Description

Set within a private estate of almost 45,000sqm, this property lies in the heart of some of the most stunning Portuguese landscape including Palácio da Pena and the wonderful Vila de Sintra. It is located in Pé da Serra, Colares, on the hills of the Serra de Sintra. The residence includes the manor house and the chapel, and a secondary building. The land to the South and West of the house maintains the owner's character, with the main gardens gently and adjacent areas of woodland sloping down towards the sea and giving place to an astonishing ocean view. The origins of this property remain obscure, however it is known that its birth dates back to the early XVI century, and that in the XVIII century was added a perpendicular body to the primitive building, as well the majestically U shaped staircase, that lead to the gardens. In the second half of the XIX century, the residential area gained a new life: on October 17th, 1871, by appointment to the King D. Luis I, Joaquim Pinto de Magalhães was awarded the noble title of Visconde de Arriaga (Viscount of Arriaga), and later on King D. Carlos I would raise the noble title to Conde (Count of Arriaga), in 1890. (Joaquim Pinto de Magalhães was a Portuguese politician and colonial administrator). With this act came numerous modifications to the manor house, including plaster works on the bedrooms, the embellishment of ceilings and outside cornices, etc... But most important of all, was the refurbishment and ornamentation of the chapel, dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Penha de França, located next to the main body, and preceded by a monumental staircase.