Casa Tolo
CERVA / HOME / WATCHLIST
Designed in 1999 by Álvaro Leite Siza - son of the legendary Álvaro Siza Viera - Casa Tolo (The Tolo House) is a truly iconic feat of architecture in Portugal. Cascading downhill or rising as a temple from an old civilization depending on which perspective you take, this concrete dwelling that sits on a narrow and elongated stony plot. A place that blends perfectly with it’s surroundings, Casa Tolo evokes the appearance of a work of art embedded into the hillside.
Ingenuity is one of the few words that could describe the house in its entirety. A series of ‘steps’ create an endless staircase that zigzags amidst the trees from the top to the bottom of the house - taking inspiration from the impossible constructions of Escher This design captures what imagination and creativity could be done with spaces deemed inhabitable because of its steepness.
As the house is partially buried, thereby improving its thermal behaviour, the house is perfect both for cool summers and cosy winters and is one for those architecture enthusiasts among us looking to escape from it all for a few days of solace surrounded by the magnificent scapes of Portugal’s Northern region or our hiking and wild swimming in the mountains.
Room Service
Location: Cerva, Moiñho.
Price: The whole house rental starts at 398€ per night.
Sleeps: 3 bedrooms sleep 8 people sharing 2 bathrooms.
Highlights: Sleeping in such an iconic space feels like a cultural experience in itself while the modernist expression of the raw concrete that contrasts with the loose and languid forest exterior ensures you feel a desired immersion in nature.
Services: The house is self-catered.
Designed by Álvaro Leite Siza.
Photography by Catarina Mira.
The Neighbourhood: Closeby are the gargantuan mountains of the Géres National Park, for those who want to do some serious hiking & soul searching amongst nature’s beauty. Owners Isabel and Adriano can give you their recommendations.
Things to know: Due to the design of the house it’s not recommended to stay here with children.
The Map
Casa Tolo is located in the Moinho region of Portugal, around an hour’s drive from Porto. Fly to Porto, rent a car & take a road trip while finding some freedom while you’re there.