150 YEARS OF HISTORY. THE RESTORATION OF THE SOLAR BRANCO ESTATE
We are delighted to offer a guided tour of the estate and gardens to guests staying with us at The Estate
2019 – THE GIN LIBRARY
THE FIRST CHAPTER OF THE SOLAR BRANCO ECO ESTATE RESTORATION
Originally stables for the horses in the pre-car era, The Gin Library is a life long passion of all things juniper, created by co-owner of the estate Ali Bullock. The Gin Library is Europe’s largest gin collection, with over 900 bottles on display. 56 countries are represented from all around the world. Many have been brought to the estate by guests keen to share their own towns and cities creations, adding to The Gin Library and community.
Where we started
And now
2021 – THE COW SHED
BUILT ADJACENT TO THE ESTATE AND HOTEL
While not part of the hotel build or project, our house was built adjacent to the grounds of the estate. Designed to be a home as well as a showcase of what we wanted to do with the buildings and how they could look and function once completed.
We were able to move into the house in the summer of 2021. This building continues to showcase what can be done by us, our architects and builders here in the Azores.
Where we started
And now
2022 – SENHOR RAPOSAS SECRET DRINKING DEN
OUR SPEAKEASY (AND FIRST HIDDEN BAR IN THE AZORES)
Originally designed to be accommodation. We decided to turn this into a secret bar, thanks in part to the success of The Gin Library and the many people who wanted to visit us.
With this in mind, a more exclusive space was dreamt up based on the legend of Senhor Raposa. A hidden door was created in the main area, leading guests back to 1860 as they walk past momentos of the legend of Senhor Raposa into his secret drinking den.
Where we started
And now
2022 – THE RUIN
CRUMBLING WALLS BECOME A LUXURY HIDEAWAY
It was first hard to imagine that there was a usable building behind all the plants and weeds that had grown up around and over the building. A tree had sprouted through what remained of the structure, and gave us the inspiration for the indoor garden of the house.
Where we started
And now
2023 – THE SOLAR
THE HEART OF THE ESTATE
It cannot be understated how much this house is the heart of the project. Built over 100 years ago, this building is the centre of the estate. With 3 luxury bedrooms, and a separate studio apartment upstairs, and a spacious dining area on the ground floor, making the most of the panoramic views over the green hills of São Miguel to the ocean beyond.
Where we started
And now
2023 – THE BARN & PIG STYES
LUXURY AND SUSTAINABILITY
The 3 buildings (originally 1 farmer’s cottage and 2 pig styes) were hidden from view when the property fell into disuse. The area became overgrown and disused, mainly gaining trash from the surrounding areas. These forgotten treasures are now being reborn as 3 apartments.
Where we started
Coming soon
2023 – THE GIN WAGON
DRINKS ON THE GO
We have taken an old, unloved, but very beautiful 1960’s VW bus and given it a new lease of life. The Baleia Bus will travel around the island of São Miguel serving our Azores inspired family of drinks.
Where we started
FIND THE BUS
2025 – THE GARDENS
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE. AND HELPING THE BEES.
The restoration of the estate is just one part of a larger project, with sustainability at its heart. The gardens were unloved and overgrown. Work on clearing and restoring started in 2019. Fruit trees were rediscovered and new ones placed onto the grounds to show how the estate would have looked in the 1800s.
Key work on the full gardens will not be finished until 2025 at the earliest, and the project will be constantly ongoing.
Where we started
And now
