THE TRANSFORMATION of Estoi Palace, an 18th century mansion, to become a luxurious Pousada de Portugal, forming part of a collection of tourist lodges boasting a historical connection, is due to be complete in September.
Situated in the village of Estoi, 10 kilometres from Faro, the French-style palace and gardens are the subject of a transformation project costing more than 13 million euros.
In total, 49 bedrooms will be created in a new wing to be built in Horta da Cega, where a swimming pool, spa and café bar will also be constructed.
The kitchen, with Baroque-style tiles from the 19th century, provide the setting for a bar within the Pousada, the games room being transformed into bathrooms, the old dining room into a leisure space with Renaissance-style furniture, the great hall into a dining room and the São José Chapel, with its altar and pulpit decorated in gold leaf and celestial imagery, is being restored for religious ceremonies.
Windows
Mestre Raposa, a Loulé-based doors and windows company, received the order for the delivery and installation of the wooden windows included in the renovation project. In total, 67 have been fitted, each weighing more than 500kg and delivered by special vehicles from Germany.
A spokesman for Mestre Raposa said: “The project was a huge challenge for all the parties involved.”
The work has been financed by the State and European Community funding. According to Faro Câmara President, the work has “taken a little longer than expected” but is due to be completed by mid-September.
Faro Câmara has approved the investment of 520 million euros to construct a basic sewage and water management system to serve Estoi Palace, which is due to be completed in 90 days.
Once the work is complete, Estoi Palace will be managed by ENATUR – Pousadas de Portugal.
