Pico do Refugio
Country Houses
Pico do Refúgio has been renovated between October 2005 and August 2008. The project consisted on the remodulation of the farm infra-structure including the old tea factory. Now contain apartments for lodging, a scuba diving school and public spaces.
The renovation was performed preserving the exterior outline and original function of each building.
In this process were built the Country Houses of Pico do Refúgio, 8 houses ranging in between 55 and 110 m² spread around two different areas of the farm. These are either “Lofts” or “Apartments.
Animals:
- throughout the farm we have several domestic animals, including dogs, cats, chickens and cows;
- pets are not allowed.
The Main House and the Tea Factory
On the old tea factory “Ataíde”, you can find the Lounge as well as 3 Lofts and 3 Apartments. About 800 meters away, on the top of the hill (pico), near the main mansion, there are another 2 Lofts.
The Lofts are larger, with a high ceiling and can take up 2 extra beds. The Apartments are smaller houses that can take only 1 extra bed. All our houses have bathroom, kitchen and cable TV.
One of the Lofts is adapted for guests with locomotion disabilities.
The Lounge is fitted with TV, telephone, fax, photocopy, wireless internet and a meeting room with video projector.
In every houses there is pieces of art from various artists.
The History
The building of Pico do Refúgio was initiated somewhere in between the 16th and 17th centuries. However the oldest official document is the chapel construction permit, dating from 1750.
Thanks to its location and fortress like structure it came to play an important role in the vigilance against corsairs and fortress for militias.
The property has been used for cultivating many things including oranges trees and tea. The old factory of “Ataíde” still exists.
The azorian painter and writer, Luís Bernardo Ataíde, used it as a country house and later it was the home and inspiration ground of the sculptress, Luísa Constantina.
Lofts and Apartments
All our apartments and lofts are fitted with: private bathroom, kitchenette, woodburner, WI-FI and cable TV.
IN THE OLD TEA FACTORY, NEAR THE RECEPTION AND THE SWIMMING POOL
CASA DOS TABULEIROS (86m², 1 double bed + 2 extra beds)
Loft with 86 sqm, one double bed and possibility of placing two extra beds, living room with fire place and kitchen. Originally, this Loft didn´t exist in this division, so we opted to keep its industrial aspect, keeping it as a single open space. All dependencies are inserted into a central hub, keeping a huge sense of space. In the open space a large glazed arch allows the garden light to invade the living room and offers an excellent view of the estate.
This accommodation has been designed according to the standards for individuals with disabilities.
CASA DOS TAMBORES (98m², 2 twin beds + 2 extra beds)
Loft of great proportions, with two wide divisions, one of with a mezzanine bedroom, the living room and the bathroom. In the second division there is a kitchen open to the living room and a second living room with fire place. Both divisions have direct access to the garden.
CASA DA CALDEIRA (55m², 1 double bed + 1 extra bed)
This cozy Apartment is ideal for a couple alone, where you can enjoy a wide arc-shaped window, which gives a great view of the garden and pool. The kitchen opens to the living room.
CASA DA SECAGEM (58m², 1 double bed + 1 extra bed)
In this small but comfortable house we have a kitchen open to the dining room and living room, plus a bedroom with traditional features.