Quinta dos Bugalhos serve as a boundary between the forest and the open space, creating a division between the interior and exterior. Its long white walls, situated on a hill, enclose interior spaces that are not immediately visible to newcomers. The organization of the Quinta is not apparent from the outside, as the forest obscures the view. These white walls expand and contract, creating a dynamic interplay of volumes, while remaining firmly anchored to the site.

It sprawls over a picturesque plateau carved by flowing streams and embraced by lush forested areas. The intricate water system that nourishes this landscape flows from the hills of Montejunto and Aires e Candeeiros to the ocean, sculpting the limestone matrix into graceful valleys.

Throughout the years, the dynamics of the landscape have changed at a rapid pace.

In 1956, the Quinta revealed expansive woodlands to the west, sparsely populated by trees such as cork oak and Portuguese oak. Fertile soils in the valleys supported various crops and cultures, while diverse orchards adorned the slopes in between. The river, flowing from south to north, served as a natural boundary, dividing the landscape into two distinct mosaics: smaller plots to the east, each dedicated to different crops, and larger plots to the west.

In the span of a decade, the once sprawling woodland to the west of the estate underwent a remarkable transformation, giving way to a rapid expansion of eucalyptus plantations. The landscape, once adorned with diverse flora, now showcases the dominance of this thriving industry. While remnants of oak forests cling to the rugged and overlooked slopes, the once vibrant orchards have been supplanted by a variety of alternative crops, and the valley below now bustles with a rotation of different plantations.

The current state of the landscape reveals traces of past changes, some of which are still clearly evident. The profound shifts in lifestyle, energy cycles, and material processes have silently driven these changes.

This site occupies a transitional space, that is adorned by a richly diverse mixed forest of both cork and Portuguese oak, owing to the diverse array of soils within the estate. The smaller water streams that traverse the estate, meandering from west to east, is adorned by a captivating mixed community of willow, poplars, and elms, each species flourishing in harmony with the distinct soil compositions of each stream.

The Quinta dos Bugalhos holds a rich history that spans over two centuries, dating back to the 18th century. The main building showcases the elegance of rural nobility architecture, emphasizing the deep connection to the land and agriculture.

Throughout the past, the property has continuously expanded and adapted to fulfill a variety of needs. What initially began as a solitary house perched on the edge of a plateau, with a view of a terraced garden, has since blossomed into a charming ensemble of dwellings, annexes, and porches. As demand grew, different courtyards were seamlessly integrated, each serving specific purposes and offering the potential for versatile uses. Today, it stands as a captivating testament to rural architectural heritage.

The Quinta dos Bugalhos is thoughtfully designed to incorporate a variety of outdoor spaces. From the expansive and informal patio to the more formally defined patios and intimate terraces, every area has been carefully crafted to fulfill its unique function.

These design principles have paved the way for the transformation of the property into a captivating Rural Hotel, where accommodation is arranged around central patios, creating a sense of interconnectedness and openness.

The Casa do Campo embodies the more secluded aspect of the Quinta. Each space offers a unique connection to the outdoors, as it offers a breathtaking view of the valley. The upper wing of the building presents an ideal location for a series of accommodations, providing direct access from the patio. The central area of the building maintains its original purpose of spaces for small gatherings or meetings.

The proposal for converting the agricultural warehouse into the Rural Hotel is centered around preserving the original structure. The plan involves creating a series of double bedrooms, each with its own private entrance and an outdoor space. Additionally, is envisioned a new building at the end of the main patio, serving as a transition between the privacy of the hotel and the open agricultural land that will house the main restaurant.

The hotel is carefully crafted around a variety of open communal spaces that are defined by their spacious and open nature, diverse surfaces. Three prominent spaces stand out: the terreiro, as the largest, a formal patio at the entrance of the main house, and a newly terraced meadow enveloping the compound on the plateau. The first two serve as pathways, facilitating fluidity and the latter as an area for unrestricted leisure with a view for the landscape.

With smaller dimensions, the private spaces have a more intimate scale. They serve as covered terraces, adorned with lush vegetation both on the ground, suspended from pergolas and as private enclosed gardens.

Caldas da Rainha, Portugal | Private | Detailed Desing Phase | Tourism | 385271m² | Renders by Start Studio | Photography by Bárbara Monteiro | Collaboration with Marlene Roque Arquitectura and Studio Akkerhuis