Quinta das Acácias, with its Manor House and Chapel, dates from 1713, having resisted the devastation caused by the 1755 earthquake, which tragically devastated Lisbon and the entire area around it.
It is located at the top of the hill overlooking the Serra do Socorro, with stunning views over it, It was a privileged reference point of the communication and observation station of the Lines of Torres, where the Chapel of Nª Srª do Socorro and some buildings that were the Duke of Wellington's headquarters during the French invasions still exist, known locally as “Wellingston’s Eagle's Nest”.
The parish of Azueira, was once very prosperous and important in the political and economic domains, being an historical testimony of this, some farms that belonged to prominent and influential members of the society at the time, such as Quinta das Acácias, which was an integral part of the vast heritage of a high military rank, nicknamed Brunette Gorjão, whose widow lived there until the middle of the 20th century, leaving no descendants.
The manor House and the Chapel are located in front of the Brunette Square, whose name perpetuates the memory of the family of José Brunette Gorjão, the grandfather of the last owner of the farm. It maintains the original architecture and features, as well as many materials and construction elements, inside.
The last owners, made some adjustments and restorations, maintaining the original design, as well as some ceilings, floors, stonework, sculptures and tiles of the time.
Appart from the Manor House and Chapel, there are leisure and support facilities, such as:
Rustic housing for caretakers, close to the farm's service entrance (old Iron Gate), located in a strategic location.
Stables with “boxes”, harness room, storage for straw and rations, riding arena with sound installation, support facilities for keepers and / or equitors and “Paddock”.
Small sports park, with multipurpose ring for skating, volleyball, basketball, futsal or tennis.
Small playground.
Boxes for service vehicles and agricultural implements.
Poultry house, two side gardens, varied fruit trees; this set being hidden by hedges and vines.
Lake with artificial island and vegetation suitable for birds, reptiles and other exotic animals.
An unusual well, which can be visited down to the water level through masonry stairs, with an engraving of the year of construction (1713).
Mine dug in the rock, with a spring, whose underground retention basin has a terrace protected with railings, providing very pleasant visits, especially in the summer.
Fountain with bronze sculptures of great beauty and artistic value, with several fountains.
Swimming pool with large spout, wraparound marble floor with non-slip treatment and balconies with views of stunning landscapes.
Vast area of the farm is landscaped with lawns and lush vegetation.
Highlighted, between the main gate and the service gate, is the old wine mill and warehouse, an imposing ensemble, the size of which now allows it to be a great social hall for various parties, keeping a large smoke-fireplace with interior side benches in stone, allowing people to sit during the winter nights while burning great trunks of wood, besides the possibility to cure sausages or homemade hams. This set includes a support kitchen, two mezzanine bedrooms, pantries, wine cellars, two bathrooms and interior communication to the main garage, with room for 9 cars.
It is not by chance that the description of the Manor House and Chapel, are at the end of this visit to the past, as it is the newest built area, it deserves special mention due to the historical importance that it contains, being currently ex-libris of the village and, its chapel, a place of worship and devotion, especially when it hosts Our Lady of Fatima Peregrina with some frequency and, every seventeen years, Our Lady of Nazaré whose Syrian is a devout festive manifestation of the people of the West and of many devotees from all over the world.
The owners of Quinta das Acácias, open the Chapel to people on these and other occasions of worship. In addition to communicating with the outside, there is a direct connection to private rooms.
Continuing the visit, we count on five suites, three lounges, huge dining room, dining room, office, 2 standard bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, huge and characteristic old kitchen fully adapted, pantry and laundry area. The master suite opens onto a panoramic terrace / solarium, with views not only of the entire farm, but also of the Serra do Socorro: a stunning scenery.
Also noteworthy is the fact that sills, stairs, lintels, some benches and other stonework, are made of original stone, as well as some floors. Also original, are some ceilings and wooden floors, recovered and treated. An interesting detail is that all the windows have side stone benches characteristic of the time, also known as lover’s benches.
Many tile panels with religious motifs and others in use at the time, enrich interior and exterior walls, as well as stone niches and an alabaster, complete the decorative details, presumably also of original construction, some with sculptures.
The historical references around this farm, its families, French invasions, geographic involvement, ethnography and others, are so vast that it will be worthwhile to address and deepen them, either as an interest or merely out of curiosity.
In addition to strictly residential use, Quinta das Acácias is an excellent place for holding events, especially weddings, which can be celebrated in the chapel itself, meeting conditions for wedding service and accommodation for grooms and / or guests, with plenty of pleasant, landscaped spaces, with a huge swimming pool, lakes and fountains, in addition to the equestrian and sporting aspect. It is also a great place for birthday parties, bachelor parties, group meetings, companies and others.