Quinta dos Montalvão Guedes de Andrade da Cunha Coutinho

Category: Civil Architecture > Farm

District: Vila Real > Valpaços > Sonim > Quinta dos Montalvão Guedes de Andrade da Cunha Coutinho

Location

Located in the picturesque village of Sonim, in the municipality of Valpaços, Quinta dos Montalvão Guedes de Andrade da Cunha Coutinho stands on the northeastern edge of the settlement. Its striking presence, visible from a square that provides access to it, integrates into the urban and rural fabric of the region, offering a glimpse of Trás-os-Montes' stately life.

The Monumental Portal

One of the most distinctive elements of this property is its imposing main portal, a true architectural statement. It is framed by a set of four classical columns supporting a Doric entablature, crowned by elegant pinnacles. At its center, a large, richly sculpted family coat of arms stands out, testifying to the noble lineage of its former owners. Above the coat of arms, a small niche houses a stone image, surmounted by a Latin cross, adding a touch of spirituality to the ensemble.

Architecture and Environment

The quinta is protected by a high stone masonry wall that defines its boundaries, revealing its agricultural and residential purpose. Inside, the main house unfolds in a U-shape, featuring exposed granite facades that reflect the local solidity and building tradition. Its two floors are punctuated by classical-style windows and doors, some with unique frames and several covered balconies that invite observation of the surrounding environment. Part of the quinta also consists of agricultural annexes, which blend harmoniously into the complex, maintaining the authenticity of a noble house connected to the land.

A Family Legacy

The history of Quinta dos Montalvão Guedes de Andrade da Cunha Coutinho likely dates back to the 18th century, when its oldest core would have been built. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the quinta was the setting for the lives of several generations of the Montalvão Guedes de Andrade da Cunha Coutinho family, who gave it its name and left their mark there. An example is the date 1917, inscribed above the portal of one of the house's wings, which marks one of its evolutions over time. This property is an important example of the region's noble residential and agricultural architecture, keeping alive the memory of a past rich in tradition and legacy.

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