Casa do Penedo (Portuguese for “Stone House” or “Boulder House”) is like a house straight out of the Flintstones. Given its name from the four large boulders that support its foundation, walls, and roof, Casa do Penedo was originally meant to be a holiday home for its owners. However, its unique design became so popular with tourists that the owners have now opened the house to visitors, even giving guests the chance to swim in the otherworldly swimming pool built into a surrounding rock.
History
Located one hour northwest of Porto, in the parishes of Várzea Cova and Moreira do Rei in the municipality of Fafe, Casa do Penedo was completed on October 13, 1974 after around two years of construction. The house was designed to be perfectly integrated into the landscape surrounded by flora and fauna and fresh mountain air.
When the first photos of Casa do Penedo were released on the internet, there was intense debate about the house’s authenticity. Eventually, a Portuguese television channel special and Daily Mail article confirmed that the house was, in fact, real. The house has now even been featured in a Portuguese film called “Moon.”
Eventually, word about the unusual house got out and tourists started showing up in droves. Today, the house has become part holiday home and part museum. The owners still use their home for themselves from time to time, but they have also set up a website where they offer guided tours of Casa do Penedo, lunch at the house, and even a chance to go for a dip in the family swimming pool.
Architecture
Casa do Penedo is spread out over two floors furnished in rustic style with eucalyptus wood. The ground floor has a kitchen and small living room with a sofa made of concrete that weighs almost 800 pounds! The top floor is the sleeping area, which is accessible via a wooden staircase. As you might expect, each room has a different shape in order to accommodate the shape of the rock. There is a tank and swimming pool also built around the natural shape of a large stone boulder.
Casa do Penedo is truly one of the world’s most unique houses that looks out over an unforgettable Portuguese landscape.
Tours
All tours can be booked via the Casa do Penedo website. You can also contact the house at [email protected] or call +351 911 956 631.
Guided Visits are €7 for adults, €5 for children 5 years and under, and €6 for children between 6 and 18 years old.
Other more expensive tour options are available on the website including lunch at the property, a guided tour plus a gastronomic experience in a neighboring town, and an exclusive dip in the family pool.
Know Before You Go
Casa do Penedo is located on Rua Rally de Portugal n. 1610, Várzea Cova, Fafe, 4820-820. It is known as “Boulder House” on Google Maps. From Fafe, you take the N311 to Moreira de Rei. Just before the exit to Várzea Cova, you need to go up the hill on a very steep stone road to Lameirinha. You can also reach the house via the road from the other side, but this is through a narrow village road. Casa do Penedo is on the top of the mountain. A fence has been put up around the property and no trespassing is allowed. You need to book a guided visit in advance to visit the property, which can be done through the website.
