Our creed:
Carpe diem
Our philosophy:
Moinho do Pedro is a refuge for peace and relaxation, created for people who
search for the authentic, enjoy the simplicity of life and want to leave their
daily stress behind.
Our understanding of hospitality:
At Moinho do Pedro our guests enjoy the pleasures of peace and relaxation
assisted by great personal and unpretentious service. They experience the
comfort of our private estate with its refreshing unobtrusiveness and relaxing
calmness.
Many come as guests and leave as friends.
Our story:
From treadmill to windmill
The 17th century windmill estate first opened its doors in 2006 after the
meticulous restoration of its buildings which were renovated in keeping with the
theme of the historical building, using original materials where possible.
The concept of Emanuel dos Santos, Marketing Director and GM in the food
industry and Michaela dos Santos, renowned Creative Director in Advertising was
fulfilled. Having both held responsible positions with highly demanding workday
lives they knew, only too well, what stressed and exhausted business people were
looking for to recharge, regenerate and refocus on the essential.
The idea of creating an oasis of peace and creative inspiration up on the hill
with its breathtaking 360 view was initially meant for themselves and their
family. It was only later that they decided to share this idyll with like-minded
people.
With love and care they have accomplished a balance that preserves the original
Moorish- Portuguese style while, at the same time, offering the utmost comfort
for them and their guests. You will feel at home instantly.
Michaela dos Santos: “In order to efficiently plan the reconstruction within the
given building layouts, we had to plan to the centimetre. Hundreds of plans were
drawn to demonstrate our ideas of design and symmetry to our workers.”
This attention to detail is mirrored throughout the estate and in all the
accessories utilised. Wherever possible, natural and authentic materials were
used. Even original roof tiles were collected from old buildings to use. All
paths and terraces were tiled in the typical Portuguese style with calçada and
Sta. Catarina tiles. The beautiful mature garden was carefully protected from
all construction works during the several building phases. Old natural stone
walls were found and exposed to bring the old charm back to light.
Emanuel dos Santos: “ After several very intense and demanding building phases,
where we often reached our mental and physical limits, we could finally open the
doors to our guests in April 2006 –exhausted but proud and happy!”
Out of the former mill structure, the adjacent miller’s house, the spacious corn
storage chamber and the old servants house arose 4 cosy double guestrooms, 2
spacious and comfortable apartments, a luxury mill–suite, a large and cosy
lounge with adjacent meeting room and a library in the mill as well as a pool
with bar and a health and beauty area with a sauna.
The outer buildings, spread over an area of approx 6.000 sqm, are on different
levels and create a club-like easy-going atmosphere, where personal service is
available but never intrusive. The nooks, crannies and terraces offer
opportunities to get together with friends or just to retreat and enjoy the
peace and tranquillity of Moinho do Pedro.
Moinho do Pedro is best described as a little, romantic hideaway to unwind and
indulge. Here you may enjoy the naturally simple but rich and precious things in
life. It is, at the same time, an example of two business people who made their
vision a reality by stepping off the treadmill into their own mill.
Moiho do Pedro – The mill to chill.
Published by Algarve Live in April 2006