Welcome to our dream come true!

Back in 2015, we came to Porto for a family weekend trip, not knowing that our lives were about to change. While wandering through the streets, we came across an old house in ruins with a "for sale" sign outside. It was falling apart, but something about it, its fantastic location, its faded elegance, just spoke to us. We couldn't walk away. It felt like the house was calling us, like it had stories to tell and new ones waiting to happen.

What began as curiosity grew into a dream of restoring the past, to gift passionate travelers like ourselves, with a welcoming home at a unique and wonderful destination.

The dream of Casa Kala was born... but the  journey was not always easy.  After countless sleepless nights and knocking on many doors, we finally found the means to start the renovation. We were lucky to meet Ren Ito, a young architect who believed in the project as much as we did, and together with a dedicated team, we slowly brought the old ruins back to life, uncovering the charm of a house that once belonged to a family of coffee traders. What we thought would take a few months turned into years, and then Covid happened too, so it took even longer than we imagined. But in the summer of 2022, we finally opened the doors and welcomed our first guests.

Along the way, we made a discovery that meant a lot to us: we found out that Januário Godinho, a renowned modernist architect, had contributed to its design. That made us even more determined to honor its history properly. In 2023, we were incredibly proud when the restoration received a National Architecture Award, a beautiful reminder of everything that went into bringing this house back to life.

Porto’s history dates back to the ancient Roman City of “Portus Cale”, an important commercial port by the Douro River. The name evolved into "Portugale", a legacy that lives on in the country's name. Historians suggest it might come from the Greek word "Καλλις Kallis", meaning beautiful. 

If you walk through Porto's streets, past the rows of townhouses packed closely together, you'll notice a break in the landscape, a garden hidden behind a wall, a quiet escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Step through the gate, and it feels like entering a different world. Inside, light fills the hallway that Godinho designed, where the original staircase and chandelier have been carefully restored and are waiting to be discovered.

With just eight thoughtfully designed rooms, every moment here feels personal and special. Picture starting your day with a delicious breakfast. Let us share our love for Porto by offering insider tips, restaurant recommendations, and unique day trip ideas. After a day of exploring, unwind in the peaceful garden, sink into a hammock, or treat yourself to a relaxing on-site massage.

​​Every corner of this house tells a story. About Porto’s cultural heritage. About Portugal’s breathtaking architecture. But, especially, about us, and the love that we put in every small detail to create a home out of an abandoned house, where history meets modern comfort, inviting you to experience Porto in a way you never imagined.

We are waiting for you to welcome you into our story. A story of passion, craftsmanship, and the unique charm of Porto. Come to discover the magic we have created just for you.

Casa Kala | Your Place.

From Family Photo Album

From Family Photo Album

From Family Photo Album

During Rennovations