Dreaming of living in an Art Deco masterpiece? The Serralves Villa offers a glimpse into that world. This villa stands as a testament to a visionary’s ambition. Carlos Alberto Cabral the 2nd Count of Vizela envisioned this unique space.
The Casa de Serralves represents a rare example of Streamline Moderne architecture. It also includes neo-classical romantic and Art Deco elements. Construction spanned from 1925 to 1944. Cabral’s passion for contemporary architecture drove the project.
Imagine Cabral a textile magnate inheriting his family’s summer residence in 1925. He expanded the property buying land and commissioning renowned architects. José Marques da Silva initially coordinated the project. Later Charles Siclis sketched the villa’s iconic pink facade. Jacques Grèber designed the gardens.
Step inside Serralves Villa. Notice the elegant interiors designed by Jacques Émile Ruhlmann. His style embraced French neo-classicism a contrast to the modern exterior. René Lalique’s skylight illuminates the central hall. Edgar Brandt’s wrought iron gate separates public and private spaces.
Interestingly Cabral managed the project himself. He often gave contradictory information to the architects. Ruhlmann for example wanted a different construction system than Marques da Silva. Despite the challenges the Serralves Villa took shape.
Outside Jacques Grèber’s gardens combine neo-classical and modern designs. These gardens feature parterres avenues and groves. Rose and camellia gardens add bursts of color. An arboretum completes the landscape.
Alfred Porteneuve played a key role too. He finalized the villa’s pink facade a color still admired today. He also made the bold decision to demolish the remaining original buildings. Only the 19th-century chapel remained its original form preserved within an Art Deco exterior. Locals used this chapel so Cabral chose to save it.
The villa features three floors. Living rooms dining room and library occupy the ground floor. Private quarters are on the first floor. The basement housed the kitchen pantry and service areas.
Sadly Cabral’s post-war fortunes declined. He sold the Serralves Villa in 1953 after only seven years of enjoyment. Delfim Ferreira another textile magnate preserved Cabral’s vision.
In 1987 the Portuguese State acquired the property. The goal was to create the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art. Today Serralves is a national monument. It includes the villa grounds and Álvaro Siza’s museum.
Before we move on note the Serralves Villa hosted a special exhibition in 2015. It highlighted Carlos Alberto Cabral’s role as the client architect. He truly shaped the Serralves Villa into the masterpiece we see today. The Serralves Villa stands as a unique blend of styles a testament to one man’s vision.