Baixa House, Lisbon

I have so many photographs to share with you of our weekend in Lisbon, but I simply had to share our perfect apartment in Baixa House first, as this shabby chic, super comfortable warm and delightfully charming home from home, completed our time in Lisbon.

Tucked along the Rua dos Fanqueiros’ cobbled street, we walked past it three times, yes even with Google maps, looking up is what we didn’t do and there she was hidden amongst an array of blue and white tiles, yes those famous traditional Portuguese, beautiful tiles. Baixa House offers thirteen apartments to accommodate all party of travellers, within the 18th century building, which was constructed after the devastating earthquake which hit Lisbon in 1755. Walking into the light, white and cool hallway with its rather stunning staircase of dreams, winding all the way to the top, surrounded by traditional Portuguese tiles, little nooks, bookcases and chairs dotted on landings, making every glance, step and corner a photographer’s dream and we’ve not even reached inside the apartment yet!

We were staying in the Belém apartment, which was more than perfect for our stay. A two bedroom apartment, with living area and open plan kitchen, all the mod-cons and the wallpaper to beat all wallpapers, reds, greens and sun- flower yellow popping out of the furnishings with all the traditional features brought to life. The highest of ceilings, allowing the light to flood the room, vintage chairs, rugs, art work and furnishings added to the beautifully quirky interior. A huge marble bathroom with a walk-in shower, a gorgeous patio for breakfast or to relax with a book, which connected to the simple yet super pretty bedroom. But my absolute favourite was the two balconies over looking the Rua dos Fanqueiros, where I could have stood back and watched Lisboa get on with her day, all day long. Every morning I took my coffee to watch the trams pass and the sun shine through the Rua. The classic number 28 tram rides right past. I think staying in an apartment is so much nicer than a hotel at times, you don’t have to rush for breakfast, you can eat your breakfast in your pyjamas and really just go on your own time schedule, which can be a real welcome treat, you are on a holiday after all. But in saying that you can almost feel you are part of the city, running to the local shop for supplies, sitting in the living room with the city going by, just happily living in this oh so charming Lisboa hidden gem.

Baixa House really is in the most perfect base to explore the city, walking distance from so many highlights. ‘Baixa’ meaning downtown, is about a five minute walk to the Alfama , the historical part of the city and my favourite, (a lot more to come on this area) It is also close to Rossio Square and Chiado districts, all an easy stroll from the apartment.

With breakfast of fresh breads, yogurts and fruits to start our day before we explored the city to an early evening chill out to wash off the city before heading out to dinner you really could not beat Baixa for a base, and a very beautiful one at that. But what really made the stay and was the cherry on the top, was the most loveliest staff. So helpful, informed, kind and passionate about not only the house but the city. With Maria taking time to highlight the city on the map and giving us tips on how to cope with the temperature of the Atlantic Ocean and the lovely Joana who really did spend forever finding and booking restaurants and recommending places and sights (again all this to come) her kindness, warmth and impeccable taste really allowed us to fully immerse ourselves into this charming and delightful city, more than we could ever have done ourselves!

Baixa House and her team made us feel completely welcome and I couldn’t think of a more perfect place to soak up such a beautiful, cool and delectable city. They say home is where the heart is and, well, this home had our hearts in Lisbon.