Solar do Aposento

The majority of these type of constructions sit on agricultural land, owned by wine producers. In Madeira, these houses were designated as Manor Houses, although they have different characteristics from the typical Portuguese Manor Houses built across the mainland. Casa do Aposento was erected in the 18th century, as can be seen engraved on a stone dated 1746. It stands on the royal pathway, at the Açougue (butcher´s shop) place, with its main body being rectangular, enhanced by a tower with windows cut in a strategic fashion, facing both sea and mountain. It´s characterized by the use of symmetrical rectangular windows with double wooden shutters and a glass scuttle in one of them, framed by local basaltic ashlars. The primitive roof is a typical Madeiran four sided one, covered in tubular tiles with double eaves. Nearby, there is a water mill and some structures that were used both as stables and accommodation areas for the field workers.

The Manor House underwent a few important renovations throughout the 20th century. Originally, the area surrounding the main house had a pebbled floor and the access to the wine storage area, where enormous wine barrels were kept, paved with big slabs of stone. This outdoor area had an extended vine tree that spread a pleasant shade onto the ground floor. The living quarters are accessed by stairs on each side of the building, having one of these around window framed by local basaltic ashlar.

Casa do Aposento was the property of Maria Hilária Diniz Abreu de Freitas (1913-2003), born in Ponta Delgada. She left her home and its contents to the Autonomous Region of Madeira so as to exhibit her art collection and impart knowledge of all northern traditions of Madeira, especially Ponta Delgada, to all those who would visit. The contents include Madeiran furniture, manufactured from Madeira Mahogany, Madeira Laurel, and Chestnut wood from the late 18th and early 19th century, following the English models built at the time. A wooden settee with reeded legs, a sculpted figure of Saint Anthony, a sculpture of Our Lady of Sorrows, and a rectangular mirror with two garlands are just a few of the pieces that make up the collection. Casa do Aposento was classified in 1993 as a building of local cultural value, and in 2001 as a building of municipal cultural interest.