AT HOME IN THE WORLD: DAY SEVEN

17 AUGUST 2021 - DAY SEVEN

TALASNAL

Situated in Lousã mountain, Talasnal is part of a group of “shale villages”, so-called because of the shale stone that was widely used for construction in this area. There are few of these villages that are still well preserved and, despite not having any permanent residents, Talasnal is one of them. After a nice lunch at a local restaurant we explored the narrow streets, enjoying the quaint houses and the great view of the mountain while looking for a place to shoot the 4-legged oak Petit Chair. We found two perfect spots: one where the shape and tones of the chair mirror so beautifully the shale construction that it seems like it always belonged; and the other where the crisp lines of the chair stand in contrast to the softness of the surrounding plant life while the warm tones of the wood make it appear at home.

CASTELO DE ALMOUROL

We continued to Castelo de Almourol, a place we had at the top of our list from the beginning. Located on a small island in the middle of the Tagus river, this castle is one of the most significant monuments in the country. It dates back to the Moorish presence in the peninsula before the country itself was founded. After the Christian conquest of this territory in 1129 it was handed to the Templars and became part of a defensive line along the Tagus. To match the sharp lines of the castle and medieval aura of the site, we chose the small walnut Welles Table with its two-piece rectangular top and cast iron legs.