Beautiful Historic Mansion

The origins of this beautiful property date back to the mid 19th century when the nearby Pena Palace was under construction and Sir Francis Cooke was beginning his work at the gardens of Monserrate - and one of the most remarkable features of this property is its stunning gardens.

This property is located on the northern slopes of the Serra de Sintra and enjoys views to Praia das Macas and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and Mafra to the northeast. Nestling in the contours of the hills, the sheltered grounds are protected from any wind. This area enjoys a Mediterranean climate typified by hot dry summers and mild wet winters and this particular area enjoys a micro-climate of moderate temperatures which plants thrive in.

In this house lived the celebrated painter and musical composer Alfredo Keil who composed some celebrated operas such as "D.Bianca" which he wrote and concludes on the property, and "Serrana" that was his crowning glory. It's why the property is call " Casal da Serrana ".

Location: Set on the outskirts of a quiet, village and approximately 2 kms from the coast. The market town of Colares provides for all day to day needs and is about 3 minutes' drive. More extensive facilities can be found in the World Heritage site of Sintra. Lisbon and the resort towns of Cascais and Estoril are all within easy reach. This region is well-known for its excellent sporting facilities, which include a good selection of Golf Courses.

The accommodation of the House extends to approximately 300 m2 (3,229 sq ft) and the plot of land with 4.321 m2

Alfredo Cristiano Keil (3 July 1850 - 4 October 1907) was a Portuguese romantic composer and painter.

Keil was born in Lisbon, the son of Johann Christian Keil (son of Johann Georg Keil and wife Elisabeth ...) and wife (m. Lisbon, 30 August 1848) Maria Josefina Stellflug (daughter of Matias Stellflug and wife Barbara ...). He was of German origin, and was the great Portuguese romantic composer. He was also considered the last important Portuguese painter in the romantic style. He studied in Munich and Nuremberg with the German romantic painters Kaulbach and von Kreling. Returning to Portugal, where he continued his studies, he became a well known romantic painter, being also the contemporary of thenaturalist generation, with his melancholic intimate scenes and landscapes.

As a composer, he gained prominence with his operas "D. Branca" (1883), "Irene" (1893) and "Serrana" (1899), then considered the best Portuguese opera.

He composed the music of A Portuguesa, the Portuguese national anthem, in 1891, with lyrics by poet and playwright Henrique Lopes de Mendonca; it was adopted in 1911, after theproclamation of the Republic the previous year. Ironically, he died, in Hamburg, exactly three years before the first day of the Revolution.

http://www.portugalproperty.com Ref: PPIB41

Property Features

* Villa
* Swimming pool
* 4 bedrooms
* 3 bathrooms
* Air conditioning
* Garden
* Heating
* Garage
* Parking
* Reception room
* Terrace/balcony
* Covered dining area
* BBQ
* Laundry room
* Storage room
* Spacious
* Character property
* Exclusive property
* Features great views
* Morning sun
* Evening sun
* Near bars/restaurants
* Near schools
* Near shops
* Near a golf course
* Near the beach