Cucumbi
GUEST HOUSE / ALENTEJO / WATCHLIST
Across the vast fields of the Alentejo, about an hour from the hustle & bustle of Lisbon, Cucumbi offers a retreat for those craving a taste of the simple life. This four-room & three-apartment guesthouse is found at the edge of a small village called Barrancão on an organic farm and run by husband & wife Catarina & ToZé.
Motivated by regeneration, and with 118 acres of land to fund, the couple decided to restore the farmhouse at the centre of the property and transform it into a stylish seven-bedroom abode with natural and minimalist style. Textures of wood, rattan & linen complement carefully chosen vintage furniture to create a soft & intimate mood. Ceramics, often produced by some of Cucumbi’s artists in residence, sit upon driftwood tables and atop kitchen counters. Breakfasts are served with organic products from the house’s vegetable garden & eggs from chickens who are raised in the open air while solar energy panels & a water filtration system help to make this one of the best examples of Portugal’s sustainable stays. There’s not much to do here other than lean back into the slow life of the countryside, so pack plenty of books and settle into Alentejo living.
Room Service
Location: Barrancão, Alentejo.
Price: Double rooms start at around 210€ per night.
Highlights: The rusticly chic style & soft atmosphere are soothing, while the
organic vegetable garden & sustainable vision of the property makes for a thoughtful, fulfilling stay.
Our favourite room: All of the seven rooms are heavenly, but choose an apartment if you prefer to be self-sustaining.
Services: Breakfast is served daily & turndown is offered.
Designed by owners Catarina & ToZé along with Lisbon-based designer Sofia Albuquerque.
Photography by Sanda Vuckovic.
The Neighbourhood: Isolated between two towns, counting barely 50 inhabitants, this is a stay for those wanting to leave behind the metropolis for a quiet existence. Jump on one of the guest house bicycles to explore the countryside, or in a canoe on the lake to soak in some elemental energy.
Things to know: Rural isolation calls for preparation & the right equipment to ensure comfort & serenity. If you’re staying in an apartment make sure you bring as much as you need for your stay so you don’t have to leave to hunt for supplies.
