On a sun-bleached rise just outside Aljezur, where Costa Vicentina begins to fold into a low choreography of hills, a once-forgotten farmstead has found a new rhythm. The Munich family who revived it first came for the surf – the brisk Atlantic peaks that draw wave-seekers to this southwestern edge of Europe. But they stayed for something quieter: the sense that time loosens its grip here. And, fortunate for the rest of us, they decided not to keep the place entirely to themselves.
The Setting
This is the western shore of Portugal, south of Lisbon, north of Sagres. Many visitors land in Faro, as we did when we visited; from there, it’s an easy 75-minute drive through cork forests and winding rural roads. The house sits on the outskirts of Aljezur, alone on a large private parcel that blends into the protected landscape of the Costa Vicentina Natural Park.
In summer, the hills take on their signature palette – soft, sandy beiges – while cork oaks and olive trees hold their ground, stoic against the heat.
The House
Parts of the original farmhouse date back to the 1920s, its bones sturdy but worn when the family first stepped inside. What followed was a thoughtful transformation, led together with an architect friend, into a modern retreat that feels both grounded and effortless.
Inside, the house offers two bedrooms fitted with high-quality beds, a generous bathroom, an open kitchen with a central island, and a bright living space. The materials are natural and honest: wood, stone, lime plaster. Furnishings are simple, intentional. Instead of decoration, there is space. Instead of distractions, there are clean lines and colors that mirror the surrounding hills.
One portion of the roof had collapsed long ago, leaving beams open to the sky and an olive tree thriving in the void. Rather than erase this quirk of history, the owners embraced it, turning the space into an unroofed inner courtyard. The result is a sheltered pocket of outdoors — a private, organic boundary that subtly divides the house into calm zones.
A rare luxury on this coast: underfloor and wall heating make the house delightfully comfortable even in the cooler months.
The Hosts
Babs and Felix have chased waves around the world – from the Solomon Islands to the Pacific shores of South America. With three children in tow, their focus gradually shifted closer to home, to the European coasts. Aljezur, with its unfussy charm and wide beaches, had long held their affection.
During the pandemic, the wish for a place near the sea intensified. When a small, wild property came on the market, they didn’t hesitate. With the help of their architect friend Veronika Weiss, they committed to a renovation rooted in local materials, simple structures, and long-lasting solutions.
Friends kept asking when the house would finally be ready to rent. The couple’s standard, modest answer: “Maybe in October.” Then one day, on the drive back to Faro airport, the song Maybe October by Dekker played on the radio. The name stuck.
The Renovation
Simplicity defines the space, but so does environmental intention. Many of the original materials were preserved or repurposed; new elements were crafted mostly from local timber, natural stone, or traditional lime render. A greywater system reduces consumption, the house operates with its own small treatment plant, and all cleaning products are biodegradable. The garden, planted wisely, thrives with minimal irrigation.
Ideal For
Travelers seeking a peaceful, comfortable home rather than a resort. Couples. Small families – children warmly welcomed.
Nearby
Aljezur, a 15-minute walk from the property, is a town that wears its layers openly: old castle ruins above, surfers on café terraces below. There’s a fisherman’s tavern, a hip café, a surprisingly good pizzeria, a local market, bakeries — enough variety for days when the beach can wait.
The Beaches
The region’s beloved Praia da Amoreira is about 10 to 15 minutes away by car, its lagoon and long sandbar shifting with the tides. Countless other beaches unfurl along the coast. Hikers can set off directly from the house toward the hills or join a section of the famed Fisherman’s Trail. Surfing lessons, horseback rides, and coastal tours are easily arranged. Just a practical note: this is the Atlantic, not the Maldives. The water carries a briskness that wakes you up – in the best way.
What’s Next
On the north side of the property, two additional rooms are being converted into a separate studio with its own kitchen, double bed, and bathroom, perfect for bringing friends along. Estimated completion? As the owners like to say: Maybe in October.
Rates
Whole house from 190 euros per night.
Booking & contacts
Maybe October
Palazzo, Costa Vicentina
Aljezur, Portugal
