The Verse: a sunny home-from-home in Lisbon

A new aparthotel in Lisbon‘s historic Rua de São Bento aims to provide a unique and authentic experience for those immersing themselves in the city’s culture — a true home-away-from-home stay.

Tucked into a road brimming with independent shops, cafes and restaurants, The Verse takes up residence in a historic five-storey building transformed by Portuguese architect Carrilho da Graça. He updated the original structure with a modern touch while preserving its key features, like the wooden staircase connecting all five floors, the wrought iron balconies that embellish its facade, the soaring ceilings and tall windows.

Owners Andrew and Anna Richardson founded the Lisbon lodge with David and Henry Clarkin and a singular goal to create a home-like urban retreat. Every detail of the 15 rooms — from ground-floor apartments with private patios to the top-floor aeries with roomy terraces — has been thoughtfully curated to cater to different types of travellers: creatives, business professionals, families.

Award-winning interior design firm Studio Astolfi crafted the interiors, injecting the apartments with a sense of tranquillity and sophistication. They blended natural materials like oak, walnut and limestone with earthy palettes, organic textures, Portuguese craftsmanship and artisanal elements – think creamy sofas, rattan lamps, contemporary art, bespoke kitchens and handmade bookcases. The headboards are created in collaboration with sculptor Diana Botas. The result is an airy space that embraces functionality, sustainability and timeless design.

Echoing the creamy hues and colour pops of the apartments, the communal areas capture the lively cosmopolitan spirit of Rua de São Bento, with plenty of natural light to motivate sight-seers. Guests are welcome to bask in the bright space where the lobby and bar merge into a hybrid lounge, and then savour cocktails prepared by expert bartenders late into the night.

theverse.com