An Art Deco Villa with a Moroccan-Inspired Garden in Portugal

Behind a curved white façade in the heart of Setúbal lies Villa Branca, a home that captures both the glamour of the past and the serenity of a tropical retreat. Built in the 1930s with clear Art Deco influences, the villa sits in Bairro Salgado, one of the city’s most historic residential enclaves.

Once home to Setúbal’s industrial families of the early 20th century, the neighbourhood still retains its character; it is leafy, central, and steeped in history.

Villa Branca is a property that balances heritage with modern living. Spanning 413 square metres across three levels, and set on a 459 square metre plot, the villa underwent a full renovation just four years ago, followed by a complete interior redesign within the past year. The result is a house that feels timeless, polished, and deeply inviting.

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open-plan living space green sofa dining room

Two reception rooms flow seamlessly together: a cosy lounge with a wood-burning stove, and a formal dining room that opens directly onto the lush garden.

A spacious kitchen anchors the home. It is equipped with top-tier appliances from Gaggenau, Miele, and Siemens, and large enough to include a dining table for family meals and morning gatherings.

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Upstairs, the private quarters unfold with a sense of generosity and light. The master bedroom features a wardrobe wall with mirror doors, making the room feel even lighter.

There are three large double bedrooms and a smaller room that can be used as an office or a dressing room.

All bedrooms share a bathroom clad in natural stone. The bathroom features twin sinks, a walk-in shower, and a bathtub, creating a spa-like feel, while original wood floors and expansive windows ensure the spaces remain warm and bright.

The garden features a petite guest house painted white, which mirrors the style of the villa itself. It has a beautiful herringbone parquet floor and its own en-suite bathroom with green tiles. It can serve as a guest suite, a studio, or even a small private office.

Outside, the garden transports you far from the city streets. Inspired by Moroccan riads, it is a walled sanctuary of greenery with banana and lemon trees, tiled terraces, and a serene pool edged by sun-warmed stone.