The interior narratives are playful, set to a canvas of limewashed whites and the period tones of paint favourite Mizzle – a sort of milky, leaded green which skirts around the rooms, framing the scene of scarlet reds, pistachio, florals, velvets, tufted rugs, and conversation-worthy artworks, some by Filipa’s grandmother. Furnishings dance throughout the house like a bright harlequin with delights from a vintage Mario Bellini Sofa for B&B Italia in burnt orange, sunshine yellow Nimrod Chairs by Marc Newson, and a seductive lounger in cornflower blues by Patricia Urquiola. Collecting post-modernist furnishings is not the only passion of Antonio, his other eye sources lighting – a crucial element in his dialogue of curated design. Vintage Flos lamps sit nicely under a pendant light by Noguchi, or the colourful hanging Foscarini lanterns by Andrea Anastasio add an accent of the exotic.

Personally created by the owners, Filipa & António of Casa Fortunato, a Lisbon-based architecture and design studio, the duo bring heritage builds back to life with a new sense of purpose and rooted soul, a heartfelt passion evident in this new hotel sibling. Peeling back the chapters of time and neglect, they have restored the villa into a small luxury guesthouse of six uniquely styled bedrooms and suites, a snug dining room and a courtyard garden – the hidden oasis of citrusy verts complete with a strippy plunge pool to chill down the warm summery days.