These were the thoughts in our minds as we drove up a long steep road to the Palace of Bucaco. We had booked a night's accommodation on Miffy's recommendation of the surrounding Bucaco forest. Nathan and Miffy had visited during their European trip (circa 1997 or there abouts). Our little Renault car was labouring around the tight bends through the heavy forest. We noticed a large number of big old trees had recently been blown over in a storm and still had to be cleared. With over 2 kms to go and not a view of the Palace we came to a gate and asked to identify ourselves. Finally, our car topped the hill and there it presented itself in all its glory.
Yes, Miffy, the climb was worth the effort. What a very special place this is! Reminds you of home in a way. Just look at the photo of the over mantle shown below. This would be just the thing for your place. And the verandah leading off the dining room overlooking the garden... perfect. And the garden... a little bit of simple baroque Japanese box hedging on a pebble base... nice, real nice.
The site was initially developed as a Carmelite monastery in 1627, and the barefoot monks planted trees collected by Portugal from its empire outposts. The king of Portugal dissolved the Carmelite order of monks in the early 19th century and after a time he degreed that the place could be used as an hotel... its primary guests being Portuguese royalty to satisfy any whims for a bit of hunting that may arise from time to time. So, the best architects and builders of the day were funded to showcase Portuguese arts and crafts. (No doubt the gold flowing in from Brazil helped pay for some of it.)
Miffy, I want to know how you found this place. It isn't exactly on the tourist superhighway. Where did you stay? What season was it when you were here? I suspect the forest was in better shape than the part we saw this afternoon. The big storm was in January... and destroyed some of the oldest and biggest trees in the forest. The gardening staff are distraught!
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