Perched atop a historic castle peak within the embrace of an ancient olive grove, CASA DA MATRIZ reveals itself as a graceful sanctuary where panoramic transparency meets secluded repose. This walled hamlet was masterfully envisioned to dissolve the boundaries between its interiors and the sprawling horizon, offering an expansive connection to the landscape while remaining a private, sheltered haven of tranquility.
The architectural design emphasizes a dramatic interplay of materials and light: minimalist light-grey stucco and vast windows create a sharp, modern contrast against the plot’s ancient, whitewashed perimeter walls. This duality in design frames kaleidoscopic vistas, drawing the eye simultaneously towards a sun-drenched courtyard (graced by a thousand-year-old olive tree) and the imposing Arab fortress walls to the north.
With 3 full suites, powder-room and closet, living-room with library & fireplace, pantry, open-kitchen isle with dining room, outdoor pergola with fire pit, infinity pool & lounge, two outdoor dining tables (sitting 12 plus 8 people), double car porch, external laundry & bike storage, CASA DA MATRIZ was devised as an idyllic weekend home. Wonderfully fluid and functional, where everything is instinctively at hand, it nonetheless remains magically romantic, with the light pouring through from reflections of the white calk of the outer walls and with the morning sun hitting on the vegetable garden, watered everyday by 73-year-old gardener Ezequiel with a precision that rivals Immanuel Kant’s famous Königsberg walk.
The house is a graceful, enduring dialogue between father and son —one dedicated to art and design, the other to literature— uniting to create a sanctuary of intellectual and visual joy, rather than a mere museum of objects. This holistic sanctuary weaves together auction finds, family heirlooms, and bespoke furniture crafted for the space, alongside hand-selected mid-century vintage pieces, iconic lighting, and organic ceramics.
Commissioned sculptures and artworks tell singular stories throughout the grounds, while a curated library of English and French masterpieces invites deep reflection. Transcending the traditional gallery, CASA DA MATRIZ warmly encourages guests to live among and interact with its remarkable collection of books, art and collectibles.