História
Quinta da Nossa Senhora da Conceyção, as it was originally named, was built for the Dutchman Antonius Cremer and his Dutch Portuguese noble wife Lady Catharina Sofia van Zeller in 1715.
The dedication above the chapel door has a latin inscription which reads:
“Supreme God and also the most pure and Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mother of God, Antonius D. Cremer erected this chapel, Knight of the Order of Christ, admiral, charged with all of the affairs between the United Provinces of Belgium and Portugal, as well as his precious wife, D. Catarina Sofia van Zeller, both to satisfy their own devotion as well as that of their neighbours. They built this house together for their home and to provide a quiet life for their descendants, may the grace of the Almighty grant this to them, for which they also planted here a garden. The foundation stone was laid on the first day of May 1715 precisely on the day the peace treaty between Portugal and Spain was published. And here, on September 8 of that year, in all solemnity, the first religious service was held. Accept o Virgin, these altars that we dedicate to you and do not despise, merciful Mother, this small house.”
The whole property has recently undergone a decade long restoration and refurbishment to carefully and sympathetically bring this special place into the 21st century.
The Solar, is situated on a secluded hill top surrounded by an estate of over 50 hectares of rural idyll, ancient cork oak forests, olive groves and fields guaranteeing fine views, privacy, tranquillity, nature and clean air. It is conveniently located to visit the historic and cultural attractions of beautiful Lisbon and Sintra, the wine and gastronomy of the nearby towns of Azeitão, Sesimbra, Palmela & Setubal, the stunning coastline and beaches of the Arrábida natural park and golf at Quinta do Peru.
The gardens are laid out on a west facing hill side leading down to the so called “Vale Real” that runs to Coina where at high tide you could catch a boat to Lisbon, and named Real (Royal) due to the royal visits of King Joao V. A long staircase descends from the house towards the old river passing the swimming pool, terraces and the traditional Portuguese style garden with a formal garden and even an aqueduct.
The swimming pool was originally built in the 18th century as a water tank to store the Quinta’s spring water. It has been carefully adapted to create a unique solar heated salt water swimming pool with plenty of room to relax and enjoy the great Portuguese summer. The pool is usually warm enough to use from mid May until the end of October. Behind the pool is the sauna, bathroom and massage space.
