Borba (São Bartolomeu), Evora

This unique property, dating from 1778, is situated in the heart of Borba. You can hear the bells of St Bartholomew's Church ringing. And the birds singing. Fourteen years ago, after centuries of existence, two art teachers managed to see its true beauty through the harsh, deep-set wrinkles of neglect. Their passion for its history and beauty, dimmed only by the passage of time, was immediate, and so the centuries-old convent building - the former Recolhimento de Nossa Senhora das Dores - was reborn, complete with its incredible bell tower. It became a home filled with love, family, friends, art and musical gatherings. Its restoration began in 2012, as did that of the romantic garden that surrounds it, an oasis in the city with fruit and shade trees, leafy nooks and a swimming pool that cools the hot days of the Alentejo. From the walled garden, one can only see the house, incredible in its size and architecture, and the Convento das Servas in the distance, yet linked by history. Privacy is absolute and a rare privilege. Inside, highlights include a room with arched decoration featuring marble capitals and the Sacred Heart of the Virgin, painted in the late 18th century, the tiles from the century-old Sant'Anna Factory, the incredible stucco mouldings, vaults, paintings depicting false architecture, marble staircases, and the grand 100m² hall. The chapel has been restored, with additional elements in paint and stucco added by the artist Paulo de Santa Bárbara. This former convent complex comprises a total of: 10 rooms (4 rooms on the ground floor; on the first floor: 1 large hall, 1 library, 1 dining room, 1 chapel and 1 Baroque hall; in the annex: 1 living/dining room) 6 bedrooms (3 en-suite bedrooms and 2 bedrooms in the main house; 1 en-suite bedroom in the annex) 7 bathrooms (5 in the main house; 1 in the annex; 1 poolside bathroom) 3 kitchens (1 in the main house with a pantry; 1 small outdoor kitchen; 1 kitchen in the annex) 4 staircases (between the ground floor and first floor in the main house); Attic 1 double garage Garden 1 large balcony on the first floor adjoining the main living room 1 BBQ 1 Swimming pool High walls Wood store Storage (indoor and outdoor) Viewpoint - Bell tower Terrace measuring 300m² Within the 1,449 m² of land, the garden level comprises: An 80 m² space which we have dubbed the annexe, as it has its own separate access (entrance from the street and exit to the garden). It features a living room, a bedroom with en-suite bathroom, and a kitchen. The poolside toilet. Storage rooms. The pool machinery room. The magnificent well. The small outdoor kitchen with barbecue, perfect for socialising, and various corners for pure relaxation and meditation, just as it once was. The symbolism and history of this house are evident at every turn, from the façade to the bell tower, and have been meticulously compiled by the owners, with all the details and references, both of what once existed and what they have restored with such dedication. The building is listed by the Ministry of Culture and is included in the Architectural Heritage Information System. We look forward to your visit. We would be delighted to share the history of this incredible property. Notes: The attractive entrance hall with its wooden ceiling has been reinforced with a steel mesh and concrete to ensure the floor is completely secure The electrical, drainage and plumbing systems are new The house is ready for a three-phase electrical system and the south-facing roof is suitable for the installation of solar panels There is a surround sound system throughout the house, controlled from the living room Outdoor lighting with dozens of light points All bathrooms have underfloor heating On the ground floor, the water for the kitchen and one of the toilets is heated by a water heater On the first floor, the water is heated by storage heaters, as is the water in the ground-floor en-suite In the large 100m² living room, there is a wood-burn