Stables of Saint George

Category: Civil Architecture > Stables

District: Lisboa > Cascais > São João do Estoril > Santo António do Estoril

Location:

The Santos Jorge Coach Houses are located on Rua de Olivença, in the Estoril area, a region that is part of the locality of São João do Estoril, in the municipality of Cascais. This building is situated in an urban setting, on a slightly sloping terrain, and its neighbors include the railway line, also being a short distance from the well-known Tamariz Beach. Its position reflects the expansion of the coastal area at the beginning of the last century, marked by new holiday constructions.

A Legacy of Summer Architecture

This built complex, sometimes also known as the Santos Jorge Stables, represents an interesting testament to the architecture that flourished on the Estoril Coast between the late 19th century and the early decades of the 20th century. Designed around 1914 by architect Norte Júnior, the building was conceived to serve as a garage, coach house, and stables for the property of António Santos Jorge, a prominent agricultural landowner of the time. The initial intention was for it to be integrated into a larger residential complex, a plan which, due to historical circumstances, was not fully realized. Due to its undeniable historical and architectural value, the Santos Jorge Coach Houses were classified as a Property of Public Interest in 1996.

Artistic and Singular Details

What makes the Santos Jorge Coach Houses particularly fascinating is their eclectic and exotic architectural style, which stands out in the local landscape. The building's facade is remarkably asymmetrical and features a richness of decorative details. One can observe large gates with semi-circular arches, some flanked by adorned columns, as well as sets of double windows that contribute to its unique aesthetic. At the top of the building, the cornice and balustrade display a profusion of round motifs and garlands. The corner facade is perhaps the most elaborate, with a prominent balcony supported by sculpted corbels that resemble gargoyles. Curiously, this support building was constructed before the main manor house of the property and boasts a superior decorative refinement compared to the residence, evidencing the importance attributed to its design.

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