THERE ARE PLACES WHERE NATURE IS SOMETHING TO LOOK AT. AT CASA EQUUS, YOU LIVE WITHIN IT.

At the heart of Herdade da Saudade, Casa Equus is an invitation to slow down. To listen more closely to the silence, follow the changing light and allow the countryside to set the pace.

Around 50 minutes from Lisbon, close to Arraiolos and Évora, it is near enough to reach with ease and far enough for everything else to begin to fade away.

Casa Equus brings together four independent apartments, where rural architecture meets sophisticated contemporary comfort. Each has a bedroom, bathroom, living area, fully equipped kitchen and air conditioning.

Every apartment opens onto its own private section of shaded veranda, a place to read, rest or let a meal linger. A larger shared veranda brings the four apartments together, with a sitting area and two long tables made for gatherings, meals and conversations with no particular end in sight.

As the days grow colder, another gathering place takes over: a large outdoor firepit surrounded by benches, where late afternoons easily become evenings.

A circular saltwater pool is another special part of the space, shared by only a small number of guests.

Beyond it, the Herdade begins.

Paths through the countryside, small reservoirs and ponds alive with wildlife, animals appearing unexpectedly and almost otherworldly rock formations. Huge rounded stones gather like giant eggs, creating cavities and small natural shelters, in a landscape where nature and history seem to meet.

On arrival, a small basket from the Herdade awaits, filled with produce from the land and regional flavours.