Pink House by Pelago Houses

sao miguel, the azores

THE PERSONALITIES

Design aficionados. Architecture enthusiasts. Creative couples. Conscious travelers seeking an intimate, design-forward hideaway in the mid-Atlantic wild.

MOMENTS

Sun-drenched morning coffee on concrete patio slabs infused with pink soil pigment. The soft rustle of Cryptomeria pine and old-growth trees floating through open wood-slatted windows. Evening wine by the garden fire bowl as twilight settles over the historic cobbled yard.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

June to September offers the warmest ocean temperatures, sunniest weather, and peak blooming season for hydrangeas, though the shoulder spring and autumn months bring lush microclimates and tranquil, peaceful island quiet.

COST

WHY STAY

Tucked away on the edge of Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island, Pink House offers a striking juxtaposition of volcanic nature and contemporary architectural precision. Originally built as an early 20th-century stable and barn, the estate has remained within the founder's family for six generations. Set on an agricultural plot surrounded by fruit orchards, magnolia trees, and lush subtropical gardens, the location provides a secluded rural atmosphere while remaining minutes from the dramatic Atlantic coastline and the island’s vibrant main capital.

Accommodation spans two distinct spaces: the two-story Main House and the intimate ground-floor Studio. The Main House features an open-plan upper floor flooded with natural light, exposing original ceiling trusses and rustic timber beams, alongside custom-built wood furniture. Below, peaceful bedrooms open directly to the garden level. The neighboring Studio offers a cozy, light-filled sanctuary complete with a private terrace and kitchenette, making the estate ideal for intimate group takeovers or quiet solitary stays.

The transformation was spearheaded by co-founder and architect Joana de Oliveira alongside Giacomo Mezzadri of studio Mezzo Atelier. The architecture honors Azorean vernacular design with whitewashed local Japanese cedar, reclaimed pine, and clean concrete finishes. A signature aged-pink palette—derived from traditional regional pigments—frames the exterior, while warm ochre tones accent internal social spaces. Wellness centers on slow living, featuring quiet garden walks, an outdoor pool framed by greenery, and natural airflow designed to harmonize with the island's ocean breeze.

WHY WANDER

São Miguel is a raw landscape forged by volcanic activity, offering endless terrain for deep natural immersion. Just a short drive away lies Sete Cidades, where massive dormant volcanic craters harbor twin turquoise and green lakes. Travelers can hike along ancient crater rims at Vista do Rei, kayak across still crater waters, or trek down through wild tree-fern forests inside dormant calderas.

Further east, the geothermal heart of the island awaits in Furnas. Guests can bathe in mineral-rich, warm iron springs at Terra Nostra Park or immerse themselves in the ocean-fed thermal waters at Ponta da Ferraria, where geothermal currents heat the natural sea basins framed by dark basalt rock. Waterfalls tumble through lush valleys at Ribeira dos Caldeirões, while coastal trails trace sweeping views across the island’s steep sea cliffs.

Offshore, the Atlantic surrounding São Miguel serves as an international migratory path for marine life. Spring and early summer present world-class whale and dolphin watching expeditions, while the volcanic crater ring of Vila Franca do Campo Islet offers pristine natural ocean lagoons ideal for snorkeling and swimming in clear volcanic waters.

INDULGE IN

Daily breakfast baskets delivered directly to your doorstep, overflowing with fresh local Azorean cheeses, artisanal bread, native passionfruit, local jams, and freshly baked pastries. In nearby Ponta Delgada and Furnas, savor traditional slow-cooked Cozido das Furnas prepared underground by natural volcanic heat, fresh barnacles, grilled limpets with garlic butter, and mineral-rich teas grown at Europe’s oldest tea plantations along the northern coast.

GETTING THERE

Pink House is located just a ten-minute drive from João Paulo II Airport in Ponta Delgada. Renting a car directly upon arrival is essential for navigating São Miguel’s winding coastal roads, crater viewpoints, and remote trailheads.

WILD INITIATIVES

Built around adaptive reuse and cultural preservation, the restoration of Pink House prioritized retaining the original footprint and materials of the historic stable rather than expanding into surrounding green land. The design incorporates sustainably harvested local woods like Cryptomeria japonica, non-toxic traditional lime paints, and reclaimed timber from old farm structures. The property relies on passive cooling and heating principles, while the surrounding gardens are maintained organically without harsh chemicals, preserving the native flora and supporting local pollinator species.

*Photos property of Pink House by Pelago Houses