The path of the feminine

Melquíades is born on the 9th of October, 1928 in Penafiel. A mighty Libra who's fierce, she lives through the climate of the Great Depression witnessing the beginning of the creation of Europe and enduring a fascist dictatorship where freedom of expression was out of the question. She worked, married and had two children. Her daughter inherited the fierceness, and so did the grandchild.

Born a dreamer, Melquíades' grandson was raised by a trio of women: herself, her daughter Fernanda and the cousin Nani. And the grandson is me!

The Quinta, to which the name comes from this inspiring woman, is the result of a dream, a reverie, almost an utopia. I've always loved the sense of community, a "Critical Mass" as said by James Redfield. The concept of self-sufficiency, direct connection with Nature, to be awakened by the chirps of birds and lullabies of the owls. The city lights blurred the stellar sights. The trot of traffic, the screams of the ambulances and the constant attempts of someone trying to overtake some other, left me disconcerted. On the day in which I first laid eyes on the site, I have felt as though I had always been there. In fact, the only dream I can remember from when I was little, is of having been there (I had known about the place from family, somehow) and of being ecstatic surrounded by foliage.

As a kid, my dreams were much humbler. A simple house amongst the greenery. Today, the small house became three contemporary-styled buildings, perfectly slated upon the landscape in a foundation of love. However, building without any financial support is no easy task and I never wanted any subsidies. I've sold my house, my mother sold another, my father worked tirelessly for years, a friend helped finance the project and regardless, there's still years of work for all of it to be neatly finished.

Now is the time to delight in every detail of this paradise. Every tree, shrub and flower has a story behind it. There's intent in every nook and cranny, which you'll be able to witness upon visiting.