In 1912 Francisco Nico completed Casa Grande. A grand manor house it stood proudly. It wasn’t always so grand though.
Casa Grande de Quinta a once derelict house. It was purchased in 1972 by Sally and John Vincent. They’d lived in Chicago. They wanted to return to Europe. Portugal offered affordable castles. The Vincents sought a castle. The reality was different. They found a large house. They converted it into a guesthouse.
The house was called Quinta do Senhor Nico. It had only one tap. There was no electricity. The Vincents camped inside. They lovingly restored it over a year. Casa Grande de Quinta blossomed.
Senhor Nico’s legend is fascinating. Found as a baby. Floating at sea. Wearing only a necklace. The necklace had the name Nico. A local fisherman found him. A Greek ship had passed during a storm. Nico was assumed to have been abandoned. The fisherman raised Nico. Nico became a wealthy developer. He sailed the world. He returned with his fortune. He built Casa Grande. Local legend says he hid treasure there. People believe it’s buried beneath the house.
Casa Grande de Quinta stands as a testament. To the Vincents’ restoration. To Senhor Nico’s story. The treasure remains a mystery. A mystery adding to Casa Grande’s charm. The house whispers stories of the past. Come explore its captivating history.