Casa Mar

This extraordinary home on the Cascais Riviera blends sumptuous grandeur with bold, contemporary styling. Step into the octagonal, mahogany entrance hall and it’s immediately clear you are somewhere incredibly special. Each of the doors leads through to resplendent rooms. With its wood panelling, brick fireplace, and antique drinks trolley, the sultry drawing room is the perfect place to curl up on cosy evenings, sipping a cocktail and playing card games. This flows seamlessly into its perfect antithesis, the light, bright, modern living room, where you can kick back on the L-shaped sofa and admire the spectacular views of the sea through the sliding glass doors.

The wraparound balcony boasts grand, pointed archways, stone colonnades and comfy outdoor seating, and is a lavish place to enjoy a glass of champagne or two when the sun sets. The six bedrooms are laid out across the first floor, with one in the converted attic. They have been designed with every comfort in mind, and five come with an en suite – we love the Wes Anderson worthy pink and mustard bathrooms. The main bedroom is the jewel in the crown of this home. With its wraparound glass windows, you’ll wake up every morning to panoramic views of the ocean. Step out onto the balcony first thing and you will feel all is right with the world.

On summer days, while away the hours reading a book in the manicured garden, cooling off with dips in the outdoor pool before an alfresco lunch on the terrace. For the fitness minded, a beautiful cycle path stretches from the superb Guincho Beach 9 kilometres away and passes directly in front of the villa, to Cascais, 1 kilometre away. Head into Cascais to sample delicious Portuguese fare at one of the excellent restaurants, or drink beer with the locals at a bar. With its unbeatable location and palatial interiors, this villa has all the elements of a truly unforgettable holiday.

Home truths:
*Private parking is available in a garage on the premises
*If you're bringing little ones, your host can provide a cot and high chair
*This property is spread across four floors, with no internal lift – the basement is comprised of the garage and spacious staff quarters