In the heart of Sintra, just a few minutes' walk from the historic village, lies Villa Amélia, a truly distinctive property known locally as the House of the Green Roofs. Designed by architect Manuel Joaquim Norte Júnior, it is a striking presence in the Sintra landscape and a particularly distinctive example of Portuguese architecture from the first half of the 20th century.Built between 1940 and 1944 for businessman Rocha Brito, who named it Villa Amélia in honour of his wife, the property combines the strength of its architecture with a setting of rare natural beauty. The main house, with approximately 450 m², is arranged over three floors and is set within gardens, terraces and grounds that gently descend towards a wooded valley, forming a property of approximately 12,820 m² in total.Norte Júnior, one of the most prolific Portuguese architects of the early 20th century, created in Villa Amélia a work of strong identity. The architect, who was also responsible for the former Casino da Villa, now the Museum of Sintra Arts, developed here a language that bridges late Art Deco and the early years of Modernism. The green glazed-tile roof, blue and white tile panels, rustic stonework and elegant west-facing loggia beneath a curved pediment give the house an unmistakable architectural presence.Inside, the house reveals a sequence of generous and light-filled spaces designed for living and entertaining. The living room, dining room and library establish a direct relationship with the gardens, while the five bedrooms occupy the upper floor. Among the most striking features is the three-flight staircase with stained glass, which runs through the house and is one of its most distinctive architectural details. In 1971, the property was restored while preserving Norte Júnior's original detailing.Outside, Villa Amélia takes on an even more special dimension. The romantic gardens surround the house and open onto the landscape of Sintra, with views towards the mountains, the Moorish Castle and, from certain points, the Atlantic Ocean. Among trees and species from different continents, elements that form part of the history of the place remain, including the former stone-built garage, the well, the stone tank, two mature stone pines and an araucaria. In the lower part of the grounds, former cultivated land still preserves walnut, fig and olive trees.Just around 500 metres from the historic centre, this is a property that offers a particularly rare way of experiencing Sintra: close to the village and everything that makes it unique, yet surrounded by gardens, mature trees and a landscape that provides privacy and tranquillity.More than a historic house, Villa Amélia is a property with a distinctive identity, where architecture, nature and history remain deeply connected. Its scale and layout allow for the creation of an exceptional private residence, sensitively restored and adapted for a new generation while preserving the qualities that give it its authenticity.The property offers a privileged setting for restoration and enhancement, while respecting the architectural and landscape character that makes it unique.Set within one of Portugal's most extraordinary cultural landscapes and just around 30 minutes from Lisbon, Villa Amélia represents a rare opportunity to acquire a historic home of genuine character in one of the country's most emblematic locations.Some properties are distinguished by their scale or location. Villa Amélia is distinguished by the history it holds, the architecture that remains, and the privilege of carrying its story forward. Energy Rating: D #ref:SC08

Private mansion with gardenSintra (Portugal)
Price :
$3,350,100
($5,360 / m²)
Surface625 m²bedrooms5 bathrooms4 land1.3 ha

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