Antiga Casa Pessoa
LISBON / GUESTHOUSE / TRIED & TESTED
Tucked into the bustling streets of Lisbon’s central Baixa district, Antiga Casa Pessoa is more than just a place to rest ones’ head - it’s a living, breathing story of the city. This meticulously restored 200-year-old collection of apartments captures the soul of old Lisbon, blending original 19th-century frescoes with modern, pared-back Portuguese design.
At this humble guesthouse, 13 rooms are centred around a winding staircase and no two are the same - each tells its own story. Some rooms feature intricate original floral motifs that echo the romanticism of the 19th century, while others are bold expressions of geometric symmetry. These hand-painted details have been carefully preserved during the building’s restoration over almost ten years, now allowing guests to finally sleep beneath works of delicate history.
The walls of the house invite both admiration but also reflection, and while orntate, the interior decoration is minimal and thoughtfully furnished with contemporary Portuguese design - linen-draped beds, natural wood tones, and soft lighting that nod to the building’s historic grandeur.
With a view over terracotta-tiled rooftops stretching across the city through revived wooden shutters, we felt immerse in a scene almost from Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things, aided by the crunch and crisp of pastel de nata (just one!) from Castro, the cities best custard tarts located just a street away. In a setting that feels both timeless and alive, drawing you into Lisbon’s rhythm - Antiga Casa Pessoa isn’t just a city stay - it’s an invitation to experience Lisbon as it was, and as it is now, in perfect harmony.
Room Service
Location: Baixa, Lisbon
Price: Rates from 280€ per night
Sleeps: Five boutique apartments, each sleeping up to four guests.
Services: The apartments are self catered but the guesthouse offers turndown services.
Our Favourite Room: The Yellow Room for its pretty view of the tree lined square, high ceilings and seamless blend of historic charm and contemporary living.
Services: Each stay includes a thoughtfully prepared welcome basket, regular cleaning services, and an optional daily turndown. Guests can enjoy an honesty bar stocked with Portuguese wines, Azoren tea and curated maps that guide you through Lisbon’s hidden gems.
Designed by: Portuguese architect José Adrião.
Photography by: Design Escapes Porgugal.
The Neighbourhood: Baixa is at the heart of Lisbon’s old-world charm. While its grid-like streets hum with activity, there are some tourist traps around. Avoid them by being well prepared and pop into more local spots like PRADO, and for some of the best farm-to-table bites in the city, and Tasca Baldracca for a cool take on traditional Portuguese fare.
Stay here if: You want to immerse yourself into history and enjoy self catering in an independent space with simple but stylish design. It’s best suited to couples or families with grown-up children.
To Know: The preservation of historical frescoes gives each room an undeniable sense of place, while the thoughtful inclusion of modern comforts—like Sampedro linens and fully equipped kitchens—ensures guests feel at home. The lack of air conditioning (in favor of preserving the building’s heritage) is hardly missed thanks to the cool breezes that flow through the cleverly designed interiors.
Antiga Casa Pessoa is a member of the Design Escapes Club, tried & tested personally by us.
The Map
Antiga Casa Pessoa is located in Baixa, Lisbon.
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