What is a Portuguese Quinta and Why Would You Want To Live On One?

Portuguese quintas are little known outside Portugal, but relished treasures of ‘quality of living’ in the country. Historically quintas were family owned estate type farm homes surrounded by large plots of nutrient rich land intended for both economic sustenance and family consumption.

Quality of land and ensuring it was well maintained to guarantee what came from it was gold was priority one. More often than not these great estates were wine-producing and the ‘Quinta classification of Port vineyards in the Douro’ exists to this day as a system that grades the quality potential of vineyards.

These farms were let out for rent of one-fifth of its produce – fifth is quintus in Latin – hence they became known as quintas.

Image – Plantation Guadiana River – image credit Sven Wilhelm

Unfortunately, through time and faster, more modern cultivation practices, many of Portugal’s traditional quintas were lost.

Quintas today are still revered for the culture of quality they created centuries ago. The majority continue using organic and sustainable principles, produce quality products and practice the lovely tradition of sharing everything from seasonal harvests, what grows wild, to handmade delicacies with friends and family. Many of Portugal’s vineyards, and wines are still produced on quintas, with the labels bearing their name.

Image – Plantation – River Guadiana

Increasing numbers of people are looking for slower, relaxed and healthier lifestyle experiences. For those that love the idea of living on a traditional Portuguese style quinta, there are still plenty of refurbishment projects available. As with many European countries, Portugal has a large rural population which translates into a good supply of country houses and farms.

Prices vary enormously. An isolated single story quinta ruin with 10,000 square metres of land in the hills of Portugal’s Blue Coast can be found for as little as €20,000 if you are up for a refurbishment project. A fully renovated five-bedroom farmhouse in Lagos with a swimming pool and frontage will be nearer the €3million mark.

If you are inspired by the idea of quinta living, but aren’t up for the long refurbishment process, or price tag that comes with one already finished, there is an alternative.

Plantation Guardiana River is a concept of sustainable quality living that will include a working farm and wellness eco-community integrated into the natural environment, with land for vineyards and growing of fruit trees and vegetables for its residents. Among many other features and services; library, spa, fitness suites, yoga dojo, artists atelier…

Located beside the River Guadiana on the Algarve-Spanish border in an attractive tranquil riverside setting. The Plantation home offering will be ideal for those looking for a healthy lifestyle inclusive of modern conveniences, yet true to local culture and traditional in its roots.

As well as the experience of owning a second home or retiring on a managed plantation farm, you can actually share in the ownership of a vineyard and olive or citrus grove or almond plantation. The integrated plantation gardens will provide organic fruits, the village is carless and the homes are built with minimal environmental impact.

Readers of the Alliance blog are invited to complete a survey and enter a draw to win a 3-day viewing trip to visit the Plantation project. Simply visit the link to the survey below, answer 9 short multiple choice questions and fill in your name and email. Alternatively for further information visit the Plantation home page.

Go to survey

Visit Plantation home page

For further information about buying property in Portugal, please download our free comprehensive guide below – written in conjunction with RICS Portugal and the AIPP.