Hermitage Castelo – The Art of Living Lisbon Authentically
Where Scandinavian Balance Meets Portuguese Soul
A Creative Vision of Heritage and Harmony
Hermitage Castelo is the inspired creation of French-Swedish artist duo Katarina Hallbäck Monnier and Jules Monnier, whose shared love for Lisbon has given rise to something truly distinctive—a collection of restored residences that celebrate the city’s architectural legacy while redefining modern hospitality. Their guiding philosophy is rooted in the Swedish concept of “Lagom”—meaning “just the right amount”—a design ethos that favors balance, simplicity, and authenticity. Blended seamlessly with the warmth and history of Portuguese culture, Hermitage Castelo’s approach results in spaces that feel not designed but composed—carefully considered environments that evoke both serenity and soul. Each property is an artistic expression of Lisbon’s living heritage, transformed with respect, restraint, and poetic vision.
Casa Chafariz – A Jewel in the Heart of Santos
Among their restorations, Casa Chafariz stands out as a shining example of Hermitage Castelo’s ethos. Nestled in the vibrant Santos district—Lisbon’s creative quarter—this historic residence radiates character and craftsmanship. Its striking cherry-red façade overlooks the Chafariz da Esperança, a public fountain dating back to 1760 and honored as a Portuguese national monument. Inside, the design is a masterclass in harmony: original architectural details are preserved and paired with contemporary Nordic minimalism. Light woods, neutral tones, and natural textures amplify the building’s historic beauty without overwhelming it. The result is a space that feels both timeless and immediate—elegant yet relaxed, steeped in history yet alive with modern creativity.
Where Design Meets Local Life
Santos, long celebrated as Lisbon’s design district, provides the perfect backdrop for Hermitage Castelo’s philosophy. Galleries, concept stores, and artisan workshops spill out onto cobblestone streets, while cafés and local markets keep the neighborhood’s pulse vibrant and authentic. Staying here means stepping directly into Lisbon’s creative heart, surrounded by its architecture, artistry, and rhythm of daily life. For Katarina and Jules Monnier, this is the essence of hospitality: not escapism, but immersion. Their properties invite guests not to observe Lisbon, but to live it.
A Dialogue Between Art, Architecture, and Emotion
Every Hermitage Castelo project is a love letter to Lisbon’s built environment—an exploration of how art and architecture can coexist with quiet grace. Each restoration preserves the original soul of the building while introducing just enough modernity to make it feel effortlessly livable. It’s a philosophy that honors the past while embracing the present, creating spaces that feel at once intimate, inspired, and profoundly human.
DNA Hotels Verdict
Hermitage Castelo represents the purest form of design authenticity—where restoration becomes storytelling, and architecture becomes art. The Monniers’ ability to blend Scandinavian restraint with Portuguese passion results in experiences that are deeply personal, emotionally resonant, and visually sublime. For travelers seeking connection over spectacle and meaning over excess, Hermitage Castelo is the embodiment of Lagom in Lisbon—balanced, beautiful, and unmistakably real.
