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It is extremely hard to describe the Quinta de Nossa Senhora das Merces
without overusing superlatives. Set right by the ocean, in the smart western
suburbs of Angra do Heroismo, the Quinta, which originally dated from the
sixteenth century, has been painstakingly restored from a virtual ruin by the
current owners to create an idyllic hideaway for their guests.
The stately façade of the building encloses the well-proportioned rooms,
where the period details have been lovingly recreated and enhanced by
tasteful and comfortable furnishings. Beyond the elegant drawing room and
library a corridor, adorned with fascinating artifacts collected during the
owners' years in the far east, leads to the nine guest rooms and one junior
suite, all equally elegantly furnished. A separate doorway reveals the quinta's
ornate chapel, which was probably the most challenging part of the whole
restoration.
Staying in such classically comfortable surroundings would be enough of a
treat in itself but the 35,000 square metres of grounds provide not only private
paths through the gardens and surrounding woods but also shelter a delightful
decked seawater pool, almost appearing to blend with the ocean.
Other facilities within the private grounds include a small gym and Turkish Bath, a
tennis court and an area set up for mini-golf. The thoughtful owners have also
provided canoes and fishing equipment in addition to bicycles so their guests
can make the most of the ocean and the surrounding areas.
Breakfast can be taken in the house, on the terrace or in the the secluded
courtyard and for other meals there is a choice of the fish restaurants of the
small nearby fishing port of São Mateus, much favoured by the locals,
or the more cosmopolitan selection of eateries in Angra do Heroismo a little
further afield.
Quinta de Nossa Senhora das Merces is perhaps the ideal choice for those
wishing to combine a taste of the Azorean spirit with a little pampering.
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