When Fernanda Gramaxo bought the derelict 19th-century iron warehouse in Porto’s old Largo de São Domingos quarter, she had the unshakeable notion that beneath the crumbling masonry was a hotel in the rough.
Three years later, the Armazém (Portuguese for warehouse) is literally that – a raw space that Gramazo and architect Luis Sobral, of local firm Pedra Liquida, have swathed in shades of grey, timber, iron, original stonework, and acres of polished concrete.
Owing to the antiquity of the building, each of the nine rooms is configured differently with quirky bespoke furniture and storage spaces. The pervasive mood of the past looms large with Sé Cathedral, the Ferreira Borges Market, and the Douro river all within easy reach.
There is no restaurant, but before heading out to dinner, pair an aperitif on the terrace with stirring views of Clérigos Tower, São Domingos Square, Misericórdia church and Porto’s historical silhouette.
ADDRESS
Largo de São Domingos, 74
-
Olfactory Art Keller: the New York gallery exhibiting the smell of vintage perfume, blossoming lilacs and last night’s shameOlfactory Art Keller is a Manhattan-based gallery space dedicated to exhibiting scent as art. Founder Dr Andreas Keller speaks with Lara Johnson-Wheeler about the project, which doesn’t shy away from the ‘unpleasant’
-
Explore a barn conversion with a difference on the Isle of WightGianni Botsford Architects' barn conversion transforms two old farm buildings into an atmospheric residence and artistic retreat, The Old Byre
-
Audi launches AUDI, a China-only sub-brand, with a handsome new EV conceptThe AUDI E previews a new range of China-specific electric vehicles from the German carmaker’s new local sub-brand
-
Find serenity at Casa Fortunato, a Portuguese bolthole filled with lightDesign-savvy duo Antonio Falcáo Costa Lopes and Filipa Fortunato chose Alcácer do Sal as the perfect setting for the second iteration of their original Casa Fortunato
-
Discover Locke de Santa Joana: a restored convent turned Lisbon hotel catering to ‘creative, Bohemian aficionados’Born from the restoration of an old convent, Locke de Santa Joana has been redesigned by Post Company and Lázaro Rosa Violán into a design-led city break
-
The Rebello is a chic hotel with an industrial past on Porto’s riversideTransforming industrial buildings on the Douro river, The Rebello is a new hotel ‘with an old soul’
-
Modern, earthy lodges await at Lavandeira Douro Nature & WellnessLavandeira Douro Nature & Wellness in Portugal boasts off-track luxury cabins by FCC Architectura
-
The Algarve welcomes Austa, an all-day kitchen in touch with its heritageFrom breakfast to dinner, Austa embraces honest eating and local community
-
Marqí hotel brings a minimalist 1970s feel to Portugal’s Sintra coastDanish duo Mikkel Kristensen and architect Mikas Emil’s mansion conversion offers dreamy, cinematic escapism at Marqí, a secluded boutique hotel
-
The Largo brings craftsmanship and creativity to PortoThe Largo is the latest hospitality offering in Portugal's second city, conceived as an elevated residence with an art programme that connects it to the city’s creative community
-
Portugal’s newest holiday home is far from the madding crowdsPeace and tranquillity reign at the latest Portuguese holiday home by The Addresses
