Refúgio da Quinta Nere Maitia: A microcosm of Portugal in the countryside

The Refúgio opened its doors in late summer of last year and is the culmination of almost 4 years of effort by the Canadian couple Simone Lopes and Patrick Gilbert to restore a derelict farmstead to its former glory and beyond.

Simone was born in France to Portuguese parents and moved to Canada when she was 5 years old. “I grew up learning about my culture and heritage, and I’ve always dreamt that one day, with the right partner, we’ll come to live our quasi-retirement life in Portugal”, she told Central Magazine. Alongside Patrick, her husband of 31 years, they began visiting the country in 2015, and by 2020, with their oldest daughter working full time and their youngest about to graduate, the couple decided it was time to make the move.

“Selling everything and living in another country, not speaking the language, it’s not easy”, she recounted their relocation, “but I’d been searching for a home for a long time, and someone mentioned this Quinta, so we came and we loved the serenity of the place. We made a deposit on the day before my birthday and left for Arizona the next day.”

A leap of faith

“We had 5 months to sell our house, most of our belongings, the car, and take care of the immigration paperwork, before coming back on March 16 to sign the papers on March 19. We land here, and the country closes.” They had moved into their new home just as the pandemic forced the nation into lockdown. “We had no pillows or dishes, but we reassured each other… we can do this, we’re going to do this.”

The farm had been abandoned by its previous owner and left in a very neglected state, so the couple had their work cut out for them. “The first 2.5 years were primarily just getting this place back into shape, and there were a lot of things to fix”, Patrick recalled. “Our gardener, who used to work here for the previous owner, was underequipped – he didn’t have what he needed to take care of a 5-and-a-half-hectare place, which includes a bio-certified orange grove that we learned was about to lose its certification because it was in such a bad shape.”

“We hit the ground running”, he expressed. “We landed, focused on doing what we needed to do, at the same time trying to learn the language, figuring out how to manage the bureaucratic world, and trying to put our ideas together for the future. It’s been non-stop.”

For Portugal

The concept of the Refúgio was inspired by a Port wine party they had hosted back in Arizona, where they had lived for 28 years before moving to Portugal. “We thought, why don’t we do the same approach: bring a bit of Portugal to the Quinta, and hopefully encourage, especially our international guests, to come back and visit another region – which is why we have 10 bungalows”, Simone explained. “That’s what’s unique about the Refúgio: Aside from its serenity, each bungalow represents one of the many regions, sort of a one-stop shop to get a taste of what Portugal has to offer.”

The bungalows that make up the guest houses of the Refúgio were handcrafted by a local woodworking company as minimalist, luxury-comfort environments, featuring orthopaedic mattresses, blackout curtains, and phone chargers, among many other outstanding qualities. In addition, they’re also decorated with hand-painted tiles by a shop in Lisbon, whereby each bungalow depicts a particular region of Portugal, from Trás-os-Montes to Madeira.

“Our objective is to have people come back and say, well, this time I’m going to visit Madeira to see this because what I saw on those links on the tablet attracts me, and through the storytelling of the hand-painted tiles”, Simone laid out their vision for the project. “That’s what we’re trying to do, showcasing Portugal, where we endearingly call the Refúgio.”

The Quinta offers a selection of six T1 bungalows and four T2 units, each thoughtfully designed for comfort and flexibility. One of the T1 bungalows is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring an inclusive experience for all guests. The T2 bungalows feature a bedroom, an office space with a sofa bed, and a semiprivate patio, providing a peaceful and functional setting for leisure and work. Guests and or small groups can also reserve the multi-use centre, which boasts a spacious professional kitchen and ample rooms for workshops, wellness retreats, team building sessions, and more. With a maximum capacity of 28 adults, the bungalows are also each fully equipped with kitchens and high-speed internet, providing connectivity while encouraging guests to embrace the natural surroundings. Though there are no TVs, visitors find relaxation by the chemical-free swim pond, naturally purified by aquatic plants, making for a tranquil and eco-friendly retreat.

This is just one of the various measures Patrick and Simone have taken to ensure the sustainability of their business. “We used cork wherever we could, in the sinks, lamps, and carpets, made in the Algarve and the North of Portugal”, Patrick exemplified. “We also implement rainwater recovery for irrigation and have carefully selected native plants from the region for the Quinta, guaranteeing a sustainable, low-water environment. Additionally, our solar-covered parking lot provides shade for up to 10 cars and generates enough energy to power the entire Refúgio. To further support sustainability, we’ve installed two fast EV car chargers.”

“We actively participate in the circular economy and are committed to making the Refúgio a place where guests can fully rest and recharge – just as we strive to do here at the Quinta. In the midst of our busy lives and occasional chaos, taking a break is essential”, Simone reflected. “What I love most is being surrounded by nature, feeling the wind, and gazing at the endless stars. Although Patrick and I haven’t taken a vacation in a very long time, living at the Quinta, in many ways, feels like we’re already on one. That is what we hope others will feel!”

“Finally, we believe that the Refúgio is the perfect place for anyone considering a move to Portugal but unsure of where to settle”, Patrick concluded. “Its central location makes it ideal for exploring the country and discovering the right place to call home. We’re especially interested in welcoming those who share a deep curiosity and appreciation for Portugal.”

Quinta Nere Maitia is located in Vale de Santarém, 12 minutes from the Gothic City of Santarém, a 10-minute drive South from the town of Cataxo, and an hour’s drive from the centre of Lisbon. For more information, please visit https://www.quintaneremaitia.com/en/

A journalist that’s always eager to learn about new things. With a passion for travel, adventure and writing about this diverse world of ours.

“Wisdom begins in wonder” -  Socrates

Kate Sreenarong