New Agrotourism Development in Mafra Signals Growing Investment Trend Near Lisbon
A new rural tourism project, Quinta da Murnalha, has officially opened in Azueira, Mafra, capitalizing on the increasing demand for authentic countryside escapes within close proximity to Lisbon. The 44-hectare property, which has been developed by the Nobre family over two decades, has transitioned from a traditional agricultural farm into a modern agrotourism hotel, representing a significant private investment in the region's hospitality sector. The project's inauguration in April of this year marks a notable addition to the tourism offerings in the Lisbon metropolitan area, targeting both domestic and international visitors.
The development was a multi-stage process, beginning with the family's acquisition of the property in 2007 after successfully cultivating it since 2002. The initial phase involved the restoration of a derelict building into an event space in 2010, followed by the gradual renovation of other structures. In 2016, the family diversified their agricultural operations from pear production into viticulture, laying the groundwork for the eventual tourism venture. Rafael Nobre, a family member and manager of the hotel, stated that the project was conceived in 2018 with the goal of creating a tranquil destination near the capital, though its completion was delayed by the pandemic.
The current accommodation consists of a main house with six rooms, including four doubles and two family units. The property's design is deeply integrated with its agricultural identity, with rooms named after the grape varieties grown on the estate, such as Fernão Pires and Alicante Bouschet. This thematic approach extends to the guest experience, which includes wine tastings of the five estate-produced references, vineyard tours, and a breakfast menu featuring fruit grown on-site. The facilities include a 98-square-meter adult swimming pool and a smaller children's pool, both offering panoramic views of the vineyards.
Future expansion plans have already been announced, with the family set to begin construction on six additional kitchenette units. These new accommodations will provide guests with more independent lodging options, all featuring direct views and access to the swimming pool area. This expansion reflects the owners' confidence in the project's viability and the strength of the rural tourism market. Daily rates for the existing rooms begin at €120 for a double and €140 for a family room, positioning the hotel within the mid-range luxury market.
The establishment of Quinta da Murnalha is indicative of a broader trend of investment in agrotourism and boutique hospitality projects in the municipalities surrounding Lisbon. These ventures leverage the region's natural beauty and agricultural heritage to attract tourists seeking experiences beyond the urban center. According to a spokesperson from the Mafra Municipal Council's tourism department, who was not directly involved with the project, such developments are crucial for the local economy. "Projects like Quinta da Murnalha diversify our tourism portfolio, create local employment, and promote our region's unique products, such as the 'pera-roxa' and local wines. They are vital for sustainable regional development."
Investment analysts note that the agrotourism sector in Portugal presents a compelling opportunity, driven by strong tourism growth and a global trend towards experiential travel. The conversion of agricultural properties into high-quality tourist accommodations can offer attractive returns, particularly in areas with easy access to major international airports like Lisbon. The Quinta da Murnalha project serves as a case study in transforming a family-owned agricultural asset into a revenue-generating hospitality business. The model of combining authentic production with a high-quality visitor experience is one that is being closely watched by potential investors in the sector.
The project's management by the Nobre family, involving three generations, also highlights the role of local entrepreneurship in driving economic activity. The family's deep-rooted connection to the land and its produce provides a layer of authenticity that is difficult to replicate in larger, corporate-led hotel developments. This authenticity is a key selling point for the modern tourist and a significant value driver for the business. The continued development of infrastructure and tourism services in the Mafra region is expected to further support the growth of such specialized hospitality offerings.
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