Designers Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent have restored a 400-year-old [1] farmstead in rural Portugal to serve as a family retreat.

The project highlights the couple's approach to blending historic preservation with contemporary luxury. By saving a ruined property, the designers demonstrate how ancient architectural footprints can be adapted for modern living without erasing their original cultural identity.

The restoration focused on maintaining the integrity of the early-17th-century structure. One of the most prominent preserved features is a historic fireplace that retains a painted family crest [1]. This commitment to the original character of the home serves as a counterpoint to the couple's more avant-garde additions.

Among the modern updates is a checkerboard marble pool [2]. The addition reflects the couple's specific design aesthetic, mixing high-contrast geometric patterns with the organic textures of the Portuguese countryside.

Berkus and Brent purchased the property in a ruined state with the intent of creating a space for their two children [2]. The couple plans to spend up to four months [2] at the farm each year, utilizing the estate as a seasonal residence away from their primary professional obligations.

The property now serves as a living portfolio of their collaborative work. By integrating the 400-year-old [1] bones of the farm with new amenities, the couple has created a residence that functions as both a private sanctuary and a study in architectural contrast.

“The couple plans to spend up to four months at the farm each year.”

The restoration of the Portuguese farmstead reflects a growing trend among high-net-worth designers to acquire 'ruin' properties in Europe. This practice allows for the preservation of regional heritage while implementing modern luxury standards, effectively turning historical conservation into a personal design statement.