The 16th-century property had fallen into considerable disrepair since the days the ancient house started needing restoration. We considered selling it, but we couldn't bear to give up a place that was part of our childhood and a family legacy for so long.
Fortunately, there was another option. With “rural tourism” popular in Portugal at the time, we decided to renovate the house and turn it into an inn for our guests. Today, Quinta do Bento Novo, as the historic property is known, has been restored to its former glory. The seven-bedroom inn welcomes guests from all over the world and its elegant, surrounding gardens are the pride of Paulo’s hometown.