As expatriates living far away, we were dreaming of a holiday home in Europe, with a fairly strict list of criteria: proximity to a major city, an international airport and an area of historical or natural interest. Sintra meets all of these criteria. We fell in love with this old house in the middle of its exuberant garden, and with the whole region: its mild, humid climate, its forest, its beaches, its ancient palaces and its cultural offering. After a long period of restoration, the house has become our home, a decision we are delighted about every day.
This traditional regional house is located on the northern slopes of the Serra de Sintra. All the houses in the village of Eugaria were built in the same way, creating a village with a unique identity and atmosphere. The house is at the center of a property that includes a terraced garden, pathways, cultivated areas, wellheads, courtyards and terraces, all seeming to merge gradually into the forest that extends beyond the hill. It is located in the middle of a hamlet, sheltered behind high walls, on the side of a steep, wooded hill. This explains the numerous staircases linking the different floors, all of which are either at garden or ground level. The lush garden is laid out on high stone terraces, the swimming pool seems to float above the valley, and the view stretches as far as the Atlantic. The house has kept a few vestiges of the late 19th century, such as a neo-Manueline balustrade and carved stone, yet the interior is clearly modern and was designed by a renowned Lisbon architect. The result is a home with a series of staircases, perspectives and light-filled rooms, with each window offering a different view.
The hamlet at the centre of which this house stands was founded in the 16th century. Judging by the thickness of its walls, the house was built before the Lisbon earthquake of 1755, which severely damaged the entire region. The house was extended in the 19th century and again in the 1970s to create a spacious family residence. The garden dates from this period, as do a number of details brought over from other homes by successive owners. However, these extensions were carried out for practical reasons, and not much consideration was given to aesthetics. As a result, the building was lacking coherence. In 2017, we decided to renovate the interior almost entirely, without changing the exterior appearance. We exclusively used regional materials and designed the home in a contemporary style combining simplicity, light and comfort. We were careful to retain references to the past and elements of nature, thereby keeping with the region’s eclecticism.
There is a sort of dialogue between the interior of the house and the garden, a harmony of simple and clear architecture opening out onto exuberant yet controlled nature. This is what we would like to share most with our guests. In short, it is a condensed version of the romantic spirit that has earned Sintra and the surrounding area UNESCO World Heritage status. The hamlet, which is typical of the area and boasts a number of attractive manor houses, lies at the centre of one of the most culturally rich parts of Portugal. This area is celebrated by many poets, of whom Lord Byron is one of the best known. Our guests can choose between the historic centre of Sintra with its palaces and monasteries, the magnificent Regaleira, Pena and Monserrate parks, and the Atlantic beaches with their cliffs battered by the winds all year-round. There are also hiking trails through 'Monte Lua' or Moon Mountain - the other name for the Sintra’s hill. The Romans associated this with the cult of Selene - which is full of ponds, rivulets and megalithic, medieval and romantic remains. The hamlet is peaceful and is not frequented by many tourists. Our guests are sure to love lounging by the pool or on one of the patios, listening to the sound of the wind in the trees or the cries of jays, tits and falcons, while watching the evening mist rise from the Atlantic.
Praia da Ursa and Praia do Guincho Velho are some of the few beaches still untouched by mass tourism, as they are only accessible on foot. The romantic garden of Monserrate, just a few minutes' walk away, is a classic. We mention it because it is perhaps the most beautiful garden in Portugal. We recommend walking from the house to the Capuchin convent - Capuchos - or to the Adrenunes dolmen and the Peninha sanctuary, where there are incredible views. When it comes to gastronomy, the restaurants in the centre of Sintra are very touristy, but those in the surrounding villages offer cuisine that is rarely elaborate but very fresh. Feast on freshly caught fish or vegetables from the nearby market garden. The Moinho de don Quixote has an exquisite view over the Atlantic, the Nortada and Bar do Fundo serve delicious fish, and the Seteais Palace is ideal for foodies looking for something more understated. Oenophiles will enjoy Colares white Malvasia for its fresh, original taste. The best "adragas" wineries can be visited, one of the most famous being "Viuva Gomes".
The entire property, gardens and swimming pool included, can be rented out for filming and photo shoots. There are three bedrooms. A wide range of accommodation is available in the surrounding area if need be.
ref 612264
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