Portela Farm

Category: Nature > Park

District: Leiria > Leiria > Guimarota > Bairro dos Sargentos

Location

Quinta da Portela is located in Guimarota, in the municipality of Leiria, and stands out for its privileged hillside position. This property enjoys an isolated environment, even though it is in an urban context, and is surrounded by a leafy wooded area that provides a natural setting. The location offers open views of different parts of Leiria city.

Origin and Historical Legacy

Known by various names over time, such as Vila Portela, Chalet da Portela, or Quinta Charters d'Azevedo, Quinta da Portela was built between 1894 and 1895 to be the residence of Engineer Roberto Charters Henriques d'Azevedo and his family. The property was conceived as a fusion of a summer house, a bourgeois residence, and an agricultural estate, with the purpose of self-sufficiency in fresh produce.

A notable aspect for its time is that Quinta da Portela was one of the first houses in Leiria to have a bathroom equipped with hot and cold water. Its historical and architectural value was recognized with the classification of a Monument of Municipal Interest.

Architecture and Artistic Details

The main building of Quinta da Portela features a "Swiss chalet" architectural typology, characterized by its spaciousness and elegance. Its facades, rendered and painted in an antique rose hue, are accentuated by friezes and stone plinths. The gable roofs, more steeply pitched on the sides, have prominent eaves decorated with wooden lambrequins.

Inside, the house reveals a wealth of decorative details. The floors are made of continuous wood, and the main staircase impresses with its wavy wrought-iron handrail. The ceilings are frequently adorned with elaborate stucco work, displaying geometric patterns, floral motifs, medallions, and lacework in the D. Maria style. The kitchen, for instance, stands out for its marble wash basin and the wainscoting of blue and white floral-patterned tiles that line the walls.

The Park and Tranquility

Quinta da Portela is set within a vast wooded park, which contributes to its intimate and secluded character. The property's design aimed precisely at its harmonious integration with the natural environment, offering secluded spots for landscape contemplation.

Historically, the estate housed various outbuildings, such as stables, a dovecote, a wash house, and even a flower greenhouse, which underscored its agricultural aspect. The main entrance, marked by an iron gate between large stone pillars, was designed to prevent direct views of the house, emphasizing its reserved and tranquil atmosphere.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt