The undeniable proof that we should give continuity to what our predecessors built can be found here, at the Lagar - Museu do Azeite, a building set in an 80-hectare property, north of the town of Penela, in the Coimbra district of Portugal. “The main objective was to create something comfortable out of the existing material,” the owner and founder of the upcoming Country Palace Hotel explains to us. Accordingly, the recovery of the façade and the structure of the space that was previously used as an olive press provides the concept for the architectural and interior design.
From the upper floor terrace, we can admire the three thousand centennial Galician olive trees, the olive oil jars that bring life to the patios and, if we listen carefully, we can also hear the tinkling bells of passing sheep. We can find traces of past life both indoors and out. Retaining the same conceptual language, the interior design has been carefully elaborated based not only on the restoration of the old structure of the space, but also by finding inspiration in the period furniture, acquired over the years by the owner. The impressive ceiling height and the glazed surfaces allow natural light to stream onto the Hans Wegner chest of drawers standing in the dining room, the old olive oil presses in the living room and the light blue 1990s Danish sofa, which has become part of the living area on the upper floor.