ESTOI PALACE, built in the Algarve in the 18th century, is to become a luxurious Pousada de Portugal, forming part of a collection of tourist lodges boasting a historical connection.  
Situated in the village of Estoi, 10 kilometres from Faro, the French-style palace and gardens will be the subject of a transformation project worth an estimated 10 million euros, with work due to begin in September this year.

In total, 49 bedrooms will be created in a new wing to be built in Horta da Cega, where a swimming pool, spa and café bar will also be constructed.
The kitchen, with Barroque-style tiles from the 19th century, will provide the setting for a bar within the Pousada, the games room will be transformed into bathrooms, the old dining room will become a leisure space with Renaissance-style furniture, the great hall will be a dining room and the São José Chapel, with its beautiful altar and pulpit decorated in gold leaf and celestial imagery, will be restored for religious ceremonies.
The work is being financed by the State and European Community funding and is scheduled to finish by September 2008, in order to comply with the European Union deadline. Once the work is complete, Estoi Palace will be managed by ENATUR – Pousadas de Portugal.
The historic monument first belonged to Francisco José de Carvalhal, a scion of one of the most distinguished families of the Algarve nobility. His romantic tastes inspired him to build a country house, surrounded by gardens, in a beautiful natural setting. Rather than turning to the medieval models favoured by the revivalists of the period, as exemplified by the Royal Palace in Sintra, he opted for a style combining neo-baroque and neo-rococo elements. After several decades of neglect, the palace was bought by a wealthy pharmacist, who later became Viscount of Estoi. The palace has been the property of Faro Câmara since 1987.

source: The Resident