Every once a while, we like to treat you to a tour around a luxury property in Portugal, and today we're opening the doors of an especially unique property in the Algarve. The project, put on paper by a couple of science fiction lovers who wanted to see their passion materialised in a house, is known as Sky Base One and is a luxury mansion inspired by the Star Wars cult saga close to Carvoeiro. Let's have a closer look at this incredible Star Wars-inspired mansion that is being built in the Algarve.
The architectural studio responsible for the project, Bespoke Architects, says that this project is based on the client's desire to create a villa inspired by the saga and the need to obtain the greatest possible number of living spaces, with sea views, on a relatively narrow plot of land.
"You never know what a new client's vision is when they arrive for their first meeting. I was impressed when this couple suggested building a Star Wars inspired villa on the cliffs of Carvoeiro. I invited our senior architect Alexandre Mendes to join the next meeting as part of the team as I knew he would be a key person who could bring their dream to life. It has been an incredible journey and one we are proud to be involved in," says John Wilson, founder and chief architect of Bespoke Architects, in a statement to idealista/news.
The design idea was considered at every stage, from the main architecture to the smallest details. Each of the suites has a privileged view of the sea. The heart of the house is its main centre, with a lift and a unique circular hall, while the skylights imitate technical hatches while following the slope of the roof.
With the first stages of this project in place, "we organised a grid from which all the lines were drawn. The design is founded on the principles of fractal geometry and the golden ratio. We tried to draw a heavy and light object simultaneously as if we didn't know if it had just landed or was leaving for an unknown location. This was achieved by using a dark tone for the basement to bring out the upper forms of the house. The house was not designed to be contemplated as a distant object. The path from the main gate allows you to see that the sea is close by, but you have to follow the round, blind wall of the courtyard, which hides a surprise, a secret garden, which leads to the main entrance, neither too close, nor too far away", explain the architects at the studio.
According to Alexandre Mendes, what makes this project so extraordinary is the clients. "We definitely have to start with the clients. Firstly, Vanda and Alex gave us one of the best base concepts for rethinking the way we idealise a dwelling and, secondly, they totally embraced our project, which is the fulcrum of what is happening to date. The philosophy that underpins the Star Wars environment, took us on a journey of self-development, based on traditional Chinese Taoism, helping us to understand nature, its balance and essentially in how we can create environments that relate to the bigger picture," adds the architect.
Sky Base One, they say, is a different place from traditional homes, distancing itself from the common place. "It seeks to be a life event."
A €60 million luxury resort set to open in Lagos (the Algarve)
A new five-star resort with 158 units is planned for Meia Praia in Lagos (Algarve), right by the beach. The construction contract has been awarded to MAP Engenharia e Construção, part of the MAP Group, while the project is being promoted by Sonae Sierra in partnership with PGIM Real Estate (owned by US insurer Prudential) and IHSP - Iberian Hospitality Solutions. This ambitious development represents an investment of €60 million.
Discover why Lisbon tops luxury travel in 2025
Lisbon has secured its place as one of Europe’s leading luxury destinations for 2025, ranking second only to Paris in the latest Condé Nast Johansens survey. The Portuguese capital captured 28% of the preferences of over 1,700 respondents, confirming its growing appeal among discerning global travellers.
On the market: Villa Mare, contemporary luxury in Albufeira
Nestled in one of Albufeira’s most coveted locations, Villa Mare presents a rare chance to acquire an extraordinary contemporary home in the Algarve. This exceptional villa, crafted by a visionary architect, effortlessly marries cutting-edge design with the tranquil beauty of Portugal’s Atlantic coastline.
Gardens and pools drive demand among luxury homebuyers in Portugal
A property with a swimming pool and garden offers the perfect setting to enjoy Portugal’s warm climate with family and friends, combining privacy, comfort, and the relaxed pace of outdoor living. Naturally, these features come at a premium, with higher purchase prices and maintenance costs. Yet for those seeking luxury homes in Portugal, the appeal of private gardens and pools outweighs the additional expense, as revealed by idealista/data.
Discover the Algarve Golden Triangle: Portugal’s most prestigious address
The Algarve’s Golden Triangle has become the definitive location for luxury living in Portugal. Nestled between Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and Vilamoura, this prestigious area offers an exclusive lifestyle with proximity to award-winning golf courses, golden beaches and Michelin-starred restaurants. This is everything you need to know about Portugal's most prestigious address.
Inside Nicole Kidman’s reported move to Portugal
Australian actress Nicole Kidman is reportedly leaving Hollywood for Portugal and has already applied for residency in the country.
Portugal’s hottest new beachfront apartments: key-ready luxury at Salgados Resort, Algarve
If you’ve been dreaming of a place by the sea in Portugal, this summer brings an exciting opportunity: key-ready, branded beachfront residences at the highly regarded Salgados Resort in the Algarve, under the prestigious Marriott and Westin banners.