Ash JamesSão Lourenço do Barrocal’s approach to sustainability looks to the past when building the present and future. Since its foundation in 1820 as a farming village, the community that lived here followed a self-sustainable path. Everything needed to live a happy and fulfilled life was either sourced or produced on site. Barrocal’s new life would have to honour the history, culture and traditions of this place.
Our notion of sustainability comprises the obvious conscious relationship with nature and natural resources but also sees the importance of the cultural, social and economic reality of the community we are a part of. This is why we not only enforce measures like the sensible use of resources but we also support the local economy by favouring local businesses, like the baker that brings fresh bread every morning or the master potters that supply many pieces that are used for decoration and service
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Reinstatement of a long history of autossustainability |
1820 is the year where it all started |
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Recovery of a neglected farm estate |
780 hectares dedicated to hospitality and farming |
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Rejuvenation of an ancient farming village |
7 main buildings carefully brought back to new uses
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Preservation of existing roof tiles |
250.000 units salvaged from existing buildings |
| Rehabilitation of existing terracotta bricks |
70.000 units salvaged from existing buildings |
| Production of artisanal bricks | 350.000 bricks manufactured according to local tradiiton |
| Rehabilitation of the existing main street | 3.700 square metres were laid using existing stones |
| Respectful management of water resources | 4 boreholes for groundwater collection |
| Exploitation of 275 days of sunshine | 24 solar panels installed |
| Organic vegetable garden | 10.000 square metres planned to supply the hotel and farm shop |
| Creation of employment | 57 jobs created being 80% of the employees from the local area |
Ash James
By welcoming our guests in this environment we aim to provide a luxurious yet simple experience that intends to respect fauna and flora but also the history and traditions of the Alentejo region. We believe that thanks to this immersion in the richness of the local life and times we are able to transmit a true sense of place, a real unique stay that is tangible in all aspects of the hotel, from the rooms to the farm shop.
Ash James
If you wish to deepen a little further your knowledge about what we are doing in São Lourenço do Barrocal to make our commitment towards sustainability and authenticity ever more clear and definite, please take a look at our "Our Sustainable Path" plan.
