Inside a Luxury Boutique Hotel by Renowned Portuguese Architect Manuel Aires Mateus | estliving.com

Silent Living hotelier and founder João Rodrigues engaged architect and good friend Manuel Aires Mateus to restore an ancient Lisbon building and instil the values of slow living. Redefining traditional notions of hospitality, João and his family have made the building their permanent home while guests come and go, taking a piece of Santa Clara 1728 with them. “We welcome guests as part of our family or as longtime friends,” João says, “in the hopes that they become inspired to integrate small rituals into their lives that they shared during their stay.” In this film, João delves deeper into the concept of rituals and how we can utilise our spaces to enact positive change in our daily routines.

Santa Clara is housed within an 18th-century building in what João regards as one of the most romantic squares in Lisbon. João was determined to honour the building’s rich heritage while establishing a strong contemporary connection, which Manuel is renowned for in his work. The architect took great care balancing the past and present and ensuring the design reflected Portuguese life and culture.

“We have several rules surrounding Silent Living projects, one being that we only build with local materials,” João says. Manuel embraced these values and chose materials reminiscent of ancient Lisbon buildings, including ‘Lioz’ limestone, pine wood floors and handmade tiles. The seamless integration of these materials creates a soothing atmosphere where one can find stillness away from the city bustle. “Being here is a journey through the elements and a delight for the senses,” João says.

Furniture and art were thoughtfully selected to promote this feeling of calm. Upon entering the building, guests are greeted by a Living Divani Extrasoft sofa, a Davide Groppi Moon pendant and an antique gold-framed painting, which beautifully complement the original architecture.

“We felt that it was important for guests to experience the fullness of Portuguese life,” João says. With this came the aim to inspire people to incorporate mindfulness practices into their daily routines. “It could be as simple as opening up the windows and letting the fresh air in or relaxing in the evening and counting the stars before they go to bed. Through these small rituals, we try to slow down people’s pace so that when they leave, there’s a little seed of Silent Living in their lives and their future.”

Family is also a huge part of Portuguese life, which João wanted guests to experience in the most authentic way possible. When you stay at Santa Clara, you gather for meals in the grand dining room, which can seat up to 20 guests. “Guests from around the world come together like a family to share the pulse, beauty and charm of life in Lisbon,” João says.

Santa Clara 1728 comprises two different suites; the ‘Santa Clara’ suite can accommodate up to two adults and two children, while the ‘Tejo’ suite is designed for two adults. Both enjoy spectacular views of the city and river.

Filmed and edited by Dan Preston for est living

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Design by Aires Mateus Architects

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[jeandupas-qk]

as we can see in the other video on Aires Mateus, is this great idea to leave the paintings on the floor, telling us all human things are transient, only rocks and mineral things are here for long, it's so humble and almost like the Japanese spirit you can get in a zen garden but, here, mixed with European heritage. Mateus is a quiet genius because he's not showing off in his way of laying the spaces, it's subtle and then it grows on you, like a second skin, which is the way your house is supposed to be i think

[michael-ong]

I have certainly taken a piece of Santa Clara 1728 with me after staying at this dreamy place. It has changed the way I value what's important in my travel. The cherry on the cake was I got to meet Joao and had breakfast with him, and also had the opportunity to meet and visit Manuel Aires Mateus and his architecture firm. It all still feel like a dream!

[meganmayrawson]

There are so many serene, architectural moments within this sanctuary-like space. Silent Living seems to offer a beautiful connection to the rich, Portuguese culture & place. Stunning.

[aliasErEf]

Grandiose classicisme et tout en intimité sur la base de matériaux nobles. Cet architecte est sensible à la vie ….et à la beauté.

Merci,
ErEf, Montréal, Canada

[jackseedsman]

Wow. Architecture that truly makes you feel relaxed and at home.

[brigittecraig]

Heaven ☁️☁️ I now have a new destination on the bucket list. Absolutely beautiful 😍

[astridsaint-john]

This video takes me back to Lisbon. Wonderful to see the silent living style and architecture inside a 17 th century Portuguese building.

[CarolynKurul-zd]

Beautiful hotel, so tranquil & peaceful - would love to stay at Santa Clara in Lisbon!

[arsalanz]

Such a nature inspired design with the materials & color choice, zen 😌

[threekids]

WOW WOW WOW, you had me at hello, I just want to visit

[emmyfordd]

That bathroom is so calm and beautiful!

[livtoscano]

This beautiful home just exudes serenity. Loved watching this design destination!

[DebRobertson-qv]

Amazing architecture, just beautiful. I can feel the peace and tranquility this brings from here! Built with all locally sourced materials too, which is fabulous. Take me to Lisbon! Absolutely love <3

[Dessert_x_Tat]

I am so glad that I have found this channel.
I am binge-watching everything on "est living" as every video presents only mesmerising art.
Thank you guys.

[miffycoady.]

A beautiful home away from home. Long admired the design by Aires Mateus, definitely on my visit list this year.

[nic_black]

amazing video to watch, such an inspirational restoration.

[samfrain]

Incredible! The bathtub and the basins: the material is stunning.

[lesleymcmullen]

Could you please let me know the designer of the standard lamp in the entry sequence & the bedroom sequence at the end of the vid.
Love the ambience of the whole interior!

[sophiemlewis]

Santa Clara 1728 epitomises quiet luxury in a design destination.

[youbian]

Tell me they dress like that in real life