Centuries of stories reside within these walls at Quinta do Lameiro. This architectural ensemble includes a building and agricultural structure. It is a palacete or small palace. The Quinta do Lameiro’s main building follows a composed L-shaped plan. Its stepped volume is covered by four-sloped roofs.
Let’s step inside the Quinta do Lameiro. The main construction is arranged around a rectangular courtyard. It consists of two perpendicular bodies spanning three floors. A staircase with two straight flights leads to the main floor. The staircase is articulated by a small landing. The western facade features a gallery. Round arches provide access to the main door with its straight lintel. Simple limestone framing surrounds the door.
Notice the walls facing the courtyard at Quinta do Lameiro. Pombaline tile panels with a camellia pattern decorate them. These tiles are sometimes topped by circular designs centered with iron rings. Rectangular windows with simple stone frames punctuate the walls at irregular intervals. The staircase features polychrome tile panels. They simulate paneling. Wrought iron railings with limestone plinths embellish the staircase.
Over time, the interior of Quinta do Lameiro was adapted to its occupants’ needs. Some rooms display tile panels dating back to the second half of the 18th century.
Quinta do Lameiro sits on the Sítio do Calhau in São Domingos de Benfica. It is included in the joint Special Protection Zone. This zone includes the Palace of the Marquises of Fronteira, the Church of São Domingos de Benfica, the Chapel of Castros, and the Tomb of João das Regras.
The Quinta do Lameiro stands out in its urban setting. A walled garden and courtyard isolate it. The garden and agricultural area extend to the east and north of the house.
Originally, Quinta do Lameiro was an agricultural and forestry estate. Today, it maintains its agricultural and forestry purpose as a quinta.
The Quinta do Lameiro dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The original core of the house was built between 1670 and 1680. At that time, the Sanches Baena family owned it.
During the second half of the 18th century, renovations took place at Quinta do Lameiro. Pombaline tiles were added to the courtyard and main staircase. In 1764, D. Teresa Rita Catarina lived here with a servant and a slave. By 1765, caretakers managed the property. From 1767 to 1770, the Italian Danino family resided at the quinta.
In 1812, Francisco Paula dos Reis, D. Maria Febrónia de Faria, D. Francisca Carlota, D. Luzia Rosa, and six servants lived here. Abraham Weelhouse and his wife, Elisabeth Oo, acquired the property at auction in 1838. George Wellhouse, Abraham’s son, inherited the quinta in the second half of the 19th century. He conducted experiments with imported seeds.
The Quinta do Lameiro features self-supporting walls. Mixed masonry, limestone, painted plaster, and wrought iron make up the materials.
Exterior painting and cleaning of stonework on the main house occurred around 1993. An annex was expanded by one floor at Quinta do Lameiro.