Studio Sortelha: a unique place to stay in one of Portugal’s most beautiful and oldest historic villages

Surrounded by a defensive wall and guarded by the castle, Sortelha is like a journey back in time. Thanks to its original architecture, you’ll be transported centuries back in time in the unique vacation rentals of one of Portugal’s most iconic villages. An ideal place to stay overnight during your drive through the twelve historic cities.

More than twelve unique homes in the historic village of Sortelha

Story Studio Sortelha is an ambitious project by founder Márcia Vilar that comprises more than twelve single-family homes within the city walls of Sortelha. The homes have been renovated and furnished while preserving their original architecture and respecting their original identity. Story Studio is committed to showcasing Portugal’s small, hidden gems, always keeping in mind the comfort of its guests and the authenticity of the region.

Stylish, understated design and interior

Story Studio is a unique concept that offers you the opportunity to experience Portugal’s historical and cultural heritage in an original and comfortable way. You can do this in Portugal’s historic villages (Piódão and Sortelha) and in Coimbra. The next project will be launched soon in Monsanto.

Below, we describe ten of the homes in Sortelha, all of which have been comfortably renovated while preserving authentic details and featuring very tasteful interiors.

Story Studio Sortelha – Rua da Fonte, No. 5 – ground floor, 2 people

Story Studio Sortelha da Rua da Fonte, No. 5, is a 22 m2 studio with a comfortable double bed for two people.

The building that houses the studio consists of 16th- and 17th-century houses and is located directly across from a medieval house with Manueline ornamentation—one of the most fascinating styles in the history of Portuguese architecture.

Amenities include a fully equipped kitchenette, free Wi-Fi, heated floors, and a bioethanol fireplace to create a cozy atmosphere and provide new levels of comfort during the winter months.

Story Studio Sortelha – Travessa do Forno, No. 4 – 1st floor – 4 people

This first-floor studio is a 39m² unit with two single beds and a double sofa bed, accommodating a total of four people.

The studio is located in the alley where the old “community oven” once stood, near the oldest group of houses in this medieval village dating from the 16th–17th centuries. From here, there is direct access on foot to the castle and the old citadel.

It is a traditional “Beira Interior house,” originally built of granite and restored in a contemporary style to offer a high level of comfort.

Story Studio Sortelha – Rua Direita, No. 9, 1st floor, sleeps 4

This studio measures 40 m² and features a double bed and a double sofa bed, providing plenty of comfort for four people.

The studio is located on one of the main thoroughfares of the walled village, close to the main church, across from the Parish House—one of the most distinctive buildings with a long history.

A very modern home featuring, among other things, a fully equipped kitchenette, free Wi-Fi, heated floors, and a bioethanol fireplace (for the winter months).

Story Studio Sortelha – Rua da Fontinha, No. 7, ground floor, sleeps 3

This Story Story Studio measures 31 m2 and features a double bed in the bedroom and a single sofa bed in the living room, providing space for three people.

The studio is located near Porta da Vila, close to Largo do Corro. From here, you have direct access to the “Sortelha Swing”: a 7-meter-high swing at an altitude of about 900 meters with a spectacular view. The apartment features a fully equipped kitchenette with a washer and dryer, free Wi-Fi, heated floors, and a bioethanol fireplace.

Story Studio Sortelha – Rua da Fontinha, No. 7, 1st floor, sleeps 3

A cozy, contemporary unit measuring 31 m², with two single beds in the bedroom and a single sofa bed in the living room, sleeping a total of three people.

Close to Largo do Corro and Porta da Vila, next to the eastern entrance to this walled medieval city.

This sunny studio is the result of the renovation of a charming house built of granite. From the small balcony just outside the door, you can admire the Sortelha Swing and the imposing wall to the east.

Story Studio Sortelha – Rua da Cerdeira, No. 8, 1st floor, sleeps 6

A comfortable 50 m2 apartment on the 1st floor with two bedrooms—one with a double bed and one with two single beds and a double sofa bed—sleeping a total of six people.

The elevated location and open panoramic view offer you a unique 180-degree view of the village houses to the south, and in particular the castle—which you can see right from your bed.

Story Studio Sortelha – Rua da Mesquita, No. 7, ground floor, sleeps 3

A 25 m² studio with a double bed and a single sofa bed, accommodating up to three people.

The solid granite walls clad in wood and the traditional architectural design of this renovated home give it a contemporary feel with a refined character.

It was built in a rich Baroque style and is located in the northern part of the village, across from the imposing section of the wall that extends from the “Valse Poort.”

Story Studio Sortelha – Rua da Mesquita, No. 9, ground floor, 1 person

A small, elegant, and inviting 14-square-meter studio with a sofa bed.

This unit is the result of the renovation of an old house built on top of a massive Baroque structure that exemplifies the typical architecture of the medieval villages of Beira Alta. The local community nicknames them “geckos” because, due to their construction atop these massive rocks, they enjoy excellent sun exposure—reminiscent of the small, shy reptiles that love to bask in the sun for long periods in sunny spots.

Story Studio Sortelha – Rua da Mesquita, No. 18, ground floor, sleeps 3

Cozy one-bedroom accommodation measuring 21 m², featuring a double bed and a single sofa bed in the living room, sleeping a total of three people.

The unique entrance to our studio, featuring a small porch, invites you to open the bright red door and explore the home, which is characterized by sustainable solutions designed for optimal comfort.

A fully equipped kitchenette, free Wi-Fi, and heated floors are just a few of the special features of this Story Studio accommodation, located near Largo da Igreja, Largo do Pelourinho, and the majestic castle.

Story Studio Sortelha – Travessa do Forno, No. 2, 1st floor, sleeps 2

A 22 m² studio with a large, very comfortable double bed for two people.

Across from the old “communal oven,” in an old alleyway with direct access to the castle, among the row of old 16th- and 17th-century houses within the ring of medieval walls surrounding the historic village of Sortelha.

Story Studio Sortelha – Rua da Cerdeira, No. 3, sleeps 2+2

This is the most recently renovated vacation rental, featuring one bedroom and a sofa bed in the living room. The bedroom has a bathroom with a shower and a bathtub. It is located within the walls of Sortelha and has been very tastefully restored.

Sortelha, one of Portugal’s twelve historic villages

Sortelha is one of the historic villages in Central Portugal that have joined forces to promote sustainable urban preservation and sustainable tourism. The villages are surrounded by stunning nature reserves with numerous hiking trails. In the center of the village, there is a small supermarket, a bar, and a restaurant. Here you can read more about Sortelha, this unique region, and the twelve historic villages.