Madeira, Portugal

The house of Lourdes Castro, located in Caniço, Madeira, is far more than a simple home; it is a living testament to her art and vision. This retreat, overlooking the ocean and the Desertas Islands, was designed by Lourdes Castro and her partner, architect Manuel Zimbro, and transformed into a space that reflects the essence of their work and way of life. For Lourdes, the house and the garden were inseparable, forming an extension of her creative process and becoming, over the years, a symbolic place of belonging.

Lourdes regarded the garden not merely as an outdoor space, but as her “last work of art,” a place she cultivated with the same dedication she devoted to her artistic creations. Her profound connection with nature and the rhythm of island life were fundamental pillars of her work. The two large trees she planted, which she affectionately called “my gladiators,” held special significance. To Lourdes, they were guardians of the house, symbolising her deep bond with the natural world that surrounded her and inspired her artistic practice.

Her vision was for the house to be preserved as a museum and for the garden to be maintained as a tribute to her art, much like Monet’s gardens in Giverny. Together, they were intended to stand as a complete expression of her legacy, reflecting not only her connection to nature but also the simplicity and wisdom that characterised her artistic journey.

Lourdes Castro was not only an artist but also a woman who uniquely integrated life and art. Her home, with its carefully designed spaces, and the garden she cherished so deeply, remain enduring manifestations of this harmony between daily life and artistic creation. Today, both continue to bear witness to her legacy: a place where art and nature meet in an atmosphere of tranquillity and beauty that was always her greatest source of inspiration.

This magnificent property, with almost 13,000 square metres of land, offers a construction index of 1.5, creating opportunities not only to enhance the residence once owned by Lourdes Castro but also to unlock significant development potential. With remarkable expansion possibilities, the property is ideally suited for tourism developments as well as the construction of private villas. Its vast grounds and privileged location make it an exceptional opportunity for those seeking to create a project of outstanding value while respecting the natural beauty that surrounds it.