Calves, Portugal

The operation began in the early 20th century as an idea from Hilda d'Almeida Brandão Rodrigues Miranda, a Portuguese-Brazilian (1892 in Salvador da Bahia – 1949 in Beiriz), who built a small workshop and later a factory together with an assistant, Rita Conceição.

It is a beauty spot realised by Alfredo de Almeida Brandão, a diplomat and a lover of fine arts.

The estate includes gardens with two lakes and a park covered by trees, water fountains and mythical statues in the style of André Le Nôtre.

In 1956, the chapel was practically destroyed due to vandalism and the woodcarvings were sold, as the owners feared robbery.

From 1972, the public rooms and D. Hilda Chapel underwent improvement with Portuguese-Baroque woodcarving, to imitate the 16th- and 17th-century sanctuaries of the Minho region.