Quinta da Magnolia

Quinta da Magnolia is one of Sao Jorge’s most eye-catching buildings.

Located in the south coast village of Urzelina, Quinta da Magnolia’s impressive basaltic stone architecture and grand façade is striking. It could be too imposing and too monolithic – thankfully, the volcanic grey is cleverly warmed by elegant, neoclassical windows and doors in natural shades of cedar, and by ornate juliette balconies and intricate wrought-iron balustrades.

Owner Pedro Fernandes and his family completed the restoration of the building in 2018, and their clear dedication to detail now extends to the excellent service and warm atmosphere of the quinta. There are ten suites in all – some have sea views overlooking the Atlantic, others look inland towards Sao Jorge’s beautiful, viridescent mountains. Floor-to-ceiling windows inundate the rooms with natural light throughout the long summer days, and the warm furnishings help to create a cosy home-from-home atmosphere by night.

Outside, the south facing garden, pool and sun terrace look out across the channel to the neighbouring island of Pico – the sunset-silhouette of Pico’s immense volcanic peak is truly a sight to behold.