Casa Do Penedo: A Quirky Stone House Built From Giant Boulders In Portugal
Do you know Casa do Penedo, the Stone House or House of the Rock, one of Portugal’s most fascinating and unique landmarks?
This quirky house is nestled between the towns of Celorico de Basto and Fafe in northern Portugal.
It was built in the 1970s, looks like it’s straight out of the Flintstones.
When Was The House Built?
It was built from 1972 to 1974 with four large boulders that serve as the foundation, walls and ceiling of the house.
It sits in a picturesque spot surrounded by the Marão mountains and Senhora da Graça, Sameiro, and Penha hills.
Because the house resembles the Flintstone home, the home of the Flintstone family in the series, ‘The Flintstones’, visitors from around the world call it “Flintstones House.”
How It Was Built?
The house was designed by an engineer from Guimarães who wanted a special vacation home.
The house is about 5.5 meters high and has 2 floors.
The engineer chose 4 massive stones found in the area. These rocks became the main structure of the house.
The spaces between the rocks was filled with smaller stones and blocks to create solid walls.
Windows, a roof, and a door were then added.
This quirky design quickly attracted attention, and the house became a popular spot for visitors.
What Is Inside The Stones?
Inside, Casa do Penedo is surprisingly cozy.
The two-story house features a cozy ground floor with a kitchen and a small living room with rustic wooden furniture.
This floor also has a eucalyptus-wood and concrete sofa weighing nearly 800 pounds.
The upper floor, accessible via a wooden staircase, serves as the sleeping area.
Each room is uniquely shaped to fit the natural contours of the surrounding rocks.
Casa do Penedo swimming pool
Outside, there’s a stone swimming pool built from local stones and an open-air tank shaped like a large boulder.
However, despite being located near a wind farm, the house remains off the grid, with no electricity supply,
The House Now Is A Museum
Originally used by the owners as a private holiday home, Casa do Penedo eventually became a small museum.
It displays old tools, memorabilia and photos that tell the story of the house and its surroundings.
Over the years, the house has faced some vandalism.
To protect this architectural gem, the current owners have reinforced the doors, replaced the original window fixtures, and added railings and bulletproof glass, ensuring the house’s security.
