Palacete Portalegre

, Sé

Hidden behind a 17th-century façade in Sé, Palacete Portalegre has been reimagined as a 545 m², five-bedroom residence spread across four levels. Once the Lisbon home of the Marquês do Lavradio, one of the king’s most prominent dignitaries, the building has been fully redesigned. The result preserves the historic stature of a palacete while introducing contemporary proportions and flow.

Behind grand double doors, the ground floor opens to a large entrance hall with a gallery-like atmosphere. The staircase leads to the first floor and unfolds into open living and dining areas, with the kitchen adjoining seamlessly. High ceilings and bespoke joinery give a sense of scale and calm. A feature wall with wooden panelling anchors the space, adding depth and character to the clean architectural rhythm. Storage is cleverly integrated into the walls, and the interiors avoid ornament in favour of intelligent layout and finely considered finishes, with high-quality materials throughout.

A second staircase, set behind the living area, leads to the second floor. Here, four bedrooms are arranged around a central landing with concealed storage, each with its own ensuite bathroom. The staircase continues up to the upper floor, where the main suite occupies the entire level and opens onto a large, sun-exposed private terrace, a rare escape of openness and privacy within Lisbon’s historic area.

This is a complete building with amenities uncommon in this location: private parking for two cars, an elevator and generous storage. Modern systems, including underfloor heating and a heat pump, bring efficiency to the historic structure.

Despite being in one of Lisbon’s most visited neighbourhoods, the palacete enjoys unusual calm. Located in a quiet square and with the Tagus River just steps away, it offers an easy escape for a walk or moment of pause. Tucked behind the Museu do Teatro Romano, the property is surrounded by heritage but free from the crowds, offering centrality with discretion.

The immediate area blends authenticity with access: Michelin-starred SEM is three minutes on foot, Memmo Alfama’s terrace five minutes, and Prado’s ingredient-led dining ten minutes. The British School of Lisbon is just a short stroll away, while international schools including Greene’s, Redbridge, and Lycée Français are reachable within 15–20 minutes by car, connecting the property seamlessly to both city life and international networks.

Palacete Portalegre stands as a rare find in Sé, a building of history, scale, and privacy, brought into the present with clarity and precision.