Casa 1923: Art Nouveau Soul, Contemporary Calm
A poetic revival in the heart of Faro
Rua Almeida Garrett 53
8000-206 Faro
Type: architectural hotel, design hotel, heritage hotel, independent hotel
Style: Art Nouveau, arts & crafts
Vibe: city retreat, minimalist, quiet
A Heritage Reimagined
In the quiet, sunlit streets of Faro, Casa 1923 stands as both a relic and a revelation. Once a private residence in the golden age of Portuguese Art Nouveau, this century-old gem has been meticulously reawakened by architects from PAr. Their guiding principle? To preserve the home’s poetic soul while giving it new life as a contemporary sanctuary. The result is a dialogue across decades, where floral tiling, whimsical brasswork, and a grand double-leaf entrance door tell stories of the past, while clean lines, soft tones, and subtle modern flourishes draw the building into the present.
Design That Whispers, Not Shouts
The interiors are a masterclass in balance. Whitewashed walls glow with natural light, offset by pink-veined marble, terracotta textures, and the patina of original wood and stone. Rather than overwrite history, the design team allowed it to breathe. Every choice—from the preserved staircase to the brass fixtures polished just enough to reveal their intricate motifs—speaks of restraint, reverence, and quiet beauty. This is minimalism, yes, but not of the austere kind. It’s minimalism imbued with memory.
Two Apartments, One Spirit
Casa 1923 offers just two apartments: one upstairs, one downstairs. Both feel private and self-contained, yet intimately tied to the building’s Art Nouveau rhythm. High ceilings and tall windows maintain the home’s airy grandeur, while contemporary comforts—custom kitchens, serene bedrooms, modern bathrooms—ensure ease without compromise. The interiors are uncluttered but warm, designed for both slow mornings with coffee and evenings of conversation under soft light.
A Rooftop Garden Above the City
The crowning jewel is the hidden rooftop terrace, where tradition and innovation meet once more. Here, a secluded pool glimmers under the Algarve sun, framed by greenery from the organic roof garden. The space is both intimate and expansive, offering respite from Faro’s lively streets and a perspective on the city that feels timeless, almost cinematic. It’s a reminder that Casa 1923 isn’t just about shelter—it’s about creating moments of pause and poetry above the everyday.
DNA Hotels Verdict
Casa 1923 is not a hotel. It’s not even just a restored Art Nouveau building. It’s a conversation between centuries, a poetic meditation on heritage and modernity. In a city where layers of history converge, Casa 1923 distills Faro’s essence into one quiet, elegant sanctuary. For travelers who seek authenticity without austerity, beauty without excess, and a place where the past glows softly within the present, Casa 1923 is nothing short of unforgettable.
Amenities:
• self catering • private swimming pool (top floor apartment)
