In 1897, Azores and Madeira, and some parts of mainland Portugal suffered an agricultural blight, in particular, the Sugar Cane crop. In 1897, my ancestors and hundreds of Portuguese workers were recruited by the Oahu Sugar Company, in Hawaii. Upon accepting employment, they soon packed up their families and belongings and set off on a long and tiresome three-month ships journey from Portugal to the Hawaiian Islands. Once there, they prospered, different ethnicities were joined and their families grew and remained.

In April of 2022, I visited Portugal for the first time and fell in love. By chance, while looking for properties to buy, we came across Vila Ildefonso and fell in love again. We met the Dias family and learned about Manuel Ildefonso Dias and his vision. You have read about how Manuel was unable to fulfill his dream of opening his first-class Vila in the valley of Varza de Abrunhais; the land of his forefathers.

We were very touched by Manuel’s story and more importantly, astounded by the fine materials he used to fulfill his vision. The property was unfinished and sat silent waiting for someone to come along and finish it. Today, the property is complete and in keeping with Manuels vision, no cost was spared to fulfill what is now, our own vision. Enjoy quiet and restful days while staying with us and thank you for your patronage.