courtyard at the prestigious Hotel de Russie in Rome. They also conceptualised the interiors for Aquazzura’s boutique in Jeddah, after working on their stores in Riyadh, Bahrain and Dubai. Next, they’ll be focusing on the brand’s new boutiques in Milan and Madrid, adorning them with Portuguese art and craftsmanship.

Manolo Yllera

“Since we were young children, we have learnt to appreciate beautiful things, having an aesthetic sensibility that we naturally cultivated, as we were interested in arts and architecture. So, it was all very natural for us to work in interiors,” shares Catarina. Spread across 2,500 square metres, the duo’s home is bathed in natural light and surrounded by a wooded area of chestnut and pine trees. While no big structural changes were made to the building, Cláudia and Catarina couldn’t help but put their own spin on the decor. “We simply adapted its interiors to our personal style and family life; it was a natural process. We love historic buildings, and we learnt to ­appreciate it because we inherited this house from our family,” explains Cláudia. “We maintained and adapted the house without extensive renovations, fully preserving its original architectural ­features, as well as its heritage.” According to the sisters, the house was once used by the kings of Portugal as a resting spot on their way to Santiago de Compostela for the Catholic pilgrimage. “Ponte de Lima is still the centre of some of the most ancient and noble families of Portugal. They reunite in their historical houses, mostly at the end of summer, to attend traditional religious celebrations, ride their horses and attend the harvest of the vineyards, which is a very important time in the region,” shares Catarina.

Manolo Yllera

With roots in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, the property has 12 acres of vineyards and an ancient 100-metre stone aqueduct, making it a unique and peaceful refuge for long stays. Cláudia and Catarina use the house mainly during their summer vacations. “This is where the main events of our family have taken place, ­including our own religious weddings and baptisms of our children at the ­private chapel adorned with an altar with frescoes from the 18th century,” says Catarina. Their grandfather was a collector of antiques, and was especially fond of Indo-Portuguese pieces (rare ancient furniture encrusted with ivory), sacred art and Portuguese silver pieces that he bought at auctions throughout his life. These objects still claim the spotlight in different spaces ­throughout the property. “We try to preserve our patrimony the best we can, as it is a privilege that we want to respect,” reflects Cláudia. “We believe our grandparents would be proud.” For ­example, made from wood and painted in gold, the ceiling of the living room hasn’t been restored since the ’70s. “Our philosophy in restoration work is trying to maintain the origins of the building as much as possible,” she says.

Manolo Yllera

In the main living room, furniture and antiques from ­various styles and periods create an atmosphere full of character. Among them are engraved brass tables by Belgian artist Armand
Jonckers, two large Murano glass chandeliers, 18th-century ­chiselled bronze mirrors, a table with marble legs and boule ­columns, an art deco alabaster marble bust and a table with a baroque carved leg, as well as 18th-century Italian and French furniture. ­Contemporary pieces harmoniously coexist, such as the washed damask linen sofas by Ralph Lauren, and cushions made with Loro Piana ­fabrics. ­Meanwhile, artworks – including one from the 1970s by René Roche and another by Júlio Pomar (placed above an 18th century French chest of drawers) – complement the ­eclectic look. The dining room, too, has a strong personality thanks to ancient Portuguese furniture decorated with silver, Company of the Indies porcelain and ­cabinets upholstered in linen. “In our ­interiors, we are very concerned with creating lived-in ­environments,” says Cláudia. “We don’t like ­minimalism or just photogenic spaces with no soul. Although we like special, high-quality pieces that ­convey elegance and sophistication, our greatest concern is that the ­environments are essentially comfortable.”

Manolo Yllera

Treasured memories are part of every corner of this house. The dining room balcony has become the perfect spot for long summer lunches while the bright winter garden – one of the sisters’ favourite areas – feels cosy and welcoming on winter days. Capturing the Casa do Passadiço aesthetic, described as “reinterpreted classical”, this property has been softly reinvented throughout the years with the same spirit as its debut. It has always been and will always be an ode to family, a sanctuary to spend quality time together, a place for the art of hosting, a house that honours the importance of staying connected with our loved ones and a legacy preserved. 

Manolo Yllera