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CASAS DE INCENSOS

VILLAGE TOURISM

ORIGINS

“Casas de Incensos” is a tourism housing unit developed from a small dwelling on the south side of Pico Island, next to Pontas Negras village. This unit is considered a Rural Tourism Unit falling into the category of Village Tourism.

In 1940, the population of this rural dwelling, referred to as “the houses behind the islet”, abandoned their homes due to the construction of the regional road.

The new road brought with it better access to the world and opened up possibilities of communication, naturally the population was attracted to being in greater proximity to it.

And so the dwelling was left behind and forgotten. The passage of time, harsh weather and nature eventually took over the buildings and they were gradually destroyed.

The dwelling was composed of eight houses. Whilst most of the houses were homes, the remaining ones – the atafonas – were used to store tools and other agriculture related items. There were also two cisterns for rain water.

Three families lived in the dwelling and each family had three or four children, totalling around 20 people. Mostly, the population was involved either in agriculture or in fishing. In their free time they threw musical soirées which livened labours like corn thrashing or women’s handcrafts.

Incenso refers to an endemic tree of Australia, which lives in humid and temperate climates. It can grow up to 15 metres tall and has elongated leaves.

The reconstruction project was developed and run by the architect Carlos Sousa Dias (www.facebook.com/carlos.sousa.dias).

VILLAGE TOURISM

All the existing structure was oxygenated. And the units maintain the volumetric traits of the original dwelling.
In a dialogue of continuity between tradition and actuality, modernity is brought forward by detail.

The outdoors space sought to preserve local nature, including the incensos. And in this way the garden becomes an extension of its surroundings.

The panoramic view is total and embracing. And yet, at the same time, it’s soft and makes you want to close your eyes and experience the tranquillity of Nature – the purveyor of us all.

Comfort and beauty unite, encouraging profound rest.

In all, there are five one bedroom houses with terraces and one shared house for indoor and outdoor meals – perhaps on the terrace facing the pool and the incensos by the sea.

Away from any urban noise and in the midst of the natural sounds of the sea and sky.

Come rest and experience nature at Casa de Incensos.