In the heart of Porto, Portugal, a stunning 19th-century mansion has been transformed into a uniquely aesthetic accommodation by interior designer Isabel Sa Nogueira, blending refined romanticism with luxury, and classical elegance with contemporary finesse.

This is the Torel Palace Hotel, a boutique property that opened its doors just a year ago and is the third addition to the Torel Boutiques “family” in Porto. The building was originally constructed in 1861 and carries the name “Palacete Campos Navarro”, after the merchant family who built it. Spanning four floors, it is a mansion of the Romantic era, whose interior design reflects the wealth and social standing of its original owners.

Its renovation lasted two full years, with significant efforts to restore every architectural and decorative element to its original form. From the pink-painted façade, the restoration of the staircase and the dome, to the placement of portraits of famous Portuguese writers and poets — such as Luís de Camões, Barbosa do Bocage, Almeida Garrett, and Alexandre Herculano — the building pays homage to the country’s literary heritage, which became the inspiration for the hotel’s concept.

However, the most striking intervention by the designer is found in the rooms and suites, where giant mirrored boxes have been installed to house the bathrooms. Despite their contemporary design, these mirrored structures almost vanish within the classical surroundings. The grandeur of the rooms is further enhanced by the carefully designed common areas, most notably the ornate library — naturally rich in books — the impressive bar-restaurant inspired by and dedicated to Nobel Prize-winning author José Saramago, and the lush green terrace with a pool and boutique spa.

Photography © Luis Ferraz