Chãos, Fundão, Portugal (Weltexpress). Swell holidays come true at Cerca Design House, a haven of calm and relaxation in the Centro de Portugal between the Serra da Estrela and the Serra da Gardunha not far from Fundão – in the small village of Chãos, that derives its name from the scramble of rocks around and not from any peasants behaviour on record.
From the rooms of the renovated and modernized 17th century mansion with a contemporary and unique design, as well as from the villa-apartments that were built on the estate, you can look towards Serra da Estrela, or Star – and a star it is, with up to 1993 meters above sea level the highest mountain range in Portugal.
Hiking and cycling in the mountains and in the valleys of the Serra da Estrela are to be recommended, as in the nearby mountains to the south and east of the village, the Serra da Gardunha. On foot or by bike, sights such as A Moagem – Cidade do Engenho e das Artes, the Castelo de Belmonte or the church Igreja Matriz do Fundão are easily reached, as is is the Museu Arqueológico do Fundão and an event hall: Pavilhão Multiusos Fundão. Lots to do and see then.
Or just stay at the 4-star hotel, a noble B&B with its pools, enjoy the house and the estate with the peace and tranquilities of village life between the Serra da Estrela and the Serra da Gardunha.
In the apartments guests can cook, but also like the guests of the hotel have breakfast there, go to the bar or in the lounge and feel like the Morgado (majorat) of Chãos, who resided in the Casa da Cerca, once known as Casa Dos Machados. Owned by the family of noblemen for eight generations, the estate was then inherited by José Trigueiros de Aragão Osório Martel, the mayor of Fundão and responsible for the Holy House of Mercy.
The mansion was not inhabited during the years until the arrival of Marta Augusto Rafael and her family, being abandoned and forgotten until the mansion Casa da Cerca was awakened from its slumber and transformed into what is now Cerca Design House.
Within its walls guests can enjoy their stay in peace, sitting in front of the fireplace or in the Jacuzzi, which is located between old walls of stone and under old wooden beams of the house. From there it’s only a few steps into a pool for a lovely swim. And guests of the apartments have an additional pool. Magnificent, for certain!
The Cerca Design House offers two panoramic rooms with king-size beds and glass floor-to-ceiling, which separate the bathroom from the bedroom, and with window-glass views of both Serra da Estrela and Gardunha. There are also seven other rooms with scenic views on the ground floor and on the first floor. Another guest room is located in the old chapel of the house, with a wall of stone and a centuries-old, flower-shaped window, typical of the area, giving the quiet space an intimate and romantic atmosphere.
The five villa-apartments are composed of a kitchenette as part of the living room that has an extra sofa bed, plus a bedroom and a bathroom. From the terraces, villa guests can walk over to their pool in the park. Ah and yes, villas are accessible for handicapped.
All rooms have refrigerators and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. There is free Wi-Fi outside and inside for all guests. Free parking is also available.
Cerca is a non-smoker hotel, but you’re welcomed in the smoker corner around the house. Whereas pets are by the way allowed in.
Photo report
More pictures to the article in the Photo Gallery: The Cerca Design House near Fundão by Ole Bolle.
Cerca Design House
Largo da Praça nº1, Chãos, Fundão
Telephone: +351 964 756 466
Phone: 351 275 759 060
E-mail: info@cercadesignhouse.com
Web: http://www.cercadesignhouse.com
Christopher Prescott based on a text by Ole Bolle.
