Casa 1923, Faro, Algarve, Portugal
Art Nouveau Soul, Contemporary Calm
Why DNA Hotels Loves It
● A beautifully restored Art Nouveau townhouse that preserves the elegance and craftsmanship of early 20th-century Faro.
● Just two private apartments, creating an intimate stay that feels more like a beautifully curated home than a hotel.
● A rooftop garden and pool that offer a rare oasis above the historic streets of the Algarve’s capital.
A Century-Old House Reawakened
Hidden along one of Faro’s quiet residential streets, Casa 1923 feels like a carefully guarded secret. Originally built during the golden age of Portuguese Art Nouveau, the elegant townhouse has been meticulously restored by local architecture studio PAr, who approached the project with remarkable sensitivity. Rather than transforming the building beyond recognition, they chose to reveal its original character while introducing a contemporary layer of comfort and refinement. The result is a place where past and present coexist effortlessly. Historic details remain intact. Modern interventions remain understated. Everything feels considered. Nothing feels forced.
The Poetry of Preservation
Casa 1923 succeeds because it understands the value of restraint. The building’s original double-leaf entrance door remains proudly in place. Decorative brasswork, floral motifs, handcrafted tiles, stone details, and traditional carpentry continue to tell the story of the house’s past life. Inside, whitewashed walls amplify the natural Algarve light, while carefully restored architectural features create a sense of quiet continuity throughout the property. The design never competes with the building. Instead, it allows the house itself to become the main attraction. This is heritage hospitality at its most elegant.
A Material Palette of Warmth and Light
The interiors embrace a calm and highly tactile aesthetic. Pink-veined marble. Terracotta surfaces. Natural wood. Handcrafted details. Soft neutral tones. These materials create a subtle warmth that feels both contemporary and timeless. Every room balances simplicity with character, offering a refined backdrop that allows the building’s original architecture to shine. The atmosphere is peaceful without becoming minimal. Elegant without becoming formal. A place designed for living rather than merely staying.
Two Apartments, One Vision
Rather than operating as a traditional hotel, Casa 1923 offers just two apartments. One occupies the ground floor. The other unfolds across the upper level. Each feels entirely private while remaining connected to the building’s original rhythm and proportions. High ceilings and generous windows preserve the grandeur of the original residence, while bespoke kitchens, contemporary bathrooms, and thoughtfully designed living spaces provide every modern comfort. The experience feels closer to staying in a beautifully restored private home than checking into a conventional hotel. It is intimate. Personal. Residential.
Life Above the Rooftops
One of Casa 1923’s most surprising features is hidden above the city. The rooftop terrace (exclusive to the top apartment) offers a completely different perspective on Faro. Here, guests discover a secluded garden, an organic rooftop planting scheme, and a small swimming pool surrounded by greenery and sunshine. Far from the busy beaches and resorts that define much of the Algarve, the rooftop feels deeply urban and unexpectedly tranquil. Mornings begin with coffee overlooking terracotta rooftops. Afternoons drift by beside the pool. Evenings arrive slowly as the city settles beneath the fading light. It is one of those rare spaces that immediately encourages guests to slow down.
Discovering Faro
Casa 1923 also offers an opportunity to experience a different side of the Algarve. While many visitors head directly toward the coast, Faro remains one of the region’s most overlooked cultural destinations. Historic streets. Art Nouveau architecture. Modernist architecture. Local markets. Independent cafés. Excellent restaurants. The atmospheric old town. Everything lies within easy walking distance. The location allows guests to experience Faro as residents rather than tourists.
A Different Kind of Luxury
There are no grand facilities here. No elaborate wellness center. No crowded lobby. No resort-style distractions. Instead, Casa 1923 focuses on something increasingly rare. Space. Privacy. Beauty. Authenticity. It demonstrates that luxury can be quiet, personal, and deeply connected to place.
The Last Word
Casa 1923 is one of the Algarve’s most thoughtful restoration projects. By carefully preserving the spirit of a historic Art Nouveau residence while introducing contemporary comfort and design, it creates an experience that feels both intimate and timeless. For travelers seeking authenticity, architectural beauty, and a deeper connection to Faro, this elegant two-apartment retreat offers a rare and memorable alternative to the Algarve’s more conventional hospitality landscape. A house with history. A sanctuary with soul. A place where the past continues to live beautifully in the present.
