Nestled just 20 minutes from Porto, this remarkable property in Santo Tirso is not just a home — it’s a conversation between two generations of the Porto School of Architecture.
The main house was designed in the 1970s by Noé Diniz, one of the unsung heroes of modern Portuguese architecture. A mentor to Eduardo Souto de Moura, whom he called his “first companion,” Dinis worked closely with Álvaro Siza Vieira during a formative period for both architects. This villa reflects that legacy — blending international modernism with traditional Portuguese elements like warm wooden ceilings, natural stone fireplaces, and strong indoor-outdoor connections.
Decades later, the architectural narrative of the property evolved with the addition of a multipurpose pavilion designed by Maria Luísa Penha Souto de Moura, Eduardo’s wife and a respected architect in her own right. Her intervention introduced a more contemporary language: expansive glazing, bold red-toned concrete, and clean geometric lines — creating a powerful architectural dialogue across time.
A Home With Soul and Substance
Set on a generous 2,380 m² plot, the property includes:
- 4+1 bedrooms, spread over 255 m² of private gross area
- A saltwater swimming pool
- A private tennis court
- A natural lake with lotus flowers
- An independent 68 m² pavilion, by Luísa Penha ideal for guests or creative work
- Mature landscaping with fruit trees and space for gardening or entertaining
Inside, the home flows effortlessly from space to space, thanks to renovations by the Porto-based architecture studio Bastir, who carefully preserved the building’s character while improving functionality and comfort.
Though the home is in move-in condition, it offers room for restoration or customization — an invitation for new owners to continue the architectural story.
Context: Santo Tirso, a Hidden Cultural Gem
Santo Tirso has become an unlikely hub of contemporary architecture. It is home to the International Museum of Contemporary Sculpture, and just minutes away, you’ll find projects by Álvaro Siza Vieira, Eduardo Souto de Moura, and other architectural landmarks such as:
- Casa António Carlos Siza
- Museum of International Contemporary Sculpture
- Quartel dos Bombeiros Voluntários de Santo Tirso
With its architectural pedigree, tranquil surroundings, and proximity to Porto, this property stands out as a rare opportunity — a true piece of living history designed by hands that shaped modern Portuguese architecture.