From discovering local cuisine and stunning Portuguese landscapes to the challenges of renovating a historic house, our journey has been filled with adventure and learning. We’ve embraced the local culture, learned Portuguese, and made lasting friendships. Our love for exploring new beaches, castles, and wineries keeps us excited about every day here.
About Us
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Renovating a former brick factory, originally built in the last century due to the area's rich clay soil, presented unique challenges. This house, one of three factories once standing in the valley (the remnants of the others still visible today), was converted into a living space in the 1970s. The conversion, while innovative, left us with surprises like mismatched wall heights and the need for entirely new plumbing and electrical systems.
The house had many structural issues. Improving one thing, like a new roof, presented new challenges, such as walls not being the same height. We discovered that there were very few straight walls in the house and had no records of any pipes, wires, or connections. This meant redoing everything new: fresh water, plumbing, and electrics.
Navigating the Challenges of Renovation
We've enjoyed discovering the delicious food and the soft winters in Portugal. The sky is almost always clear, offering the best sunsets and sunrises, and we can see the stars almost every night. Every time we find the time to explore the country, we love discovering new beaches, castles, wineries, and charming local restaurants with the best food Portugal has to offer.
We are learning Portuguese, almost effortlessly, and discovering the ways of the Portuguese people. Our new friends here have taken us on off-road trips, adding a new level of adventure to our lives.
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Adapting to a more relaxed pace of life was an interesting experience. Coming from a culture where punctuality is paramount, we were initially surprised by the flexibility around schedules. However, we quickly learned to appreciate the warmth and openness of the people, who often prioritized personal connections over strict timelines. We found that setting clear expectations upfront and embracing a bit of spontaneity made for a much smoother and enjoyable transition.
Denise with her extensive finance and project management experience, manages the retreat full-time. Markus, who has a background in multinational corporations, continues to work remotely while helping with the project. Together, we have poured our hearts into transforming Quinta do Telheiro into a serene haven for our guests.
With a passion for hospitality and a knack for client service, Denise ensures that every guest has a comfortable and memorable stay.
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Markus balances his remote work with overseeing the renovation and maintenance of the property, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
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