Quinta da Raza

Quinta da Raza began as a famous manor house located in Veade, Celorico de Basto when it was known as Casa do Outeiro. Likely of medieval origin, it has been classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1977. The first known owner of Casa do Outeiro was Francisco Gonçalves, in the early 17th century. However, few vestiges of this first building remain. The current layout of Casa do Outeiro dates back to the 19th century, following its reconstruction after a major fire in 1860 that virtually destroyed the building. This renovation, carried out by Inácio Xavier Teixeira de Barros, a young nobleman of the Royal Household, was naturally in the style of the period, and included a series of 18th and 19th-century architectural features.  This manor shares clear architectural and stylistic similarities with the neighboring Casa da Boavista which belongs to related families. The main façade features a pediment bearing the coat of arms and a quartered shield with the insignia of the Teixeiras (1st), Macedos (2nd), Barros (3rd), and Carvalhos (4th). The numerous glazed windows (26 in total) and plentiful  doors signal the family’s social standing, as does the crenelated tower, reminiscent of ancient medieval fortifications. Unlike at other manor houses, the ground floor of Casa do Outeiro is not dedicated to agricultural or livestock use. The barn, cellar, wine presses, dovecote, dairy, and other outbuildings are located near the main house, freeing it up and providing greater comfort and privacy. In fact, farm vehicles had no access to the ground floor, which is adorned with granite paving and a balustrade. Gardens with ponds adorned with boxwood and Japanese maple are laid out in front,in keeping with the customs and traditions of the Terras de Basto region.