The property
The property, a 9 hectare estate, formed from the merging of a few small pieces of agricultural land, initiated in 1872 and owned by the same family ever since, was their sole residence until the mid XX century.
The former adobe built dwelling, a characteristic construction material from Baixo Alentejo, no longer exists, as it had been badly damaged by the February 1969 earthquake that hit the southern part of the country. The owners at the time demolished its remnants and built with the help of an architect’s design, a new residence within the farm in a different location with a much better horizon.
The new villa in 1972 at the time of its completion. The building of the present residence was performed after the design in 1970 of architect Alfredo Mata Antunes and took place from February 1971 until June 1972. The designer was inspired by the style developed in the 1950's and 1960's by architect Conceição Silva: it enlightens the contrast between the white walls and the visually exposed concrete surfaces, together with the wood in its natural tone, both inside and outside the house.
Ample and wide spaces are a dominant element inside the house. Multiple plans meet and intersect, allowing for natural light to enter from different directions. It is an atmosphere not alien from Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Water House in Pennsylvania or from the scenery immortalized by Alfred Hitchcock for his imaginary house in Mount Rushmore.
The villa, made of multiple levels, is in harmony with the slight slope of the land on which it is constructed and unfolds itself as one enters. The main lobby is teeming with architectural details, such as the staircase acceeding to the upper floor and the entrance to the living room. The main level extends to the exterior in a half covered porch overlooking the surrounding landscape.
The dining room is delimited by a panoramic window overlooking a swimming pool built in July/August 2008. In the study room, topped with a vaulted ceiling in the traditional Alentejo style, as well as in the rooms, in the number of five, one can feel a cosy atmosphere which contrasts with the openness of the common spaces.
The entrance zone, located on the same level, is connected to the porch through a bridge separating the two areas. The ample living room is composed of several spaces, among which the fireplace area is prominent.
Vidigueira Region
Vidigueira is currently a land of excellent wines, having been named “Cidade do Vinho 2013” in Portugal. This is due to the existence of several private wineries in the municipality that have developed numerous own brands that have become famous and can be visited (Cortes de Cima, Quetzal) as well as the Adega Cooperativa.
A fantastic mixture of the flavors of Alentejo gastronomy, with the modern touch of signature cuisine and accompanied by local wines, can be enjoyed at Restaurante Quinta do Quetzal and Restaurante da Adega – Ribafreixo. Both are immersed in their vineyards, where grapes are harvested for their wines.
In a more typical and traditional aspect and meeting with the ancient techniques of production of Talha Wine, in the center of the village of Vila de Frades is the Adega Típica País das Uvas. Adega Cooperativa also recently opened a space dedicated to this tradition, Casa das Talhas.
Located in the heart of the Alentejo, the municipality of Vidigueira is in the transition between Alto and Baixo Alentejo. It is the ideal starting point to discover the whole region. Also the surrounding region is excellent for excursions either by car on a paved road, or off-road (4 × 4) or mountain biking.
The Alqueva Dam is 25 km away and the Pedrogão Dam, downstream, is 18 km away. Inroads can be made in a rugged up and down Serra do Mendro from where spectacular views sometimes appear or across the plain that extends to the south.
There are notable points of view such as the top of Serra do Mendro from which you can see the cities of Beja with its keep, Évora, as well as Serpa and, on clear days, the Serra de Mértola.
