Located in the middle of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, Quinta da Felicidade is one of the region’s most intriguing secrets. Popularly known as the “Disney Palace” of Sintra, this 9,000 square meter property, once a symbol of opulence, is now in a state of abandonment and inaccessible to the public, but continues to fascinate the curious and historians.
The history of Quinta da Felicidade dates back to the 1980s, when Carlos Maia Nogueira, one of the founders of the Solbi company, acquired the land from an English citizen. The property’s name was inspired by the previous owner’s wife, Felicity. The original house was demolished without authorization, giving way to a luxurious mansion and a replica of the Disneyland Paris castle, built as a “dollhouse” for Nogueira’s daughter.
The construction of the castle received official authorization from Disneyland Paris, which provided plans and photographs to guarantee the reliability of the project. This little “Disney Palace” quickly became one of the property’s main attractions. At the same time, the main mansion stood out for its luxury: heated swimming pools, Venezuelan marble floors and a state-of-the-art heating system marked the era.
In addition to serving as a family residence, Quinta da Felicidade was the stage for business events and training organized by Solbi, which paid a monthly rent of 10 thousand euros. Companies like Intel used the space to showcase products, reinforcing the property’s exclusive status.
However, financial difficulties in the early 2000s brought an end to this period of splendor. The mansion and castle, which once seemed like something out of a fairy tale, were progressively abandoned. On social media, several people confirm the state of degradation and vandalism of the property, which is currently under the jurisdiction of a banking institution, with access to the public prohibited.
Despite its state of degradation and the impossibility of visiting, Quinta da Felicidade continues to arouse curiosity and inspire dreams. Situated in a privileged location, the property stands as a testament to more sumptuous times, awaiting a new chapter in its history.
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