16. The First Floor, Revealed!
- Gray
- Oct 30, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 4, 2022
We moved into the villa just about 5 weeks ago, starting to assemble the furnishings, hang the pictures, procure the dishware & linens, and test the functionality of everything. While the property is still very much under construction, most of the first floor is completed -- and for the first time, we share the new look of Casa da Portela:
Above: The Great Room
30 October 2022
For the five weeks we were living at Casa da Portela in October, it was a transformative experience. And certainly not an easy one: I haven't worked this hard in years...we spent 18 hours a day assembling, shopping, cleaning. Sometimes, I would drive to Porto (2 hours round trip) twice in a day and fill the car with all the items we needed, and go back again for more. I hate dust...and in a construction site, dust is inevitable. I probably worked off five years of the brand-new vacuum cleaner's life these past few weeks in an attempt to tame the filth! The hot water heater gave us loads of trouble - and it was a daily gamble whether or not we'd have a hot shower. Some days, it felt like we were camping in our own house. But ultimately, the hard work and tribulations of testing out everything started to pay off. The transformation of the house was incredible, and we are very proud of the result and what this place will ultimately become. In the few hours we allotted ourselves to take a break, we got a little taste of what life will be life in Portugal, too. (And I'd say...it'll be quite nice!)
DISCLAIMER: 98% of the work on the first floor (only) is completed. These photos document that incomplete space. The front door has yet to be replaced, the glass in the Main Bathroom is still awaiting delivery from the vendor, the lighted mirror in the Guest Bathroom is missing, and the metal-smith is currently creating the copper hood to adorn the Kitchen stove as well as the copper countertops for the Kitchen island. The Attic, Basement, and exterior spaces are just in the beginning phases of their renovation.
First Floor Tour
The Entrance Foyer
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The Great Room
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The Kitchen
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The Study
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The Guest Bedroom and Bathroom
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The Main Suite (Bedroom & Bathroom)
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Exterior Facades
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Magnific! Everything is so beautiful. I intend to renovate a house in PT, as well.May I get some hints with you?
What a fantastic transformation! I love what you did to the Quinta, keeping the old but adding the new. I love the mix of old features and modern colours and furniture. Speaking about furniture - might I ask where you sourced yours? I live in a house south of Lisbon and I’m still looking for a few things here and there so would be curious to know where you found all your amazing furniture. Can’t wait to see more about this transformation. Kind regards!
You have done a fabulous job! WOW. Where is this located? I am an interior designer in the states and am thinking of relocating to Portugal. Your work and sense of design is outstanding. It is great taste, very warm, inviting and comfortable. I would love to see it in person one day if I am ever in your direction. Sandy Sanford,Houston
Love it! Where did you buy your sofa from? I love the colour.
Wow, you’ve done a splendid job, from the colors, to the fixture choices, and furnishings, as well as the paint colors, I can tell it’s a welcoming, comfortable and done with love home. Also the outdoor space is fabulous. The glimpse of your Corgi in the video is darling, I have a Corgi too! Thanks for continuing to share your journey