Rafael Neville, Count of Berlanga del Duero, artist, part time architect and very clever man, began building his beautiful mini village at the top end of Sardinia in 1958. He is no longer around to enjoy this gorgeous place, with its tiny beach and square bordered by a white portico, but luckily, we can.
Take a closer look at the decoration at the top of the Cafe Rafael.
The little square is apparently full of people partying in the season, but it was waiting quietly for its guests the day we were there.
There is another square at the entrance to the town, with a couple of shops, Harry’s Bar and a tiny church.
The little church is gorgeous.
Here is Jim standing in the doorway. ( I didn’t have a matchbox to compare the size)
The church seats 6 people at a time.
There are several houses on the hill behind the tiny village. They blend beautifully into the rocky hills. This one was my favourite.
When I go back to Sardinia I am staying in Porto Rafael.
How stunning is the architecture. Designed with the landscape in mind, the buildings blend in beautifully. I think we could all learn a bit here as they often say …less is definately more in this gorgeous location.Rafael was a clever man as you expressed so well!
By: Susie Q on April 27, 2012
at 5:35 am
Porto Rafael is lovely. I would really like to spend some time there.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 28, 2012
at 8:16 pm
So beautiful… Thank you dear Debra, have a nice weekend, with my love, nia
By: niasunset on April 27, 2012
at 7:24 am
It is a beautiful little village.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 28, 2012
at 8:19 pm
I love the handmade feel of the buildings Debra. And the whitewash. The little church is a gem. That floor…! I hope its clever creator had plenty of time to enjoy it! 🙂
By: janinevasta on April 27, 2012
at 7:44 am
I think Signore Neville had a very nice life.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 28, 2012
at 8:20 pm
I’d love to build a village that looked like that! 😮
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on April 27, 2012
at 8:53 am
Wouldn’t it be fun?
By: Debra Kolkka on April 28, 2012
at 8:20 pm
Goodness, Deb. That beach is so, so lovely–and the sweet little church–how cute. Hope you have a great weekend, my friend!
Hugs,
Kathy
By: Kathryn McCullough on April 27, 2012
at 9:50 am
It is the cutest little village. I want to go back already.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 28, 2012
at 8:20 pm
It looks like a perfect place for a holiday Debra…….with its own little Harry’s Bar! Fantastico.
By: Paris Rendez-vous on April 27, 2012
at 11:04 am
Apparently there are parties there all summer…what fun!
By: Debra Kolkka on April 28, 2012
at 8:21 pm
[…] Rafael, un pequeño lugar lleno de encanto. Debra Kolkka nos presenta alguna imágenes en su Bagni di Lucca and Beyond. foto: Debra Kolkka Share this:TwitterFacebookPinterestCorreo electrónicoMe gusta:Me gustaSé el […]
By: rincón sardo « Desván Gatero on April 27, 2012
at 1:42 pm
Looks like a really charming place, of course love the ‘cat’.
By: maru on April 27, 2012
at 1:42 pm
It would be a great place for a summer holiday.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 28, 2012
at 8:21 pm
This place looks like a simple paradise. Of course your photography ability helps. 🙂 … The second pic sold me.
By: aFrankAngle on April 27, 2012
at 5:19 pm
It is a very photogenic place.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 28, 2012
at 8:22 pm
What an exquisite place Porto Rafael is; you couldn’t possibly preach fire and brimstone in the little church, it would only be possible to preach ‘love thy neighbour’. Even the cat looks happy to be ‘hanging’ about. I do love your sense of humour, Deb!
By: Jan on April 28, 2012
at 1:08 am
The little church was very cute. We were lucky to find it open.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 28, 2012
at 8:24 pm
how completely perfect, how amazing to have a dream and BUILD it! I would love to stay there too! c
By: ceciliag on April 28, 2012
at 3:01 pm
He had some experience in Spain before he went to Sardinia. I think he built a perfect little place.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 28, 2012
at 8:25 pm
Your pictures through the archways offer a glimpse of beauty that lures one through. Lovely place.
By: Karen Overton on April 29, 2012
at 12:48 am
Porto Rafael is a gorgeous little place. I will be back!
By: Debra Kolkka on April 29, 2012
at 6:38 am
I thought I wanted to go to Sardinia before… turns out I NEED to go there. Beautiful Debra, just beautiful.
By: cityhippyfarmgirl on April 29, 2012
at 3:08 am
I think a visit is necessary.The monkeys would love it. Wait until you see the ancient sites!
By: Debra Kolkka on April 29, 2012
at 6:39 am
The photos do it justice – a gorgeous stylish place. Loved being there with you and Jim
By: dianne Cant on April 29, 2012
at 10:44 pm
Very beautiful pictures!
By: goiabatatu on April 29, 2012
at 11:09 pm
Beautiful pictures!!!!
By: thirdeyemom on April 30, 2012
at 10:20 pm
Thank you.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 1, 2012
at 4:56 am