Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes

Located at the heart of Armação de Pêra, the Red Chalet was built during the turn of the 20th century and inspired by the opulent luxury of the Belle Époque era emerging in the South of France. Originally known as the Chalet dos Caldas e Vasconcelos, it remained as a family summer home for almost 80 years, a sense of tradition creating an intimacy that welcomes guests into the company of friends. 

Now listed as a historical building and a famous landmark on the Armação de Pêra coastline, our renovation was committed to retain as many of the original elements as possible: a unique wooden floor, antique chandeliers, and a spectacular staircase were all lovingly restored. 

The Moroccan influences of the architecture, with geometric designs on the shutters and ceilings, all elegant reminders of the region’s rich cultural history.

One of the restored staircases unlocks a story that ties the once owners of the building to the history of Armação de Pêra itself. Over 400 years ago, Armação de Pêra earned its name from tuna traps set in the bay of Pêra, beginning a fishing tradition handed down from generation to generation to this very day.

The picturesque “Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes” earned its name from a long history serving as the church of a fishing community. For hundreds of years the men of the village would set out to face the perils of the sea, some would return, others would not. 

Wives and daughters would gather in the church square to sing prayers asking for the safe return of husbands and fathers, raising their voices to echo around the cobbled streets of the square.  

A secret door in the Red Chalet opens to a hidden staircase that winds up to rooftop terrace where, many, many years ago, the original owner of the villa would sit and listen as the townsfolk sang their songs, songs of the sea, songs dedicated to the brave fishermen of Armação de Pêra.