To say a stretch of coast in Cascais, on the north shore of Lisbon, Portugal, is fit for a queen is true. Queen Maria Pia of Savoy used to spend her summer days here after she acquired a residence atop a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in 1893 for use as a seaside summer house. She would later make it her second home.
Since then, the resort town on the Portuguese Riviera has continued to attract royals and celebrities including actress Grace Kelly, poet Lord Byron and artist Pablo Picasso. Among recent Cascais home buyers of note is Portuguese Manchester United footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Queen’s 19th-century chalet and two modern glass buildings now make up the Villa Maria Pia development with more than a dozen residences divided between them.
For sale in the north building is a brand new contemporary apartment with panoramic views taking in the ocean, chalet and swimming pool.
The 195-square-meter (nearly 2,100-square-foot) unit is made up of an expansive living room-dining room, fully equipped kitchen, two bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, half-bath and laundry area. Sliding glass walls access a long balcony that extends the living space outdoors.
The living room and bedrooms have oak floors while the kitchen and bathroom utilize white marble.
Villa Maria Pia is in the Monte Estoril neighborhood, an upscale family-oriented area that enjoys sunny days most of the year. The complex is within walking distance of Jardim dos Passarinhos park, cafes, restaurants, shops, beaches and local train station.
“Most buyers in Monte Estoril are foreigners looking to have a footprint in Portugal with second or vacation homes,” says Mariana Dargains of Modern, a luxury real estate agency in Portugal.
“Nonetheless, due to the good weather, quality of life and security,” she says, second homes have been giving way to permanent residences. “There is a very limited supply, particularly for front-line properties with one or two bedrooms.”
The unit has access to indoor and outdoor swimming pools, storage and two parking spots. Also on site is the original main house’s picturesque greenhouse, which has been refurbished and integrated into the development.
Filipa Melo of Modern is representing the property. The asking price is EUR 4 million or about US $4.34 million.
