A retreat house in the idyllic rural parish of Altares, Terceira Island, Azores

Four Winds House is characterized by its modern architecture and the traditional features of Azorean houses: stone base, roof edges, yellow walls, and coat of arms on the facade. The house, which sits on a small hill, boasts a magnificent panorama, which includes agricultural fields, the Peak of Matias Simão, and the sea. This extraordinary natural landscape can be enjoyed from various rooms in the house, which is designed to combine indoor comfort and outdoor beauty. The living and dining rooms have direct access to a delightful porch and garden to the rear. The kitchen, with a breakfast area, has two windows with views to both sides of the house. The house can accommodate up to six people comfortably in three bedrooms. The first bedroom has an en-suite bathroom and a dressing room. The second has two twin beds, and the third a queen-sized bed. The second and third bedrooms each have built-in closets and share a separate bathroom. There is also a powder room and a laundry room. The decoration includes unique objects from the owners' private collection, from countries such as Turkey, Brazil, the USA, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, as well as engravings of the Azores. The artwork reflects the link between the Azores and the world: the island enjoyed a geostrategic location and historically acted as an important staging post for those sailing between the old and new worlds. This house reflects an ethic of environmental sustainability through its energy efficiency. It includes a thermodynamic panel water heating system, a fireplace with heat distribution to the bedrooms, A-rated energy appliances, and low-consumption light bulbs. It also has a recycling system and a composter for plant-based food.