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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
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