The agreement signed with the government required the buyers to keep intact the line of fire to the Cascais coastline, ensuring that the new building could be used for military purposes in case of war.

The plan was asymmetrical; giving the idea of an older house that had been restored and added to rather than a recent construction.

[2][3] In the 1880s, the building was restructured by the architect José António Gaspar, with the aim of creating room for a chapel.

However, this work was found to be inadequate and the Duke of Palmela then entrusted José Luís Monteiro to do further renovation between 1890 and 1895.

[4] Under close control of the Duchess, a park was developed in the area around the house, with trees and some small lakes.