News: A dream in the house-boat by Elefante de Papel
Rita Ferro Rodrigues visited our House Boat and was kind enough to write an article. Read about our House Boat in his latest project of Elefante de Papel.
The houseboat was featured in the most recent post of Elefante de Papel by Rita Ferro Rodrigues.
Check the entire here:
Environmentally friendly vessel
The boathouse Barra Velha has solar panels that provide all the energy needed for living onboard. On the vessel there is an electric current of 12V and 220V, and also a solar water heater that allows to have hot water on board. There is an internal wastewater deposit that is regularly collected by a support boat prepared exclusively for this purpose, with no contamination of the waters of the Ria Formosa. Drinking water on board remains the only resource from an external source, being supplied regularly by a support boat.
Surroundings and accessibility
The vessel is anchored in the Ria Formosa Natural Park, more specifically near the Barra Velha beach of the island. There is a small boat onboard to go around Boat House. You can make trips to the deserted beaches that are about 50 meters from the House Boat. In low tide, the depth of the area surrounding the vessel is about 1.5 meters and several sandbanks will be immersed; in the high tide the depth of the zone will be about 3 meters and the sandbanks will submerge. For trips to the nearest village, it will be necessary to request the water taxi service from Passeios Ria Formosa; way back will last around 10 minutes.
Entrance and living areas
Upon entering the Boat House Barra Velha you will find the cockpit area, where you can comfortably relax while enjoying the panoramic view of the Ria Formosa. A large living area with plenty of natural light, adorned with a classic wooden rudder. The L-shaped sofa easily becomes an ideal bed for two children (2 × 1.2 m). The decoration based on maritime themes with soft tones carefully maintained throughout the vessel. In the cockpit there is a radio with a bluetooth connection that can be connected to your phone and 220V electrical outlets.
Kitchenette and dining area
In the kitchen you have, among others, complete cutlery, a full set of crockery and cutlery for ten people, pots, pans, salad bowls, lighter, corkscrew, cutting board, a spacious counter, a sink with hot water and cold, 12V electric coffee maker and microwave (can only be used for a maximum of 5 minutes during the day). Upon prior reservation, you can take advantage of a portable gas stove that allows you to cook meals in the comfort of your home. After cooking and preparing your meal, you can enjoy it at the adjacent table, big enough to set 6 people. This dining area also becomes a bed for two children (1.55 × 1.25m).
Master bedroom
The House Boat includes a master suite with a private bathroom. The bed is on the same level as the outside deck allowing guests to enjoy a panoramic view of Ria Formosa from this room. The bed (1.6 × 2 meters) is prepared with sheets, duvet and pillows. In this room there is a closet for guests’ luggage and two baskets for storing shoes and other items; one of the baskets holds snorkeling equipment for four people. In the WC there is a half-length mirror, washbasin with hot and cold water, toilet, shower cabin with hot and cold water, adjustable shower, a simple shower kit, hand towels, face towels and bath towels.
Stern Rooms
On the lower level of the vessel you will find two bedrooms, each with a double bed (1.4 × 1.9m), prepared with sheets, duvet and pillows. These rooms have a low ceiling (0.9m) and are adjacent to each other, with a sliding partition that facilitates access to the rooms, and when closed provides privacy. Both bedrooms have two small windows for natural light. Next to the entrance to the rooms located a wardrobe for storing luggage, where you can find a first aid kit, air pump and all the necessary material to complete the extra beds for children (at the entrance and dining area).
Bow bathroom
Next to the rooms you will find a bathroom with toilet, washbasin with hot and cold water, mirror, adjustable shower with hot and cold water and a simple shower kit, face towels, hand towels and bath towels.
Outside deck bow
At the bow of the vessel there is an upholstered leisure area with a table for 6 people, a amazing area to enjoy the surrounding view.
Stern outdoor deck
On the outside deck located at the stern of the house boat there is a bubbling area: a water pump keeps the water in circulation through the projection of a water jet. The water used in the bubbling area is salt water without the addition of chemicals, so it may contain some sediment, as it is taken directly from the sea. At the end of each stay, the water in this mini pool is renewed and complete cleaning is carried out. Due to the greater exposure of water to the sun, in a two-night stay, the water temperature can reach a difference of three to four degrees centigrade above the water temperature in Ria Formosa.
There is also a bathing platform at the stern of the boat with an extendable shower with hot and cold water, ideal for removing sand from your feet after a visit to the beach or even taking a quick shower. To facilitate the climb to the vessel after a dip in the Ria, you will also find vertical stairs on this platform with support to return on board.
Lounge on the 1st floor
On the first floor there is a lounge with a table with a capacity for eight people, ideal for enjoying a meal or a simple drink in good company with a panoramic view over the reserve of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. In this space there is central table lighting and indirect surrounding lighting through the handrail that creates a peaceful environment and transforms the space into a relaxation area.
Solarium
The solarium is located in the highest area of the vessel, with a capacity for 6 people and with wind protection, ideal for tanning and relaxation during the day, and the perfect place to watch and fall asleep with the stars, at night.
