Find Inspiration and Craftsmanship at Portugal’s Melides Art

Name:
Melides Art
Location:
Pinheiro da Cruz, Portugal
Photography:
Francisco Nogueira
Words:
Marissa Stempien

For some art is visual, and for others it’s immersive. Along the coast of Portugal in the town of Pinheiro da Cruz lies Melides Art, a newly-built residential project amidst a contemporary art park. An utterly unique and one-of-a-kind concept, it combines a residential project and art community designed to be a creative platform and home for some of the world’s most talented living modern artists. Nestled in a transformative and inspirational space, Melides Art works to offer an experience for both residents and visitors to connect with art and environment.

Instead of a simple luxury residence in a nice area, artists will find a coastal retreat that blends the best of rural living with contemporary luxury. Here they offer 32 studios, ranging from 6,458 to 8,072 square feet, that are built on land plots up to 17 acres. Each home will be multifunctional for both living and work, acting as a studio, workshop, or gallery area, as well as a residence. Each home will be individually “designed and project managed by our selection of short-listed top architects,” and curated by interior designer James Thurstan Waterworth, who is known for his passion for sourcing antiques and the creation of bespoke furniture. Perched on the Alentejo coast, James’ work brings environment, buildings, furniture, and objects together to tell a cohesive story.

There’s beauty in the residential structures, but in turn, artists can find a balance between their art and lifestyle, collaborating with local artists or drawing directly from the space around them, creating a symbiotic relationship between both muse and craft. At Melides Art, not only does the architecture and design work to improve the beauty of the community, but artists are encouraged to become active members of this dynamic cultural life as either creators or patrons. Visitors can join in the creativity as well with a stay at the adjacent hotel with 14 residential pavilions, a spa, a clubhouse, and varied sports facilities.