The Late Birds — Lisbon, Portugal

Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
Thank you for signing up to Wallpaper. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
A glut of hotel openings has made Lisbon a thriving travel destination, with foreigners flocking to the Portuguese capital in droves. The newest opening, The Late Birds, is an all-male gay guest house faultlessly located on a quiet alley in buzzy Bairro Alto.
The heritage, 18th-century building was reimagined by Portuguese architect Pedro Domingos, who carved out 12 rooms, including three suites and a series of cosy public spaces that all look out to the lush pool courtyard in the back. Using simple, natural materials such as lioz stone, stucco and wood, the intimate guesthouse’s stark, uncluttered foundation come with large windows that not only bring in a ton of light but also frame some of Lisbon’s most iconic sights, including the Tagus River and the city’s dramatic red-roof architecture.
To decorate the space, custom pieces by local designer Marco Sousa Santos were brought in. Sculptural figures including the eye-catching Shell Chair in blonde wood that are found in some private rooms and the bulbous wood chandeliers that hang over the ground-floor bar are at once subtle and striking. To complement these newer items, owners Carlos Ruivo and Sónia Santiago incorporated antiques they’ve collected over the years such as an African totem purchased from an auction in Paris, a World War I propeller from a shop in Brussels, and steampunk-looking lamps crafted from found materials by Lisbon-based manufacturer Salão — giving every room a lovely lived-in feel.
ADDRESS
Travessa André Valente 21
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
-
Artist Pierre Charpin’s works adorn sweaters by Koivu, the design world-approved knitwear label
Pierre Charpin’s works appear as embroideries across the latest collection from Koivu, a Finnish-Italian knitwear label founded by design consultant and curator Anniina Koivu
By Jack Moss Published
-
New Tivoli SongBook range adds function and style to the portable speaker
Tivoli Audio introduces the SongBook and SongBook MAX, two new streaming speakers with a rugged, retro style
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
This Edinburgh house extension is rooted in the past and looks to the future
A carefully conceived Edinburgh house extension transforms a mews garage into a secluded modern home, while also enhancing one of Scotland’s most picturesque streets
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Marqí hotel brings a minimalist 1970s feel to Portugal’s Sintra coast
Danish duo Mikkel Kristensen and architect Mikas Emil’s mansion conversion offers dreamy, cinematic escapism at Marqí, a secluded boutique hotel
By Jessica Kelham-Hohler Published
-
The Largo brings craftsmanship and creativity to Porto
The Largo is the latest hospitality offering in Portugal's second city, conceived as an elevated residence with an art programme that connects it to the city’s creative community
By Tom Howells Published
-
Villa One at the One & Only Palmilla — Los Cabos, Mexico
By Chadner Navarro Published
-
Deep Impact: Portugal’s newest hotel is buried under the earth’s surface
Architect Manuel Aires Mateus masterminds the fifth property to join the Silent Living collection
By Lauren Ho Last updated
-
Martim — Wroclaw, Poland
By Daven Wu Last updated
-
Former Algarve post office transformed into five bedroom hotel — Algarve, Portugal
By Mary Lussiana Last updated
-
Tattersalls Hotel — Armidale, Australia
By Dimity Noble Last updated
-
KLoé Hotel — Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
By Jennifer Choo Last updated