Casa na Terra: Hotel in Monsaraz

Casa Na Terra is a bunker-style underground house that is completely integrated into the landscape.

A unique hideaway in Portugal’s Alentejo

The Casa na Terra hotel is set amid the soft rolling hills of Portugal’s Alentejo region, in Monsaraz village, a few steps from the shores of Alqueva – the largest man-made lake in Europe.

The project initially conceived as a private house, has finally been transformed into an intimate retreat. Casa Na Terra is the fifth property to join the Silent Living Collection, a small hotel group that also owns Santa Clara 1728 in Lisbon. Once again, the project was designed in collaboration with the architect Manuel Aires Mateus. Casa Na Terra which means “house in the land”, lives up to its name because it is a subterranean house buried just under the surface of the earth, like a bunker that merges with the topography and blends perfectly with the environment. The only visible element of the house is a canopy, with a circular skylight, which conceals the common areas and covers an outdoor patio. The house is mainly designed with concrete. Subtle interiors, inspired by the idea of silence are softened by warm natural woods, built-in cupboard, designer furniture, Flos lights, and Branca Lisboa chairs, which sit alongside bespoke furniture, many of which have been crafted by local artisans using local materials.

The house consists of 3 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms with a shower. Each romm has a round patio clad in white tiles that reflect the natural light from above. The house has a kitchen, a large living room, and a dining room opening onto a large outdoor area overlooking the lake and beyond.

The breakfast consists of local specialties. Many rural activities are available such as hiking, cycling, boat trips, and water sports on the lake, or visits to the nearby medieval village.

Casa na Terra aims back-to-basics and the slow life.