We have made it through the first full week of 2022. How did it go? How are you feeling? I think so many of us were simply looking forward to easing into the new year, taking advantage of long holiday weekends to extend much needed time to rest and refresh before another year. A new year that we’re feeling both excited for a fresh new slate, while also tired from the years past and weary of what lies ahead. A whole perplexing blend of emotions to start a new year I’d say. But I’m feeling very much like so many of you, and with worldwide Covid at a worrisome levels more so than in the past, it’s easy and valid to feel unsure about what to plan or merely consider for the upcoming year. Hang in there. Pace yourself. I think if we listen to what we need, what our lives call for and how we can best manage it in intentional ways — perhaps let there be more vulnerability to collectively lend a helping hand whenever needed, maybe, maybe, we can finish this year on top!
I’m sitting here on what I say is the first weekend of the new year, as the previous were technically the very first days of the year but felt more like real time off, whereas this was the first weekend of 2022 that felt somewhat like sliding back into our weekly routines. The winter is already proving to be a challenge, oh you cold bitter winter blues. And you Covid, pausing of winter events and causing trouble for so many. My years often begin with most of the, important and necessary, computer work for clients and the business. And it seems this year I’m feeling motivated to tackle the “need to do’s” while making the space for a creative project I now have the freedom of time to work on and share with you. But the one thing I’m truly missing, and wishing I could slip into the next two months…is travel!!!
I’m needing the joy of a journey, somewhere new…the thrill of seeing new places, experiencing different people and cultures…but most of all, I need the inspiration travel fills my heart and soul. Travel, wherever I go, inspires me in all elements of life from design, tablescapes, interiors, florals, nature….
I’m staying hopeful I can safely make an early springtime short trip, but in the meantime I think what might help me, and perhaps you, get over our winter blues and saudade for travel, is to cherish and make use of some quiet winter time to share the rest of my journeys last year, and start it off with what is easily one of my favorites places I traveled to in 2021! It isn’t a location I would have seen myself going to, nor knew such a charming place was nestled not too far away from my home village in Portugal. It was a sweltering hot July day, the sun still too intense to lounge beneath a tree and our moods too bored and unwilling to spend a summer’s day indoors — that was until we walked up to the Palácio dos Condes de Anandia located in Mangualde, and were instantly welcomed to a delightful afternoon…
The building’s facade doesn’t give itself the most “I’m a beautiful old estate, with so much history and one of a kind unique collections” … my cousin and I couldn’t help but remark to one another, often may I add, how we couldn’t quite believe such a gem like this was so close to home, but that so many people don’t even realize it’s here. We’re not sure it is like this during non-Covid times, but clearly we were the only ones {it was also a weekday after lunch}, and for a reasonable cost of 12 euros, we were treated to a private 45 minute guide throughout the visitable areas of the estate and gardens {as the family still lives in the home throughout parts of the month}.
First, I have to say how wonderful our guide was!! You could immediately tell she has both a passion for history, historical art, people and this estate. We all spoke in Portuguese, so it was nice to pick up on the nuances of the house and its history, but she did have to clarify a few items in English for us too 😉 she was great!
At the entrance of the home you’re feel like as if all you’re missing is your house drawn carriage, and then it’s the tile that took my breath away. The closer we got to the blue aged walls of this traditional art, slowing gracing up the stone staircases, deciphering the images and stories shown, very much resembling those turbulent societal times. Some tile works were historical showcases of social classes, others of folk stories and even interpretations of modern art ideologies like, what if the world as we knew it was the reverse….fish flying, raining from the ground — it was a feast for the eyes indeed. And that is only the tile; endless treasures and truly special singular pieces are perfectly made home in each room!
I loved the wrap around veranda on the side overlooking the courtyard entrance. Tile and stone walls, grand iron lanterns, a lovely spot for overlooking the vast estate gardens and vineyards. Wrapped around is what was easily my favorite room! The ladies play room….upon entering you’re welcomed with a bright light shining through the floor length window french doors. The tile in this room, designated for the ladies’ leisure time of playing cards, lounging, reading, knitting and doing what it is they entertained their times with — was more ornate with each wall space and tile piece created to look like columns. The corners of the room were designated for wood chaises with regency blue floral prints meant for the ultimate relaxing, and a wood table that now displays common tools and items from that era.
This is one of my all time favorite shots. Aesthetically there is a calming approach to historical antique design, yes perhaps because it is aged and withered that makes it more beautiful — but it’s the contradictory floral prints but in complimentary glistening hues, with linen threads still sewn of real gold. The arches, a special place for gorgeous plants to have grown with life. The simple but modern look of styling a beautiful lush bundle of Queen Anne’s Lace in a vintage vessel. This snippet in my life is one I have looked back to often, and has become a big source of creative inspiration for me as of late …
One of my go to tips when traveling to a castle, old estates or historical homes — look up!!! Please remember to look up at the ceilings, in almost all cases these are not areas where design and art forget to make their presence known. In this home, the plaster ceilings are painted in beautiful yet delicate designs, florals and motifs to compliment each room’s unique theme. This foyer-like room and darling powder pink bedroom has one of the prettiest ceilings, having used different moldings to enhance and add to the design.
Also, this bedroom had some of the most ornate cherry wood furniture pieces all gathered together, and its perfectly aligned rows of books and themed print art displays make it such a charming space! Oh and the sleeping bed is in its own smaller closet-sized room, inside the main bedroom with its own secret hidden behind pictures and trinkets. What a joyful delight!
Ohh sweet pea green ceilings with delicate appliqués. Doesn’t this remind of you the Featherington house or a home detail easily recreated in Briidgerton. Even the entrance is the family’s crest along with ornate borders painted onto wood paneling.
After our tour, which didn’t include the bedrooms, common family areas and other spaces converted for staff, nor the kitchen which we were told is mostly still in its original design fit with a grand stove and hanging copper pots!! Can you see it!!!
We were then invited to walk and explore the garden and grounds at our own pleasure. Despite the heat, we spotted bits of shades and couldn’t pass up the chance to see a bit more of the Palácio, especially the gardens.
Our walk began in what is now the private drive way, once where carriages gathered and a breathtaking grand tree now continues to grow in the center. We guessed at how many years, how many decades, centuries have gone and this tree still here, thriving with life.
The garden entrance was marked with trailing roses, would you have imagined anything less? We were happily surprised to find the paths were lined with plenty of tall trees and shade, they were clearly thinking the details through when first designing the gardens. We were glad to be out of the sun, the middle of summer doesn’t call for many flowers but, still the common summer Agapanthus were a pretty array of purple sight to see along the pathways.
We imagined ourselves for one delightful and playful moment, that we were living our best, very hot scorching summer, Bridgerton selves. Stopping by occasional fountains to dip our hands under the cold running water to cool off.
We veered into a path garden that also had, what once were the aviaries, now empty but the hedged-in hydrangea and floral bushes and said running fountain.
Pause for a moment,
catch that barely there summer breeze,
rest your dirt dusted feet…
If the weather was a bit more tolerable, more flowers were in bloom perhaps we would have explored the entire estate, which is surprisingly vast, even producing its own wine one can purchase. Truth, we were also feeling the rumbles of afternoon hunger and needing a refreshing beverage to cap off a delightful afternoon.
In the center of Mangualde you can find several outdoor cafes, but since we wanted something more to nibble on, we decided on Café Maria Antoinetta. A great cafe bakery with a food and dessert menu, as well as cocktails, a large outdoor space with some cozy lounge seating areas, which is great these days! Yes the music was the right touch {and yes this place seems like it turns into a great place to enjoy an outdoor summer night}. Our waiter was great, and are tostas are delight! Mine was a cheese only version on thick grandma style sliced bread sprinkled with dried oregano, and Cathia’s version layered with ham. Surprisingly light but filly for our tummies that were now summertime famished. A cold fino {draft beer} for Cathia, and a lip smacking Caipirinha for me 😉
On our always picturesque drive back home through the Serra, we remarked how much we enjoyed ourselves. Cathia my cousin is great a finding hidden local gems many don’t know, and now we wanted to share this one with everyone! We also felt grateful we were able to do this safely, and have had this special time together. Now having walked away immensely inspired from one of my favorites…
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