In the quiet Boavista neighborhood of Porto, there’s an enchanting oasis where travelers can escape the urban bustle.

At Palacete Severo; one can eat, sleep, and relax while constantly taking in the art and nature which surrounds this unique, ancestral palacete.

 

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Palacete Severo is the former home of renowned Portuguese architect, Ricardo Severo, who built the elegant townhouse for his wife, Francisca Santos Dumont. The home is an alluring amalgam of exceptional traits from Portuguese architecture and design. The façade is bright yellow and laid with hand painted azulejo tiles, as are the eaves of the roof.

Inside there are original carved woodwork, stone staircase, and intricate stucco ceilings which decorate each unique corner of the home. Simply wandering down the moody, dimly lit halls feels like a dream. At one turn, come across a stained-glass window portrait of a goddess. Next, stumble upon a cozy book salon with a fire.

The sleek yet understated contemporary design of the interiors seamlessly complements historical structure of the palacete. Plush suede in rich earth tones envelope the headboards, armchairs, and carpets. Large sleek mirrors are tastefully placed in certain spaces to magnify singular design elements. The bathrooms are functional and highly convenient in their layout, while providing every amenities imaginable, made by the local Portuguese brand 8950. From long bay windows in each room, guests can privately contemplate a lush, sunlit garden surrounding the property.

Throughout the hotel, bold original artworks pop from every corner. Palacete Severo is also home to Perspective Galerie, a contemporary gallery from Paris, which opened its Porto location within the hotel. The hotel simultaneously acts as a gallery space connecting artists and guests. The current exhibition, A Casa de Francisca Dumont, is specifically dedicated to Ricardo Severo’s wife and fills her former home with artworks that question who Francisca Dumont was as a woman whose life was sparsely documented. The exhibitions change every three to four months, allowing guests to enjoy an evolving cultural experience each time they visit.

The hotel’s in-house EON Restaurant has an exciting cultural experience in store. Set inside a highly intimate and provocative space, EON Restaurant takes diners on an artistic journey of Portuguese flavors. Indulge in seasonal ingredients found on Portuguese shores like scarlet prawn from the Algarve, Portuguese steer, and Martainha chestnuts that are elaborated in bold, imaginative ways.

Inside the solarium, find Bistro Severo, the hotel’s all-day restaurant. It’s a dream to start the day with breakfast in the gorgeous solarium decorated with geometric tiles around romantic arches. For lunch and dinner, the bistro offers fantastic, top-notch dishes like crisp soft-shell prawn pastry, Bulhao Pato clams, milk-fed lamb shoulder, and a fresh catch of the day.

Although it’s a smaller boutique property with simply 19 rooms, Palacete Severo provides luxe amenities that travelers would need for a fully relaxing stay. In the newer wing across from the original home is the spa and fitness center. Spa Severo uses clean beauty products by Olivier Claire in a wide range of innovative anti-aging treatments and regenerative massages. The spanking-new fitness center is open 24 hours, in addition to a swimming pool in the garden – perfect for spending tranquil afternoons under a parasol.

The location of the hotel near Casa da Musica is ideal for those who prefer to stay in a quieter, residential area with quick access to touristic attractions. The metro stops at Casa da Musica and Carolina Michaelis are a short walk away to reach anywhere in the city by metro. The beautiful Jardins do Palacio de Cristal are also within walking distance, as are the numerous delectable restaurants and shops in the area that are yet to be discovered by the tourist hordes.

Palacete Severo is a hidden oasis in Porto that overflows with history, art, and culture for those who find it. Every moment spent in this unique haven is creative and enchanting. Be sure to book a stay at Palacete Severo in Porto when the mood calls for a hearty dose of culture, mixed with exceptional design all around.