Fonte da Vida Estate

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Created at the end of the 19th century by José Inácio Borges and Francisca da Conceição Fernandes, the Avelais Estate, now called Fonte da Vida Estate, is located in the village of Avelais – Arega. With a privileged view of the Arega Parish Church, it was chosen to be the family home of their daughter Ricardina Conceição Fernandes and her husband José Rodrigues Baião. The estate was cherished by a family that always saw agriculture as a source of income, sharing, joy, and happiness. Adorned with various species of flowers (camellias, hydrangeas, and roses), natural springs, and several “secret” water mines, it attracted the entire family. During peak harvests, the village would come together to help with husking corn, grape harvesting, and apple picking, an effort always reciprocated by the owners. It was passed down from generation to generation, to their daughter Lídia Fernandes Baião Furtado, and, at the beginning of the 21st century, to their granddaughter Cristina Baião Furtado and her husband Paulo Graça. Currently, it is managed by the couple and their children Ricardo Furtado Graça and Filipa Furtado Graça, along with their respective spouses, Emília Santos and Pedro Simões. The family’s mission is integrated agricultural production, while contributing to the preservation of ecosystems, valuing and protecting what belongs to the Earth. Today, it is an estate full of charm, memories, dreams, and life.