• Secular reclusion

journal

 
02 / 06 / 2016
The historic building is a small convent on a hill overlooking the Tagus. The baroque cloister and church date from 1519, and were built at the behest of Portuguese King Manuel I. Initially the quarters of Franciscan monks, in the second half of the sixteenth century it became a hospital. In the early nineteenth century, with the advent of liberalism and the extinction of religious orders, the convent passed into private hands, having gone through several families until today.

The building (swept by several earthquakes and fires) has been restored successive times, but the original architecture was never significantly changed. So, after nearly 500 years, the convent retains its essence and authenticity. And this remains a concern for the present owner, because he spends most of his time in the convent, and what pleases him most is precisely the peace of mind that the space brings him. In the most recent intervention in the church, Miguel Amaral Netto has retained much of the existing furniture but he rethought the decoration, including his own personal style. He had the untiring support of Galeria Bessa Pereira Design e Arte, in Lisbon. The renowned art gallery and antique shop helped reconcile Portuguese and Scandinavian design pieces (as well as others from other parts of the world) with unusual works of great national artists.

The cloister gives passage to different interconnected divisions: various kitchens as well as interior and exterior sitting and dining rooms. On the first floor are the bedrooms and bathrooms. The cloister communicates with the church, which has a dining room downstairs, and bedrooms in the upper zone originally devoted to the chorus. The idea of converting the existing elements to accommodate new features and experiences is what also led to the transformation of an ancient cistern into a new swimming pool. The gardens have dense vegetation and wonderful Italian fountains. And the view is broad, with the Tagus in the background: Miguel says the view towards the river may be what he appreciates the most in the property. That and the fact that there he is able to enjoy a wonderful sunset.

The convent is available for photos or productions. Contact: miguelaan@hotmail.com 
Interior Design: Miguel Amaral Netto
Production/Styling: Mandarine Verrier
www.mandarinestories.com
Galeria Bessa Pereira Design e Arte
www.galeriabessapereira.com

Photos: Manuel Gomes Da Costa
Text: Joana Ramalho 
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