When we are looking for a place to stay to work from remotely, our preferences are different than those we would have if it were for a holiday. We wanted to stay somewhere with plenty of space but also have the luxury of hotel amenities. Because we preferred a separate living room and bedroom, a kitchen, and a dedicated space to work comfortably, along with regular cleaning, a gym, and a reception, an Airbnb wasn’t an option for us. During our research, we stumbled upon ‘Village at BOA’ and were immediately sold; it was exactly what we were looking for.
The History.
Village by BOA was once known as a typical working-class housing complex called “Barrio do Silva.” After it was fully abandoned, Pablo Pita and Heim Balp Architekten aimed to rehabilitate the buildings, preserving the neighborhood and maintaining the existing structures. They used strict preservation construction techniques in the houses, preserved the wood, and maintained the painted beams while keeping the form of the buildings untouched. This makes Village by BOA feel like a town within the city, and you immediately sense that vibe upon entering the place. If you want to see and hear more about this project, you can view some video’s here.
Village by BOA features a variety of accommodations, from studios to two-bedroom apartments, totaling around 20 rooms. We stayed in a ‘Comfort Duplex’, which was incredibly spacious. The upstairs bedroom and modern bathroom were great, and on the ground floor, we had a spacious, fully equipped kitchen area. The living room offered a cozy couch and TV for relaxation.
Village by BOA has a central location and is perfect for exploring Porto’s highlights and is surrounded by excellent café’s and restaurants. Within just a few minutes’ walking distance, you can also find a large supermarket and a subway station with direct access to the airport. On the premises, Village by BOA offers a gym, a small grocery shop with local products, and an event space that doubles as a workspace when not in use (in consultation with the staff).
Our stay at Village by BOA was perfect for both work and leisure. The comfortable living and working conditions made it easy to be productive during the day. Evenings were spent strolling through Porto’s charming city center, while weekends allowed us to explore the beautiful areas outside the city. It’s an ideal spot for any (remote working) holiday.
