Four Arches

Four Arches: Lisbon

At the top of the Avenida de Liberdade, Parque Eduardo VII is a gorgeous, green beacon of the Santo Antonio district. And with the annual Lisbon Book Fair taking place here every August, this cultural hub doesn’t just offer lush lawns and perfect views of the Tagus. Eight minutes away on foot, this apartment (like the nearby park) is yet another example of a serene oasis in the middle of this vibrant city.

Without any typical Portuguese features, this home is in a world of its own. The host’s Saharan-influenced decorations create a relaxing atmosphere that transports you into nature. We love the cacti alongside wicker furnishings and rugged, handmade tapestries on the walls. Then ornate hanging lamps bring a desert vibe to the dining area, where the entire space is complemented perfectly by a sandy colour palette.

Kick back on the sofa and put the record player on while you settle into your new surroundings. As music softly plays, you might find yourself gazing at the geometric, monochrome artworks on display. Or when you need to ground yourself back in reality, take a look into the four arched mirrors – your reflection would look even better with a glass of douro in hand.

Home truths:
*Your host does not provide haircare products such as shampoo
*Parking isn't available, but the Marquês de Pombal metro stop is a four-minute walk
*There's a dedicated workspace, plus laptop-friendly spots like the dining table
*The building entrance is shared, not private to your home
*There is only air conditioning in some rooms
*Because of the location, some city noise should be expected – light sleepers might want to bring earplugs just in case