House and Farm of Lage

Category: Civil Architecture > Farm

District: Viana do Castelo > Ponte de Lima > São Pedro d'Arcos > Foio

Location

Casa e Quinta da Lage is nestled in the picturesque area of Foio, in São Pedro d'Arcos, in the municipality of Ponte de Lima. Set within a vast rural estate spanning approximately fifty hectares, its location allows visitors to appreciate the typical Minho landscape, dominated by vine fields that shape the surroundings. The estate is situated on National Road 202, making it easy to locate.

A Centenary Legacy

Casa e Quinta da Lage is a remarkable example of Portuguese manorial architecture, with its roots deeply embedded in history. Classified as a Property of Public Interest, the construction of its main building, an imposing manor house, began in the late 17th century. However, older traces, such as the "old tower," suggest a presence on the site dating back to medieval times.

Over the centuries, the estate has undergone various interventions and expansions, shaping its current physiognomy. Notably, works undertaken after 1720 unified its two towers (the old and the more recent one) as well as renovations to its chapel. These transformations reflect the constructive evolution and the importance of the family that inhabited it, contributing to its uniqueness as a representation of the 18th-century manor houses of the Lima River region.

Architecture and Environment

The main building of Casa e Quinta da Lage is a testament to the grandeur of the architecture of its era. Inside, one can observe halls characterized by elaborately decorated ceilings and carved woodwork adorning the walls, showcasing artistic refinement. The house also hosts spaces that preserve the memory of the place, including an exhibition of regional costumes and an adaptation of the old 'Casa da Tulha' (Granary House).

Outside, the property extends through vast gardens and green areas, inviting a tranquil stroll. The main access is through a portal that leads to a courtyard, before reaching the formal walled patio of the house, adorned with a back-spout fountain. The gardens include a meticulously maintained formal space with boxwood, orange trees, and rhododendrons. On upper levels, a lush grove, featuring copper beeches, magnolias, and American oaks, gives way to an imposing oak avenue, inviting a journey through the well-tended nature.

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