There are places you visit, and then there are places that stay with you forever. Casa Nossa, the private lakeside estate of Michelin-starred chef José Avillez, belongs to the latter. More than just a rental villa, Casa Nossa is a retreat, a gastronomic haven, and an intimate encounter with the soul of Portugal’s Alentejo region.
A Dream Brought to Life
It began as a ruin, a forgotten farmhouse perched on the shores of Lake Alqueva, Europe’s largest manmade lake. Where others saw crumbling walls, José Avillez and his wife, Sofia Ulrich, saw potential. Together, they envisioned a sanctuary that would bring the natural beauty of the Alentejo into dialogue with understated luxury. They dreamed of a place where guests could unwind in privacy, savor extraordinary cuisine, and feel completely at home.
Today, that dream is Casa Nossa — literally translated as “Our House.” The name reflects their philosophy: this is not a hotel, nor simply a villa, but a home to be shared with those seeking an experience beyond the ordinary.
The estate stretches across 65 hectares (160 acres) of rolling landscape, dotted with ancient holm oaks, wild herbs, fruit orchards, and a flourishing vegetable garden. From every angle, the horizon seems infinite, broken only by the shimmer of the lake and the soft hills of the Alentejo beyond.
The Alentejo: Portugal’s Best-Kept Secret
For the discerning traveler, the Alentejo remains one of Portugal’s most alluring secrets. Unlike the bustling streets of Lisbon or the coastal glamour of the Algarve, this vast inland region whispers its charms in a slower rhythm. The days here are long and golden, marked by the sound of cicadas, the scent of rosemary on the breeze, and skies so clear that stargazing becomes a nightly ritual.
Lake Alqueva itself is a wonder — a sprawling reservoir offering peace and seclusion. Guests at Casa Nossa can spend mornings kayaking or sailing across its tranquil waters, afternoons lounging by the pool with panoramic lake views, and evenings dining under a canopy of stars.
It is precisely this mix of natural grandeur and timeless stillness that makes Casa Nossa so extraordinary. Here, time slows down — and that is the greatest luxury of all.
Architecture and Atmosphere
Casa Nossa was carefully restored to preserve its rustic authenticity while embracing modern elegance. The farmhouse features 1,500 square meters of living space, divided across ten suites. Whitewashed walls contrast with terracotta roofs, while interiors are adorned with warm woods, artisanal textiles, and soft earthy tones that echo the Alentejo’s palette.
Each suite has been designed for both comfort and serenity. Large windows frame uninterrupted lake views, while private terraces invite you to linger outdoors. Bathrooms are spacious and modern, yet infused with traditional Portuguese touches.
At night, silence reigns, interrupted only by the gentle rustle of trees and the occasional call of an owl. It is the kind of quiet that reminds you just how rare true peace can be.
Total Privacy, Complete Exclusivity
Privacy lies at the heart of Casa Nossa. Unlike luxury hotels or boutique resorts, the property is never shared with other guests. When you rent Casa Nossa, it is yours in its entirety.
The estate accommodates up to 20 guests comfortably (22 adults and 8 children with additional bedding if needed), making it ideal for extended families, groups of friends, or intimate celebrations. Whether you wish to host a birthday gathering, a wedding anniversary, or simply an unforgettable reunion, the estate offers both grandeur and intimacy.
And yet, despite its scale, Casa Nossa retains the warmth of a private home. Shaded courtyards, cozy lounges, and intimate dining corners balance the expansive outdoor terraces and wide-open landscapes. It is a space designed not for ostentation, but for living.
One guest recently reflected:
“It felt like stepping into a family home — albeit one where every corner had been perfected. The balance between luxury and warmth is remarkable.”
Gastronomy at the Heart
If Casa Nossa has a soul, it resides in its kitchen. And no wonder — its patron, José Avillez, is among Portugal’s most celebrated chefs, known for his two-Michelin-starred restaurant Belcanto in Lisbon as well as an array of acclaimed ventures across the country.
At Casa Nossa, Avillez brings his creativity, precision, and deep respect for Portuguese traditions into a more intimate context. Guests enjoy full board dining, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included in the stay. Each meal becomes a private performance — curated, seasonal, and deeply connected to the land.
The estate’s garden provides fragrant herbs and the freshest vegetables of each season, while orchards yield fruits served at breakfast tables or transformed into desserts. Local suppliers bring cheeses, olive oils, and wines that embody the Alentejo’s rich terroir.
Meals may range from rustic Alentejo comfort dishes to sophisticated reinterpretations, always elevated by Avillez’s signature touch. Dining can be arranged indoors, on shaded terraces, or even picnic-style under the ancient oaks.
A past guest described it best:
“Every meal was unforgettable. It was like dining in a Michelin-starred restaurant — except the restaurant was ours alone, and the views were the lake and the stars.”
Life by the Lake
Days at Casa Nossa unfold with an easy rhythm. Guests often begin with leisurely breakfasts outdoors, followed by a morning swim in the infinity pool that seems to merge with the lake itself.
Afternoons invite exploration — perhaps a walk through the oak-dotted estate, a bike ride along the lake’s trails, or water sports on Alqueva. For those seeking cultural enrichment, the nearby towns of Monsaraz and Évora offer history, architecture, and local charm.
But more often than not, guests choose simply to stay put. There is something magnetic about Casa Nossa’s stillness — a sense that everything you need is right here.
Evenings bring candlelit dinners, stargazing sessions (the Alqueva sky is a designated Dark Sky Reserve), and quiet conversations that stretch into the night.
Recognition and Prestige
Casa Nossa’s reputation extends beyond Portugal. It has been recognized by the prestigious “50 Best Discovery”, a global guide curated by the World’s 50 Best organization. This distinction places it among the world’s most exceptional hotels and restaurants, celebrated not just for luxury, but for authenticity and excellence.
For travelers who seek experiences that are both rare and meaningful, such recognition is a promise: Casa Nossa is in a league of its own.
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Rental Conditions: 2025 Overview
Luxury of this caliber comes with carefully tailored conditions, ensuring that every stay is seamless and private:
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January to April, November & December: From €6,600 per night (8 suites included).
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May, June, September & October: From €8,800 per night (8 suites included).
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July & August: Weekly rentals only (Sunday to Sunday), from €55,000 for 7 nights.
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Additional suites or sofa beds may be requested in advance.
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All stays include full board dining with Casa Nossa’s curated drinks selection.
Check-in and check-out times are flexible, designed to maximize your time at the estate. A professional team discreetly ensures that every detail is taken care of, from housekeeping to table service, leaving guests free to simply relax.
A Sample 7-Day Casa Nossa Journey
To illustrate the rhythm of a stay at Casa Nossa, imagine this itinerary:
Day 1 – Arrival at Alqueva
Your driver whisks you from Lisbon or Évora in a luxury Mercedes. You arrive at Casa Nossa at sunset, greeted by the lake glowing gold. A welcome dinner by José Avillez sets the tone for the days ahead.
Day 2 – Embracing Stillness
A slow morning breakfast under the oaks, followed by swimming and lounging by the pool. Lunch with fresh garden vegetables, and an evening of stargazing with expert astronomers.
Day 3 – Alentejo Wine Tour
Private excursion to nearby vineyards, sampling bold reds and delicate whites. Return to Casa Nossa for a rustic, wine-paired dinner.
Day 4 – Lake Adventures
Kayaking or sailing on Lake Alqueva, followed by an afternoon siesta. Dinner outdoors, with firelight and the sounds of cicadas.
Day 5 – Cultural Excursion
Guided visit to Monsaraz, a medieval hilltop village, and Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Evening feast at Casa Nossa upon return.
Day 6 – Culinary Immersion
Cooking class with José Avillez and his team, followed by a celebratory tasting menu dinner.
Day 7 – Farewell to the Lake
Breakfast by the water, last stroll through the estate, and departure with memories that linger long after.
Extending the Journey with Portugal Magik
While Casa Nossa is a complete destination, many guests extend their Portuguese journey with Portugal Magik Private Tours, ensuring seamless luxury from arrival to departure.
Our award-winning company provides fully customizable itineraries, covering Lisbon, Porto, the Douro Valley, the Algarve, and beyond. Guests travel in a fleet of luxury Mercedes-Benz vehicles, accompanied by professional English-speaking driver-guides who ensure each moment unfolds at your pace.
Popular combinations include:
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Lisbon & Cascais: Explore Portugal’s vibrant capital, palaces, and coast before retreating inland.
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Douro Valley: Pair the serenity of Alqueva with vineyard cruises on the Douro.
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Porto: Dive into Portugal’s northern soul, discovering wine cellars and riverside charm.
Most of our VIP guests book 7–12 days or more, weaving Casa Nossa into a broader exploration of Portugal’s treasures.
Why Casa Nossa is Unforgettable
In the world of luxury travel, experiences often blur together. But Casa Nossa remains vivid — a place where gastronomy, privacy, and nature converge in perfect harmony.
It is rare to find an estate that feels simultaneously so grand and so intimate, where every meal is extraordinary, and where the rhythm of life slows to something elemental. Casa Nossa offers precisely that.
As one guest put it:
“It wasn’t just a stay — it was a memory carved into our lives. The lake, the food, the stillness… it’s impossible to forget.”
Book Your Casa Nossa Experience
For those ready to discover Portugal’s most exclusive retreat, Casa Nossa awaits. Whether for a week of serenity, a special celebration, or as part of a grand tour of Portugal, this estate offers an experience unlike any other.
Book Your Portugal Experience:
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