Recalling the splendor of a golden age in Lisbon’s history, this breathtaking 18th century palace is set within a row of historic residences in Belem just minutes from the river’s edge and the city center.
Built at the tail end of Age of Discoveries, the area is one of the most evocative and elegant neighborhoods favored by the aristocracy.
Following major renovations in 1845 (the date can be seen engraved on the facade’s main balcony), the villa fell into a long period of decline and neglect until the present owners returned it to its former glory with a meticulous restoration, preserving the original centuries-old features with fine handcrafted materials and finishes.
The entire facade of the building is adorned with classic azulejos tiles, and each room reveals the history of the building with opulent frescoes and beautifully preserved detail. Set on two levels, the interiors are typical of the era, with soaring ceilings and stately oversized rooms that all have access to the back garden. The main floor includes a great room with a fireplace, a media room and a beautiful wood paneled library. There are five bedrooms here (four en suite) and a sleek, state of the art kitchen with adjacent dining room. There are two additional bedrooms and a games room on the ground floor with room for up to fourteen guests.
Designed with a striking combination of old world elegance and modern sensibilities, the historic aspects of the house are offset by an eclectic, minimalist pairing of contemporary art and furnishings mixed with antiques that highlight Lisbon’s aristocratic past.
The spacious and grassy courtyard is a rarity in the city, with room for kids to play and friends and family to dine al fresco.
Ideally suited for large families or groups, the villa immerses you into the grandeur of this amazing city and is an evocative and classic remnant of a vibrant time and place in history.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Daily housekeeping included (4 hrs.), private chef available on request, childcare available on request. Wifi throughout, satellite cable TV and DVD player, kitchen and bath amenities, laundry facilities.
Children’s equipment available including: travel crib, high chair and toys, books and DVDs. Parking very close, but not at the property itself.
AROUND
Located near the banks of the Tagus in the leafy and elegant Belem neighborhood, the villa is ten minutes from Lisbon’s city center, Jeronimos Monastery and most of the city’s museums as well as it’s signature tower. Portugal’s capital features beautiful Roman and Moorish ruins, domed cathedrals, cobblestone lanes and grand plazas, and the old tram system is one of the best ways of navigating its narrow streets and seven hills.
The nearby Principe Real district is situated north of Barrio Alto São Bento and Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcantara and is dotted with antique shops, galleries and gardens with a lively nightlife scene. Home to one of the best lookouts in the city (Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcantara), you can reach the Praça do Comercio, the Figueira and Rossio Square and the trendy Chiado, along the route of the No. 28 tram.
Barrio Alto and the riverfront neighborhood of Cais do Sodre are hotspots to watch the sun rise and wait for the local cafes to open for a traditional bifana (pork bun) or the famous egg tarts (pasteis de nata).
Don’t miss the neo-Gothic Elevador de Santa Justa with its sweeping city views along the Tagus. The nearby Atlantic shores and Cascais offer gorgeous white sandy stretches of beach and delicious local seafood for the best of this city by the sea.
LOCATION
Lisbon, Portugal. Nearest Airport: Lisbon Portela International (9km)
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Year round, with the best weather from May through September
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