Need to unplug and unwind from the hustle? Buy this retreat in Portugal

Surely one of the most essential tools in a creative person’s arsenal is an extraordinary retreat – a sanctuary that allows you to completely unplug, shut out the distractions of the world, and completely immerse yourself in the creative process.

In the southern Portuguese town of Beja, a secluded home has been purpose-built for exactly that.

The retreat, which is listed for sale with Fantastic Frank Lisbon for €2.8 million ($4.6 million), was the vision of two Portuguese artists.

The couple built the property 15 years ago to serve as both their family home and a workspace to pursue their ceramics, sculpture, writing and visual arts, which it has done ever since.

Designed to be a space for deep focus and inspiration, the retreat offers complete privacy, wide-open horizons, and the space to disconnect entirely from the demands of modern life.

Designed and built by renowned modernist Portuguese architect Bartolomeu Costa Cabral, the 505-square-metre home sits on nine hectares of unspoiled cork and oak trees.

It was built from rammed earth, so it echoes the hues of the surrounding countryside. As you approach, it appears to rise organically from the landscape.

“We chose to use rammed earth, a traditional building technique in southern Portugal, combined with a concrete skeleton for added structural support and energy efficiency,” say the owners, who ask not to be named.

“The earth used in construction was sourced directly from the site during landscaping, resulting in a series of volumes that appear to emerge naturally from the surrounding land.

“Every element, from the windows to the cabinetry, was custom-designed to enhance the space.

“The interior design was our own work, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere – a sophisticated blend of simplicity, with vintage furniture and objects, carefully chosen textiles and works of art, both our own and those of friends and fellow artists.”

The single-level house is divided into two distinct wings, each with its own entrance and connected by a central courtyard shaded by orange trees and with a bubbling fountain.

Step inside and you’re met with light-filled, minimalist spaces and earthy tones.

The main home includes a main bedroom with an en suite, walk-in wardrobe and terrace, and a family wing with a double bedroom, two singles and a shared bathroom.

At the centre, a spacious kitchen has a walk-in pantry, and there are multiple terraces to choose from if you want to dine al fresco or just soak in the views stretching out in every direction.

The second building on the estate was built as the couple’s art studios and workspace, designed to foster focus.

“It includes a ceramics atelier, a study, a nap room and a large warehouse space – perfect for uninterrupted creative work,” says agent Lucy Crook of Fantastic Frank Lisbon.

“This blank canvas can also serve as a music studio, event space or even a yoga retreat.”

Fully licensed for residential use, the versatile space could easily be transformed into a separate three-bedroom house.

Inside the home, every detail has been carefully considered, from the bespoke cabinetry to the vintage furniture and curated artworks.

Three fireplaces are spread across the home, while solar panels, a roof cooling system, and custom-designed windows blend sustainability with modern craftsmanship.

Outside, a dreamy saltwater pool sits elevated on a deck, offering a tranquil outlook across the property and to the rolling hills beyond.

The city of Beja sits about a two-and-a-half-hour’s drive south-east of Lisbon. The Alentejo region is sparsely populated, and characterised by its landscapes of cork trees and gently rolling hills.

“Life in Beja offers a rare combination of tranquillity and natural beauty, where the pace of life is dictated by the rhythms of nature,” Crook says.

“Known for its rich agricultural traditions, warm climate and strong sense of community, the region provides a peaceful and intimate place to call home.

“On clear nights, the sky reveals a breathtaking canopy of stars, offering moments of simple magic and calm.”

For those with grander ambitions, an adjoining 352-hectare landholding is also available for sale, offering the option to expand the estate further or pursue new creative projects.

There is also the option to retain the current housekeeper, leaving you little more to do than just move straight in.