Passing through a moss-covered granite gate decorated with opulent merlons, a path shaded by grand old cork oaks leads to Paço da Gloria, a grand baroque manor that appears out of the mist at the centre of a fairytale forest, just an hour North of Porto. This is a house that has played the eccentric protagonist in a myriad of tales, whimsical dreams & extravagant endeavours since the 1700s. Today, the current owners (a Portuguese family with ample artistic flair) have pulled back the curtains once more to be a part of the story’s newest chapter, one that creates seeks refuge at the confluence of creative minds in the heart of the Minho.

A stay on the grounds at Paço da Gloria takes place across the garden from the gothic palace in a stone folly. Within it are two cosy studio dwellings for guests to indulge in the dreams of those who travelled through this place before them. A seven-bedroom house, ‘Meia Lua’ is laid out along a curved cloister framed by poignant arches & original ironwork. A unique collection of contemporary art sits, framed against the dark canvas of granite; photography by Carolina Pimenta & canvas’ by Andre Butze, Chris Succo & Richie Culver, who was also commissioned to design Paço’s new ‘coat of arms’.

Walking through the wild gardens, a granite tank & swimming pool hangs over the Lima river valley & the rural parish of Arcos de Valdeve below. Each is decorated with figures & pinnacles, flanked by abundant flowers planted by the previous green-fingered custodians of the house over the years – an impressive gardeners guild of rose, camellia,  rhododendron & magnolia. By the lawn, a path leads to a grove of laurel, poplar, lemon & orange trees, winding through irregular steps to a tennis court & a shallow lake for wild swimming. At the right time of year, the pond is awash with pink petals from the cherry blossoms that stand, statuesque at the water’s edge – conjuring further dreams for guests to ponder & revel in, within the grounds of this mysteriously magical palace that is Paço da Gloria.

(text by www.design-escapes.com)

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STATUS: built (full renovation project)

LOCATION:  Arcos de Valdevez (PT)

PHOTO CREDITS: HANNAH E DACE