Destination: Casa Stephanie
Location: Aljezur, Algarve, Portugal
Casa Stephanie - A little piece of home in Aljezur, Portugal.
I've always loved places that make you feel at home from the moment you step through the door. Somewhere you can unpack your bags, make yourself a coffee and settle in as though you've been there for years. Over the past few years, Portugal has slowly become a second home to me. Somewhere I find myself returning to time and time again, falling a little more in love with its landscapes, culture and way of life. It's no secret that I'd love to call Portugal home one day, and every visit makes that dream feel a little closer.
This October marked my second visit to Casa Stephanie, and I couldn't wait to return. Not just for its beautiful interiors, but for that familiar, comforting feeling of being somewhere that feels like home.
Life has felt a little uncertain recently, and some days have been harder to navigate than others. I've found myself craving the simple things a little more than usual. Slower mornings, sunshine on my face (a very important one for me) and the comfort of having nowhere in particular to be. Returning to Casa Stephanie felt like exactly what I needed.
With sweeping views over Aljezur, on Portugal's south-west coast, Casa Stephanie sits nestled between the mountains and the ocean. A home that feels deeply connected to its surroundings, where thoughtful interiors and beautiful craftsmanship come together to create somewhere that isn't simply designed to be admired, but to be lived in and enjoyed.
And perhaps that's what I love most. The feeling of being completely at ease, curling up on the sofa with a book, making a little mess in the kitchen and enjoying the morning sunlight pouring through the windows. A little reminder of the life I hope to create here one day.
Casa Stephanie was lovingly designed and created by Janete. Born in the Minho region of northern Portugal, Janete spent her early childhood surrounded by nature and the simplicity of rural life, before moving to the United States.
Returning to her roots, Janete and her family made the move back to Portugal, drawn by its rugged coastline, untouched landscapes and traditional Portuguese charm.
With a desire to create a home that celebrates simplicity, Janete envisioned a space where design doesn't distract, but instead supports a slower way of living. Working alongside local artisans and craftspeople who understand the land, the light and regional traditions, she has created a home where every detail tells a story.
One of the things I remember most is the warm golden light that fills the interiors each morning. Filtering through the woven bedroom blinds, casting dancing patterns across the walls, before flooding the living room with the softest golden glow. The kind of light that makes you stop, close your eyes and soak it all in. Beyond the windows, golden fields stretch across Aljezur, framed by trees and delicate pink flowers.
Preparing breakfast quickly became a favourite ritual. A wander down to the local market for fresh fruit, before returning to the kitchen with its terracotta floors, whitewashed walls and traditional blue and white Portuguese ceramics. One of my favourite little details is the radio, playing the Casa Stephanie playlist. I've always loved cooking with music in the background, taking my time to prepare food and setting the mood for the day ahead. Coffee brewing, music playing and nowhere in particular to be.
A lovely new addition to Casa Stephanie is a collection of ceramics handcrafted in Lisbon in collaboration with Espacio Hurfa. Designed by Janete and her young daughter, the collection features her daughter's handwriting, carefully imprinted onto little plates and espresso cups.
It's these personal touches that make Casa Stephanie feel like so much more than somewhere to stay. A reminder that this is a home with a family, stories and love woven into its details.
With little handwritten sayings of 'bom dia', 'gosto de ti' and 'come-me', it's hard not to start the day with a smile and a little more appreciation for the smaller things in life.
After slow mornings enjoying breakfast outside, overlooking Aljezur, my days were spent exploring the surrounding beaches, making the most of the October sunshine that still very much felt like summer.
With so much beautiful coastline on the doorstep, days were spent between Praia da Arrifana, Monte Clérigo, Amoreira and Odeceixe, each with its own charm. Late mornings and afternoons watching the surfers, soaking up the sunshine with a good book, and stopping for a coffee at Sea You Surf Café or a drink at Ti Raul in Arrifana.
I've always had a little dream of owning a whitewashed house with terracotta roof tiles, somewhere close to the ocean. Walking down the hill towards Arrifana, it's impossible not to imagine that life for myself. Little white houses dotted amongst the vast green landscape, bright blue skies and the turquoise ocean sparkling in the sunshine. It's a view that takes my breath away every time.
There's something about this part of Portugal that makes even the simplest days feel special. No real plans, nowhere in particular to be, just following the sunshine, stopping for coffee and enjoying the beauty of the coastline.
Evenings were spent watching the sun dip towards the ocean, with a cold Super Bock in hand, of course, before picking up a takeaway pizza from Arte Bianca and heading back to the casa.
And the evenings at Casa Stephanie are just as lovely as the mornings. Curling up on the linen sofas, the radio playing softly in the background, watching the last of the golden light fall across Aljezur. Beyond the windows, the landscape slowly changes as the sun disappears behind the hills, the trees framing the view as the sky turns the softest shades of pink.
There's something so comforting about returning to a space that feels like your own after a day spent exploring.
Perhaps that's what I'll remember most about Casa Stephanie. Not just the beautiful interiors or the places explored, but the feeling of being completely at ease. A little glimpse of the life I hope to create in Portugal one day, and a reminder of how special it can be to find somewhere that feels like home, even when you're away from your own.
Sophie x
