Achitecture

The architecture is by PM-ARQ. The old adobe (taipa) was preserved, which retained a local architectural culture and traditional constructive knowledge. The irregularities of the original walls were kept which along with the new construction, were plastered by body movements done by those who still know how to do it. The roof was rebuilt with an intrinsic work of wood and canes, which although typical, it is disappearing. The original old roof tiles with their natural tinted shades were re-used.

In a contemporary and refined architectural language, the project consolidates, a horizontality of minimal lines, white walls, and generous openings to the exterior, which allow the surrounded nature to be part of the whole. The house was prepared for a daily living, functional and sophisticated, with sustainability and preservation concerns in mind, that translate into aspects such as the implementation of solar panels for water heating, led lighting, taps with water-saving technology, and so on.

Interiors

The architect and designer Maria José Sacchetti, owner of the house, conceived the interiors and decoration. Maria, a graduated from Rhode Island School of Design and Royal College of Art, favored state-of-the-art products made by Portuguese manufacturers. These stand side by side with artisanal products, where she fused design with local ancestral handcrafted techniques working side by side with local artisans – mima26, de raiz, projecto Tasa, associations of artisans of Monchique and Loulé.

Surroundings

Alma Cheia is located in the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentina Coast Natural Park, in the best preserved coastal strip of the southwestern Algarve. This protected park stretches along the Atlantic coast of the Alentejo and Algarve, covering an area of more than 120 km of lush vegetation and wildlife, hidden between steep coastal landscapes, characterized by rugged rocks and stratifications caused by centuries of erosion, beautiful and tranquil beaches and home of Cape Sardão and Cape St. Vincent, the most southwestern point of Europe.

This region, that combines nature, rurality, authenticity and a mild climate is a unique destination for lovers of active and sustainable tourism, or for those simply in search of a calm, genuine and wild refuge. Land of the fields, mountains, and ocean, with shepherds, farmers and fishermen, this results not only in a unique culture of knowledge, but also in a perfect place for long walks, or for surfing, kayaking, cycling, climbing, or birdwatching and plants observation

Alma Cheia is located just a few minutes from the beaches of Odeceixe, Amoreira, Arrifana and Monte Clérigo, all with surf schools in loco. A little further south are the Amado and Carapateira beaches, also known for their waves. More wild and tranquil, the Vale dos Homens Beach and Carriagem Beach are just a few minutes from the house.

The excellent local gastronomy provides the flavors of the fresh seafood and fish from the ocean, the delicious meat from locally raised cattle, and the vegetables and fruits of still traditional agriculture, according to the season, such as sweet potatoes, peanuts, quince, or medronho, all of them very appreciated in the area for their quality of flavor.

Equally close to Alma Cheia, points of cultural interest punctuate the roads and villages: historical centers, castles, fortresses, ruins and Roman monuments, some megalithic, that extend through Aljezur, Lagos and Sagres.
Close by, Serra de Monchique, offers stunning views from its top and great restaurants to stop along the slope.