Casa Cedo: A hidden design-led retreat behind a Porto flower shop

Tucked away in the heart of Porto lies an elegant flower shop that offers rather more than meets the eye. Behind an unassuming façade, amid vibrant carnations, anthuriums and hydrangeas, hides an intriguing reception. Here, guests check in to Casa Cedo, Porto’s neat new boutique hotel.

“We wanted to soften the edges and make sure that everybody arrives at the house with the same energy that we hope that they will be leaving with,” says co-owner Jeremiah Healy. “It was about creating a special atmosphere from the start. Guests arrive from the street through the botanical boutique, surrounded by flowers, and are given a glass of Portuguese wine. You can immediately see people relax.” From the moment that you step through a dark-blue door, it’s clear that this is no ordinary retail space. The florist’s shop is also an outlet for Swedish fragrance house Byredo.

Irish-Italian couple Healy and Massimiliano Salé have meticulously restored this 19th-century townhouse in the city’s Rua de Cedofeita – a busy high street lined with independent shops and restaurants that’s a stone’s throw from the Miguel Bombarda creative quarter. With only eight guest rooms, it’s an intimate affair that brings together design, hospitality and local crafts, while preserving much of the building’s original character. There’s a skylight, traditional tiles with pineapple motifs (it’s thought that the family who built the property had ties to Brazil), wood accents and native planting that typifies the green-fingered couple.

“It was important to be respectful of the old building,” says Salé. “We wanted to reuse as much as possible and work with what we have locally. Portugal is so rich in terms of resources, materials and talent – and we wanted to champion that.” Heritage roof tiles found during the renovation now adorn a cosy bar in the lounge; light fixtures in the rooms were custom-made by Porto-based ceramicist Ayala Braidman; and interior designer Daniela Franceschini of Quiet Studios created bespoke furniture alongside Portuguese carpenters. Personal touches can be found throughout, from the choice of books that line oak shelves to Salé’s own ceramic works and even a playlist that soundtracks the hotel.

A former outbuilding in the garden has been connected to the property and transformed into a dining room with high ceilings, wood beams and a glass structure that allows in warm light. Bread is baked on site each morning and a 15-seat table allows for lingering breakfast conversation. That’s is also the setting for evening meals, where local and international chefs are invited into Casa Cedo’s kitchen.

“We want to curate the experience for international guests but also bring together the creative and entrepreneurial local community,” says Healy. “That’s something very special.”
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