Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla, Sintra

The construction of the Chalet took place between 1864 and 1869 for King Fernando II and his second wife, Elise, Countess of Edla. King Fernando II, who was married to Queen Maria II until her passing in 1853, shared a remarkable love story with Elise. Their relationship caused quite a scandal due to Elise being a commoner with a young daughter from a previous relationship. However, they managed to marry in 1869, thanks to Fernando persuading his cousin, Ernest II, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, to create the title of Countess of Edla for Elise.

Designed in the style of a typical Swiss Chalet, which was popular across Europe during that period, the construction of the Chalet was an organic process without formal plans. King Fernando and Elise collaborated with a local builder named Gregório, gradually bringing their vision to life. This lack of formal plans would later present challenges for the restoration efforts in the early 20th century.

The Chalet was surrounded by a meticulously designed garden featuring mature trees, serene lakes, and blooming bushes. Today, it forms an integral part of the larger park surrounding the Pena Palace. The garden boasts a diverse collection of over 200 botanical species, including camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas, and a remarkable assortment of ferns imported from Australia and New Zealand. Trees from North America were also introduced, with the assistance of John Slade, Elise's brother-in-law and an American forester.

In King Fernando's will, he left the Pena Palace, park and gardens to the Countess of Edla. However, the Portuguese State eventually purchased the property, deeming it too significant to remain under the ownership of a foreigner and the late king's second wife. With some of the proceeds from the sale, the Countess continued to support scholarships for the pianist and composer José Vianna da Motta, as well as the artist and cartoonist Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro. She also contributed to the Sintra branch of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia, a charitable organization established in 1545. The Countess would spend four months each year at the Chalet until 1910 when she passed away in Lisbon.

Following the government's acquisition of the property, the Chalet gradually fell into disrepair. A fire in 1999 caused significant damage, leading to a reconstruction effort supported by EEA and Norway Grants. From 2007, extensive restoration work was carried out to bring the building back to its original state. In 2011, the Chalet and garden were reopened to the public. The restoration project garnered recognition, receiving the Portuguese Tourism Award and the Grémio Literário Award in 2012. Additionally, it was honored with the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage in the "Conservation" category in 2013. Today, the Chalet stands as a faithful representation of its original construction, with brick walls covered in plaster resembling wooden planks. The windows, balconies, and handrails are adorned with cork accents. Inside, the restoration team meticulously identified the various room functions and recreated the decorative elements that were once painted on the walls, despite the limited historical information available.

The Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla serve as a testament to the enduring love story between King Fernando II and Elise, as well as a remarkable architectural and natural gem within the Sintra region. Visitors have the opportunity to step back in time, exploring the exquisite craftsmanship, serene garden landscapes, and the fascinating history that unfolds within these cherished historical grounds.