Gourim · Serra da Arada · 704 m above sea level
The place of
reconnection
A schist house in the heart of the Magic Mountains, where time slows down and silence gives us back to ourselves.
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Welcome to Margou
More than a house.
A place of reconnection.
After winding through seven unpaved bends, you suddenly look down on the village that the Serra de São Macário keeps so carefully hidden, among green valleys and hills.
Casa Margou was born when Maria returned to the village of Gourim, which had been uninhabited for decades. Today it is a place for retreats, workshops and stays for anyone seeking a pause, silence and reconnection, surrounded by nature at its purest.
704 m
above sea level, in the Serra da Arada
14
guests, the house’s maximum capacity
4
retreats a year, one per season
7
unpaved bends to Gourim
The Destination
Where time
stood still long ago
I · Gourim
A village reborn with the rhythm of the seasons
Life in this village was once shaped by the bustle of the wolfram mines. Demand declined, and today schist ruins stretch as far as the eye can see. Gourim is slowly regenerating, without haste or ambition, and Casa Margou is living proof of that.
II · The Silence
Here, silence reigns
Far from the cities, you breathe peace. The murmur of the streams catches the attentive ear, and there is time to walk, read, rest or even write a book. Life is gained in Gourim, thanks to the total silence that makes time last.
III · Nature
Trails, streams and old watermills
Gourim is a perfect place for walking, trekking, mountain biking and adventure sports. Discover the mountain streams, the old watermills or the Incas Trail, through the valleys that link S. Pedro do Sul and Arouca.
Your host
Maria do Patrocínio
The village’s last inhabitant and the youngest of eleven siblings, it was Maria who brought Gourim back to life. What began as a return to her roots became a new life, for her and for the village. A life coach and therapist, she leads Casa Margou’s four yearly retreats.
“Because it is in the land that watches us grow that something of our identity remains untouched.”
Meet MariaRetreats
One retreat for each season
Four gatherings a year, led by Maria, in dialogue with what each season brings. Places are limited to the capacity of the house.
Spring
Ikigai Retreat
New date in 2027
Summer
Discover Your Inner Sun
New date in 2027
Autumn
Let Go to Love
New date in 2027
Registration open
Winter
Awakening to 2027
27–29 November
Gallery
Schist, water and mountains
Words from those who have been to Gourim
“A wonderful, unique, magical, beautiful place, beyond words. Only those who know it understand, and those who don’t will discover it.”
Lúcia Rodrigues · Viseu
“Going to Margou is, quite literally, descending into our deepest self, walking through the whistle of the wind, hearing the song of the water, the crackle of the fire.”
Alda Barbosa · Viseu
“I left Gourim with my Soul alive in me, knowing that I am Loved and Protected by Mother Earth. My Eternal Gratitude, dear Maria!”
Cristina Galamba
Sustainability
Together in preserving a sustainable future
Preserving the region’s traditions and resources, respecting our people and reducing the impact of our activity is naturally part of who we are. Casa Margou is Biosphere certified and committed to the principles of Responsible Tourism.
Bookings
Come and discover Gourim
For stays, groups, events or exclusive use of the house, get in touch. We’ll be delighted to reply.
+351 966 754 389 · reservas@casamargou.pt