This charming Cedereira village is located in the center of Portugal in the Lousã mountains. Here we give you an insight into the unique features of the artist village and its accommodations, and why a visit at any time is worthwhile.
Quality accommodation with an ambitious cultural project
Our goal is to bring an ancient village back to life and to create the right conditions for it to become a place of artistic creation, learning, and fruitful cultural exchanges. To offer quality accommodation and to suggest ideas and routes for exploring this often forgotten region. We designed 8 itineraries that can be made by car, so guests have the opportunity to discover the center of Portugal.
A forgotten place has been given a sustainable future
Social Responsibility and Sustainability are fundamental concepts for us and were applied not only in the reconstruction phase, with local techniques, a local workforce, and the introduction of ecological materials, but are important in our day-to-day work. The village of Cerdeira was abandoned 30 years ago and now, not only has new inhabitants but also employs 10 locals in its staff. The project had a strategic impact in the mountain’s economic development respecting and preserving the natural landscape (which is still largely untouched).
Our guests are housed in one of nine traditional schist houses, which have been sustainably remodeled in order to strike a balance between tradition and modern comfort. Some of these houses have also been enhanced by national and international artists, inspired by the houses themselves to create unique pieces that add to the individuality of each house. Our houses are able to accommodate 2 to 6 guests and are completely furnished and equipped for a long stay (with a kitchen and living room). We also allow guests to bring their pets when staying in Casa do Forno, Casa da Escada, and Casa da Janela, for an additional fee.
The Lousã mountains offer a variety of self-guided/guided hikes that can be made starting from the village. Follow the deer during the rut. Take a trail to the neighboring villages. Dive into swimming pools and natural dams. Walk, photograph, and observe. Take part in one of our courses and enjoy the experience. Get to know the surrounding area. There’s an awful lot to see and enjoy both in and around the village.
Today, Cerdeira has become an artistic center with international Artistic Residencies, workshops, and small creative experiences; a spot for creative or wellness retreats, as well as corporate trips; and a hideaway for truly invigorating holidays, benefiting from its unique natural setting, its quietness and all the infrastructure that has been built with our visitors in mind: the Casa das Artes, the studios, the library, the gallery, the community oven and the café.
We also host a yearly festival, «Elementos à Solta – Art Meets Nature», which brings together contemporary artists and turns the village into a street gallery (from 13th until the 15th of September 2019). This year, we launched a new event: “From Masters and Chefs”. This event brings together ceramicist and chefs in a gastronomic experience for all the senses: to see, to smell, to hear, to touch and to taste. It will happen from 29th April until the 1st of May 2019 and again in October.
We look forward to welcoming your family and share this mountain retreat with you! Stay inspired! Catarina Serra
