An idea I'd like to explore and develop is the virtual resort, its a concept I've played with on a previous project (Machrihanish Dunes). The idea is that to create an authentic visitor experience a destination should be immersed in the community, as opposed to being ring fenced behind a reception. So if a visitor arrived to Alte Mãe checked in at the farmhouse and is allocated a suite, rather that the room being just on the property I thought it would be cool if some of the room options were scattered throughout the village. Accompanying a guest up and down the alleys of Alte to land in a hidden gem of a room would both surprise and delight and create a very strong sense belonging and engaging in the village.To this end Ive been looking at what ruins or derelict properties could be restored into guest suites the village.
Building suites with no kitchens and dinning rooms (apart from making rooms feel a lot bigger) ensures that the village cafes and restaurants are recipients of the benefits of our investments in creating places for guests to stay, while at the same time enhancing the visitor experience.
The bike shed is the first suite offsite. It's 45sqm and on the main road, around the corner from the Farmhouse. The building needs a complete overhaul, new roof, retile bathroom, fix the floor and complete redecoration. My builder thinks he can get it in order in 90 days which would mean it will be ready to use end of October.
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