The ‘Monte da Casa do João’ in Grândola, Alentejo, suffered a fire this weekend, completely destroying the wooden house used for hosting weddings and corporate events.
The news was shared by the property owners on their Instagram account, where they detailed the incident and showcased images of the site before and after the fire.
“Last night, we lost something much more than wood and tiles. The pergola and barn of the Monte da Casa do João, that magical corner where so many dreams and hard work took shape, caught fire unexpectedly,” they reported, noting that it took just “a few hours” for them to see “the work of our hands completely destroyed.”
The proprietors, Carla, André, Manuel, Margarida, and Maria Rita, expressed that “seeing these spaces, which became the heart of our parties, our hugs, and our gatherings, consumed by fire, is indescribable.” Yet, they emphasize, “we cannot let what happened pass without expressing how much this means to us.”
The owners also revealed that investigations are underway “with the authorities,” hoping for answers “soon.”
Messages of Support
In the comments to their post, friends, clients, and others expressed their sorrow over the situation and offered words of support to the entrepreneurs.
“We are speechless!!! We were there once this year, and it was enough to understand how unique and special your place is,” wrote one commenter.
Among the many messages, there were supportive words from various public figures. Ana Guimar wished “much strength,” while Sara Prata sent a “tight hug.”
Promise of “Rising Something New”
Following the heartfelt messages, the management promises to “gather strength” to “rise something new.” “A renewed space, born even stronger and uniting us even more,” they stated.
“We were caught off guard by a fire that took our ground and shook our structure, but it did not make us fall. Because your support and affection keep us standing. The positive energy we have felt from those who care about us, closer or farther, known or unknown, has been moving. And we can do nothing but thank you,” they wrote in a new post.
Monte da Casa do João is an exclusive property in Grândola, Alentejo, described as “the ideal destination for short-term rentals.”
“It offers an unforgettable retreat in a stunning rural setting. Perfect for those seeking relaxation and celebration,” according to their official website.
Intense Heat and Country on Alert
Currently, Portugal is at maximum risk for fires due to the extreme heat affecting the Iberian Peninsula. For Monday, almost the entire Alentejo region and about 30 other municipalities in districts such as Faro, Lisbon, Setúbal, Coimbra, Leiria, Aveiro, Porto, and Braga are under high risk according to IPMA.
IPMA’s fire risk assessment has five levels, from low to maximum, with the latter issued when weather conditions, like extreme heat and low humidity, significantly increase the danger of ignition and spread of fires.
Portugal is on alert until Wednesday, August 13, due to the forest fire risk.
The alert situation is based on two main reasons: the continuation of high temperatures across the country in the coming days and the reduction of ignitions due to imposed prohibitions.
