The Patino Palace on the Portuguese Riviera
Quinta Patiño was built in the 1950’s for the Bolivian tycoon, Antenor Patiño, heir to his father, known as “The King of Tin''.
Símon Patiño had a rags-to-riches story of striking it rich after being granted a mine as payment for a debt by a Portuguese prospector. The family rode mules into the mountains, spent years digging for ore until he came across a lode of tin, and by 1910, he was a millionaire.
Antenor Patiño was considered one of the wealthiest men in the world at one time, the billionaire maintained homes in Europe and North America, including an apartment on Fifth Avenue and another on Avenue Foch in Paris.
Although the property is distinctly 18th century in style, Quinta Patiño was built in 1957 as his summer residence in Portugal.
Antenor Patiño fell in love with the hills around Estoril when visiting the marquise of Castéja in the 1950s. A hotspot for European royalty since the 18th century, the region was then known as a “golden exile”, considered a haven for European nobles and aristocrats escaping their war-torn countries.
The current 7.66 acre property was originally a 124 acre farm estate, comprising many property lots he would purchase and combine. Patiño built his palace where the view was “most spectacular”—sparing no expense.
The summer home quickly became a destination for the international jetset, famous for its parties that attracted distinguished guests from industry, high finance, cinema, music, fashion, and aristocracy.
The “Party of the Parties” took place here in 1968, with a guest list that included Audrey Hepburn, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Henry Ford, the Rothschilds, and the Rockefellers.
With its large terraced lawns, formal gardens, and an incredible pool area with loggia, the property is ideal for entertaining.
Inside, the 36,000+ square foot property features frescoed walls, and wooden ceilings, with authentic Portuguese tiles from the 17th and 18th centuries.
The library is a miniature replica of the Joanina library at the University of Coimbra, and the 14-bedroom palace comes with 17 bathrooms, a sauna and steam room, and a massage room.
Amenities include a screening room (with its original 1960s projector), as well as a bowling hall, and a lounge.
All of the rooms on the ground floor open out onto the terraces, which overlook the gardens with a tea pavilion, and offer sea views.
Just 20 minutes to Lisbon, the property is set near the coastal resort town in Portugal offers a level of comfort and security comparable to that of the best European cities.
All photos belong to the listing agency.
Additional sources:
http://directoriodeco.com/quinta-patino/
https://www.publico.pt/2010/12/18/jornal/da-bolivia-com-amor-20628373