Do you know when you're looking for a place of peace?
A place where you leave the world behind and just be?
It was everything we were looking for in this place.
Parents of twins, always on a two-for-two count, wear and tear accumulate day by day. And, although we are always together, being able to be together in another place seems to make us more ourselves, we create stronger bonds, the laps are longer… we enjoy the little things, we laugh more, we play more, we live more.
Perhaps because there is no bed to make… perhaps because breakfast is already on the table… perhaps.
Casas Caiadas gave us all that and still filled us with inspiration.
What is this place anyway?
A typical Alentejo house, in the heart of the beautiful village of Arraiolos. You don't get the way right at first and even that gives it its charm.
We are received extraordinarily by Mr. Mário, a world of stories to tell, time to listen, always available (even when our door stopped working and he had to jump from balcony to balcony to allow us access again!). And we immediately realized that that house is not just a guest house, it's not just tourism, it's not just business… it's love.
An incredible space. An unpretentious, honest architecture. There is no visual noise, everything is harmony and silence. And my eyes were grateful for the generosity of so much beauty! The sober decoration, full of beautiful details and unique pieces that, in front of two restless girls, always walking around, seeing, touching, made me fear the worst.
How many times have I felt that condemning look from someone when seeing a couple arriving with two babies? If I received one euro for each of those premonitions of doom in the eyes and the pointed finger, you wouldn't be reading this because I would be walking around Bahamas sunbathing my body in the sun.
To Mr. Mário, as well as to any of the people who received us, welcomed us and took care of us so that we didn't miss anything, the presence of the restless Alice&Benedita didn't draw a single sigh or even a blink! Always careful, with a friendly word or a compliment to the girls, caring so that they had the fruit they liked best or something they needed to be well.
Ms. Mónica, who changed our bed after a little mishap at night (parents with babies will understand!) always with a smile, with a friendly word, sharing her life experience with theirs. Sharing the wisdom of those who know that time passes by. Everything passes by. Relativizing the importance of what matters so little to give place, space, and time to the fundamental.
I believe that people make places. That “home” has long ceased to be an exact and physical place, but a comfort on the left side of the chest provided by the people we love, who love us, who we care for, and who care for us, even if for a short period of time. Here I felt at home!
Then the place. The physical. The space.
What a place!
If they gave me the key to this house, I don't think I would take the time to pack my bags, I would go straight to a new life. I would go. Already. Now.
I'm passionate about words and, even so, I can't find the right ones to describe all the sensations that this amazing place has given me. A source of inspiration from where I want to drink again. A place that enamored my architect's eyes, that never left me. You know those people who, when they see children, feel a greater call to be parents? I feel a greater call to create, to make it happen, to go, when I'm in places like this.
Step by step!
The living area welcoming us in the cool shade of a 35º day, the sofa inviting us to stay there and contemplate. A column always giving us the lulling for the slow living, in fact, I think this was the object chosen by the girls! They fell in love with the column, with the music… I don't know. But they danced, hugged the column, gazed at it with true passion.
The kitchen made me sigh.
Full of details, inviting us to stay.
A kitchen reminiscent of grandmothers, fresh water in the hot summer sun, hot tea in the winters that are harshly incredible here.
We were lucky enough to stay in a room with three divisions: a bedroom, a living room, and a bathroom. So we decided that the smallest room would be the playroom and the four of us would stay in the main bedroom, big enough to fit in two cribs and still having room for everything else.
From the bedroom, we could access an open balcony overlooking Arraiolos. Due to the heat and what was waiting for us on the rooftop, we barely used this balcony. It was however handy to dry towels and swimsuits from the pool… and to get in when the door stopped working!!!
And even though we were going to have two small babies, at a typical age for nonsenses, no objects were taken from the room.
For a moment I thought about asking them to remove some things so that they would survive intact from our stay, but educating is also an exercise of trust. The same trust they placed in us when they welcomed us, we placed in them to realize the limitations of what they could explore.
It went well!
The best was “hidden” on the top floor.
I sighed, they found heaven. A patio with a swimming pool and the promise of gained time. Here every minute lingered beyond the time the clock showed.
I think it was the place where we were most of the time and where we would stay if it weren't for the human demands to eat, sleep, etc.
We lost count of the dives under the unforgiving Alentejo heat.
The soul washed, mind in peace, the body light. Barefoot races slipping on the wet floor and, once again, a column so that each of these moments would not be without a proper soundtrack.
Surely you've heard the famous phrase "where you can't love, don't delay".
Here is the place! Stay!
Dear great-grandmother, my Alentejo rib that I perpetuate every time I return, and that always makes me want more. There is more time in time here in Alentejo.
We will be back for sure!
WHERE
Arraiolos, Alentejo
About 110km from Lisbon.
WHEN
In Alentejo, summers are intense and winters are harsh.
But I would say that this very special place is the right place for any season!
We went in August, it was hot.
But we would go back at any time.
WHY
For the place, for the space, for the people.
This is the right place if you are looking for a place to rest your body, soul, and eyes.
Here the only noise is the beating of the heart as the gaze wanders and gets lost. Alentejo being Alentejo!
It's close to Lisbon (if this is your starting point), it's right in the heart of the village with everything you might need to stay here.
THE BEST
The people. The beauty of space. The feeling of peace, silence, and tranquility.
THE WORSE
Having to go back, counts?
For those with children, the least positive aspect is the fact that we don't have guaranteed space and accessibility to have a stroller.
It is impossible to take the stroller to the room, as access is via stairs.
But, once again, they were very understanding and allowed us to enter with the stroller through the kitchen door, directly from the street, and leave it in the storage/pantry during the night, which made going out a lot easier.
Another aspect is the fact that there is no parking and, communicating with a pedestrian street, the car ends up having to be a bit further away.
