House for sale in Sintra, Portugal

10-bedroom palace with 516 sqm of gross construction area, garden, and a view over the National Palace, located on a plot of land of 2,238 sqm in the historical center of Sintra village. The estate is built on the terraces of the Serra and in the shadow of the Castle of the Moors, with a privileged view over the National Palace of Sintra. Within this estate, two villas are constructed, strategically placed at different levels. The upper villa is designed for the Marquês's personal residence, while the lower villa is intended to accommodate his mother. The villa for the mother was named Casa Italiana because it was designed by a prestigious Italian architect, who created a project for a semi-circular building. Italian workers and artists were employed to paint the frescoes both on the exterior and interior. Around 1840, the estate was sold to an English family. Casa Italiana returned to the possession of the descendants of the Marquês' mother, who was the daughter of the first Marquês of Pombal from her second marriage to D. Ernestina Wolfange. The Casa Italiana has a coat of arms painted on the ceiling of its entrance portico, with the Arms of the daughter - the Countess of Rio Maior - D. Amália de Carvalho Daun e Lorena de Saldanha Oliveira e Sousa. The coat of arms has an eagle with a key in its mouth, which comes from the Arms of the Daun family and symbolizes the story that the first Count of Daun was captured by a rival and imprisoned in a tower of a castle in Bohemia. In the early 20th century, Casa Italiana was once again inhabited by the Saldanha family, who donated the upper villa as well as part of the estate to the Patriarchate of Lisbon and sold Casa Italiana to an English family. In December 1987, Casa Italiana was sold again and underwent restoration works for two years, both on the exterior and interior. At present, it is a private residence but with potential to be a boutique hotel or event space. It has a garage with eight parking spaces. In the 19th century, the town of Sintra was a great inspiration for artists and writers of the Romantic movement, which attracted the nobility and bourgeoisie of the time, resulting in the construction of palaces, manor houses, and chalets. During this period, one of the most prestigious estates, 'Quinta do Saldanha,' was built, which is part of the history of Sintra. The estate was commissioned in 1830 by the Marquês of Saldanha, maternal grandson of the Marquês of Pombal, the Prime Minister of King D. José. The palaces and mansions of Sintra, which are the main attractions of the city, offer a unique view. Each one has its own story and embodies certain ideals. From the historical center of Sintra, you can take the road that leads to several impressive residences. However, there are three places that are simply impossible to pass without admiring them: the Pena Palace, the Vila Palace, and the Regaleira Estate. You can also indulge in typical pastries of Sintra, such as queijadas and travesseiros. Located within a 5-minute driving distance from the International Schools of The American School in Portugal (TASIS) and Carlucci American International School of Lisbon (CAISL). It is also 5 minutes away from Quinta da Beloura, where you can find all kinds of commerce and services. Within a 5-minute driving distance from the Corte Inglês of Beloura, and 10 minutes from the main shopping centers CascaiShopping and Alegro Sintra. Easy access to IC19, A16, and just over 5 minutes from the access to A5. A few minutes away from the historical center of Sintra and 20 minutes from Lisbon and Humberto Delgado Airport.