Category: Civil Architecture > House
District: Braga > Fafe > Estorãos
Located in Estorãos, in the municipality of Fafe, Casa do Ermo stands on an elevated point offering gentle views over the typical agricultural lands of Minho. The surroundings retain traces of rurality; scattered olive groves, cultivated areas, and patches of forest give the place a serene character.
The building is bordered by a dirt track, flanked by stone walls, which highlights the transition between traditional housing and the undulating landscape. The absence of large asphalted roads reinforces the feeling of quiet isolation, in a perfect conjunction of built environment and nature.
Originally built as a typical farmhouse of the region, Casa do Ermo bears witness to centuries of rural activity. Elements such as the tall chimney and thick granite walls recall a time when these dwellings served to support family cereal and vineyard exploitations.
The property's restoration preserved the original layout, maintaining the monolithic robustness on the exterior and the high ceilings on the interior, where the wooden slabs depict the craftsmanship of local carpenters. Each space retains vestiges of the rural Minho daily life, strengthening the bond with the past.
The contrast between rough granite and large glass windows gives Casa do Ermo an aesthetic that combines tradition and modernity. The irregular stone walls ensure natural thermal insulation, while the ample openings enhance the entry of light.
On the roof, the slate covering remains faithful to ancestral methods, with wooden battens supporting the structure. Also noteworthy are the generously high window and door frames, designed to promote air circulation and offer a perception of spaciousness and comfort.
Casa do Ermo is situated on a farm dedicated to the cultivation of organic aromatic herbs, where rosemary, thyme, and mint scent the surroundings. The outdoor garden invites tranquil walks, spreading aromas that evoke Minho's agricultural heritage.
Further on, the patch of pine trees and chestnut groves adds dynamism to the horizon, alternating dense shadows with illuminated clearings. This landscape mosaic allows visitors to absorb seasonal rhythms, observing the color changes that accompany the seasons.
Sources: https://casasdoermo.com/
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.476790942054556,-8.149313768732195
Coordinates DMS: 41°28'36.4"N 08°08'57.5"W