“Casa do Penedo” is one of the most unique houses in the world. Where is it located and who lives there?
Casa do Penedo is often regarded as one of the most peculiar houses in the world. This unique structure draws the attention of curious tourists, architects, and nature enthusiasts alike.
Even though caves aren’t the coziest places (after all, they tend to be cold and dark), nearly 2 million years ago, people began dwelling in them. Since then, although the idea of a home has evolved significantly, caves and underground spaces have repeatedly provided shelter throughout the centuries. Numerous underground cities, like the ones preserved in Turkey, serve as reminders of this fact. Other examples of such architecture include the Roman catacombs or the underground areas of Valletta in Malta.
Where is Casa do Penedo located?
Given the current real estate market, living in caves seems rather abstract. Yet, one of the most sought-after and popular houses in the world is carved into a rock. It’s astonishing to believe that Casa do Penedo is just a little over 50 years old. Where exactly is this extraordinary stone house located? It’s situated in the north of Portugal, between Celorico de Basto and Fafe.
At first glance, Casa do Penedo resembles a prehistoric home from the Flintstones movies, but it was actually built in 1972 by an engineer from Guimarães. His design seamlessly integrated four gigantic stones found on-site into the natural landscape.
Initially intended as a holiday retreat for a local family, Casa do Penedo gradually attracted more and more curious tourists. Eventually, due to this attention, the stone residence ceased being a quiet refuge, prompting the owners to relocate.
Does the famous stone house have inhabitants?
Currently, Casa do Penedo houses a small museum displaying artifacts and photographs depicting the building’s history and landscapes. For over fifty years, this famous stone house has stood in an exceptionally picturesque location, surrounded by hills and immense wind turbines. Despite their proximity, the building operates entirely without electricity. Interestingly, this doesn’t mean it’s uninhabitable. Casa do Penedo is equipped with amenities such as water and gas. Its purpose is to showcase that living without technology, in an age where it seems indispensable, is indeed possible.
The two-story cottage isn’t particularly large and, contrary to its cool exterior appearance, feels very cozy inside. The ground floor, designed in a rustic style, features a kitchen and a small living room furnished with a sofa made of eucalyptus wood and concrete — a unique piece weighing over 360 kg.
Wooden stairs lead to the upper floor, housing the bedroom area. It’s worth noting that Casa do Penedo isn’t only harmonized with the landscape from the outside but also inside. Each room in the house has a distinct shape, tailored to a specific geometric feature of the rock. Luxurious amenities are not lacking either. Outside, there’s a pool shaped naturally like a massive boulder.
Visiting Casa do Penedo
The isolated location of the stone house is both its advantage and vulnerability. Over the years, vandals have taken advantage of this. The current owners reinforced doors, replaced original window fittings, added railings, and even bulletproof glass, making it quite secure now.
Interested individuals willing to view the house solely from the outside must pay 2 euros. Exploring the interior of Casa do Penedo and its immediate surroundings with a guide costs 6 euros. Tours are conducted in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French. During the hour-long visit, the guide elaborates on the architecture and history of the stone house in detail. Guests are kindly requested not to take photos or record videos during the tour to respect the owners’ privacy.
Touring the house isn’t the only activity awaiting tourists. There’s also an option to reserve the pool built into the rock, spend a day admiring the landscape from the mountaintop, stargaze at night, or even experience a day as a shepherd.
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