PICO DO REFÚGIO
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 king-size bed or twin + 2 single beds, 4 pax)
In this Loft there were originally no divisions, so it was decided to maintain its factory appearance, conserving it as a single open space. All dependencies are inserted in a central cube, maintaining an enormous notion of space. A large glazed arch allows light from the garden to invade the room, also providing an excellent view of the farm.
It has a king-size bed, convertible into 2 single beds, living room with a sofa bed, TV, WiFi, equipped kitchenette, bathroom with shower and on cold nights you can use the fireplace.
This accommodation has been designed according to the standards for people with reduced mobility and has a direct door to the garden
CASA DOS TAMBORES (98m², 1 king-size bed or twin + 2 single beds, 4 pax)
Loft of great proportions, with two wide divisions:
One with more than 6 meters of ceiling height, where the bedroom was placed on a mezzanine. There’s a king-size bed, convertible into 2 single beds. In this division there are 2 more single beds and a bathroom with shower.
In the second space, there's an equipped kitchenette open to the dining room and a living room with TV, WiFi and fireplace. Both rooms have direct access to the garden.
CASA DA CALDEIRA (55m², 1 king-size bed or twin, 2 pax)
This cozy apartment is ideal for a couple alone. It has 1 bedroom with king-size bed, convertible into 2 single beds, a living room with TV, WiFi and fireplace, equipped kitchenette and bathroom with bathtub.
The large arched window provides an excellent view of the garden and pool.
CASA DA SECAGEM (58m², 1 king-size bed or twin + 1 sofa-bed, 3 pax)
Casa da Secagem is a private apartment consisting of 1 bedroom with 1 king-size bed, convertible into 2 single beds, equipped kitchenette, living room with a sofa-bed, TV, WIFI, fireplace and bathroom with bathtub.
CASA DO PAVÃO (64m², 1 king-size bed or twin + 1 sofa-bed, 3 pax)
Casa do Pavão is a private apartmanet consisting of 1 bedroom with 1 king-size bed, convertible into 2 single beds, equipped kitchen, living room with TV, WiFi and fireplace and bathroom with bathtub.
This was the home of the former caretaker, Mr. Pavão, who still comes to visit us at least once a day to feed his goats. This house stands out for its bread oven, where, until a few years ago, corn bread was made every week. Unfortunately, it is no longer in use.
On top of the hill, by the main house of the family.
CASA DE BAIXO (109m², 1 double bed + 1 extra bed, 3 pax) --- UNAVAILABLE IN 2024 ---
Large loft, with 1 bright bedroom with double bed, equipped kitchen, living room with TV, WiFi and fireplace, dining room and bathroom with bathtub. In the room there is also an old bread oven. Unfortunately, it is no longer in use.
Outside, the house there’s a private garden with space for outdoor dining.
It is located on top of the hill, next to the main house of the family.
CASA DOS COCHES (69m², 1 double bed, 2 pax) --- UNAVAILABLE IN 2024 ---
Very cozy loft, with large windows on both facades - light floods the entire space. The bedroom with a double bed is located on a mezzanine overlooking the North coast. From the equipped kitchen, you can enjoy the view from a large window overlooking your own garden, with Pico da Barrosa (Lagoa do Fogo) as a backdrop. It has a living room with TV, WiFi, fireplace and bathroom with bathtub. The entrance is sheltered by a pleasant porch, where you can sit and admire the surrounding vegetation.
It is located on top of the hill, next to the main house of the family.
Activities and Events
The farm consists of 20 acres, part of which are classified as ecological reserve. Enjoy the country side atmosphere by walking, bird watching (including bird houses), relax by the pool or doing your own picnic with our help.
For surfers, the location could not be better! It’s just a seven minutes drive away from Santa Bárbara beach (Ribeira Grande), where the World Qualification Series (WQS) Prime Surf event is held annually. The Island of São Miguel is worldwide known as an amazing place for paragliding, with more than ten official and spectacular launching places.
We can help you to book any other outdoor activity, available in the island.
Art and Culture are also part of our DNA. We run an artist-in-residence program, with several events all year round, which include exhibitions, talks, performances and open studio days. We also feature a contemporary art collection that can be encountered along our interiors and landscape.
If you're looking for the perfect place for your event, we are available to help you organize it. Please contact us.
