A rare example of stately architecture, this manor house has undergone some transformations, the result of the changing of the times. Sanitary facilities, a studio, a library and bedrooms were all constructed, where in the past there were stores, a wine cellar and a servants’ dormitory.
On 13 March 1987, Carlos Cristóvão donated the current Building of Local Value – which was in an advanced state of degradation – to the Autonomous Region of Madeira. The Regional Secretariat for Tourism and Culture began to restore the manor, where, in 2000, the “Casa do Artista”, or “Artist House”, came into operation, a temporary residence for important figures from the world of culture.
It reopened in 2019, as a manor house that can be visited, specifically to celebrate 600 years since the discovery of Madeira Island, restoring the mythical aura of this manor from former times, which Machico preserves between its valleys, whilst simultaneously restoring the full enjoyment of the ancient chapel of veneration of Saint Amaro, a site of pilgrimages and promises that is very popular with the population.
Thus, we inscribe the importance of this family into the collective memory, with emphasis on the last Cristóvão, to whom we pay tribute, recalling his literary work and dedication to this unique place which remained within the same lineage since its foundation.
A visit to this manor house is an invitation to the past. The memory of this place and these people, who have imprinted their DNA here since 1792 and turned this manor into a century-old "relic", has thus been pertinaciously preserved.

Author: Teresa Klut

Credits: 600 Anos da Madeira e Porto Santo