The Palace at Estoi– now a hotel. Beautiful, isn’t it? This week has been a mad whirl, during which I have met 2 very lovely blogging ladies (you know who you are 🙂 🙂 ) in 2 different countries. More to follow. Meanwhile Debbie is tempting me to reveal my age. Go and play Six Words with her. You know you want to! And have a happy weekend. I’m off to party!
Restored to glory- the fountains at Estoi Palace
One of my treats to myself on my visit to the Algarve was the Garden Fair, being held at Estoi Palace for the first time this November. When I came here 10 years ago, the palace was a down-at-heel ruin, but with enchanting grounds that cast their own spell. The past was cupped in the chipped and empty fountains, and breathed through the azulejos adorning the walls.
I was half delighted, but half concerned to hear of a proposed restoration that would turn the palace into a pousada, one of Portugal’s elite hotels. The transformation took many long years but, when the hotel finally opened its doors, I was hugely impressed. The grand salon was grace and elegance, with incredible ceilings, and the gardens had been given a modern twist, yet retained the features that had made them so beautiful. The new ‘add on’ for the hotel guest rooms was not so pleasing, but I was simply grateful that this lovely ruin had been given a life.
At this stage there was still much to do, and the ongoing work on the fountains and flights of stairs had placed them ‘out of bounds’. I remembered wistfully when I had been able to wander at will, conjuring with dreams. So it was, with a flutter of excitement, that I returned to Estoi for the Garden Fair.
The side gate to the palace- the lion is genially on guard
I didn’t expect that tiny Estoi would be playing host to so many people that day, but as the sun beamed with unseasonable heat, it became clear that this was to be a popular event. I was glad that I had arrived promptly for the 11am opening. As one of the wardens pointed out to me, this is the Algarve’s only historic garden.
What better to enjoy the sunshine than cacti?
I have to admit that I didn’t linger as long as I might, delightful though it all was. I could not wait to move on from the plant stalls and into the gardens. The former coach house had been transformed into a magnificent exhibition space, with gleaming floors and chandelier embellishments. Air plants nestled amongst the crafts, with potions made from herbs, and exquisite mosaics. I eased myself past temptation and out into the garden.
Dappled shade led to the grand staircase
The azulejos as beautiful as I remembered
The details quite beguiling
Looking back at my photos I don’t think I did the palace gardens justice, but you will have a general impression which I hope might tempt you to go there some day. The palace itself is beautiful. Perhaps I might take afternoon tea there one day and show you inside.
The palace and parterres
It may not reflect quite the type of warmth that Paula was thinking of, but I think this post might sit nicely on her Thursday’s Special. Come with me and admire.
restlessjo 
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