A sailor, an old house and a vision above the tide.
How a sailing voyage across the Atlantic became Casa Espalamaca.
“This is as close to ocean paradise as I can imagine.”Sven Junge, founder of Casa Espalamaca
A stop in Horta that changed everything.
The Casa Espalamaca dream was turned into reality by Sven Junge, a creative entrepreneur from Hamburg, Germany. Most of his summer holidays were spent sailing on the family yacht.
When his children grew up and moved out to find their own way in life, Sven decided to do the same: take a break from daily routines and look for something new. In 2017, on a two-year Atlantic sailing voyage and crossing solo from the USA, he stopped in Horta, went on a life-changing trip around Faial and returned to Hamburg with a passionate vision of a house above the tide.
Four years of building a dream.
In 2018 his yacht ZARIFA became Sven’s home in the Horta marina, and his “crazy” mid-Atlantic project turned into a four-year construction adventure.
Those were tough times, when determination, help from friends and constant family support were crucial to keep things moving: transforming an old house into the estate it is today, with a level of quality, interior detail and outdoor relaxation spaces like no other.
“Let’s cut this raw diamond nicely so it shines beyond the horizon.”
Your host, just around the corner.
Sven lives on Faial and looks after every guest personally. He sets up the sauna, the hot tub and the fire pit, shares the stories behind the house and knows the island’s best trails, restaurants and swimming spots.
Guests describe him as a hands-on, attentive host who is always there when needed and never in the way.
Come and see it for yourself.
From €250 per night for the whole house · Best rate when you book direct
About Casa Espalamaca, luxury accommodation on Faial
Casa Espalamaca in the Azores offers premium Faial accommodation with stunning Atlantic Ocean views. Located 90 m above the most westerly marina of Europe, this private retreat combines comfort, privacy and convenience, near Horta center, close to Faial restaurants and essential amenities, with fantastic views over the Atlantic Ocean and green volcanic island hills. Open, bright and elegantly designed spaces in the Natural Reserve Espalamaca, where privacy and relaxation are priorities.
Banda da Vila 17c, 9900-988 Horta, Azores
Call to a national mobile network
AL License RRAL 5231
Casa Espalamaca © 2026 · Developed by Douro Business Valley