Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla, Sintra

The Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla, also known as the Casa do Regalo, is a charming architectural and botanical gem nestled within the Sintra Cultural Landscape in Portugal. Situated on the western side of the park surrounding the iconic Pena Palace, this site forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sintra Cultural Landscape and the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.

Constructed between 1864 and 1869, the Chalet was a personal retreat built for King Fernando II and his second wife, Elise Hensler, the Countess of Edla. Their love story, marked by artistic collaboration and controversy, adds a romantic aura to the site. Elise, a Swiss-born opera singer who became an American citizen, caught the king’s eye during a performance at Lisbon’s São Carlos National Theatre. Despite societal opposition, they married in 1869 after Fernando secured a noble title for Elise from his cousin, Duke Ernest II of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.

Designed in the style of a Swiss chalet, a popular architectural trend of the era, the building was planned by Elise herself and constructed without formal blueprints, which later posed challenges for restorers. Its unique facade and interiors reflect the couple's artistic sensibilities. The surrounding garden features a stunning variety of flora, including rhododendrons, camellias, azaleas, and ferns sourced from Australia and New Zealand.

After King Fernando died in 1885, the Chalet became embroiled in legal and political disputes. While Elise inherited the king’s possessions, including the Pena Palace and Moorish Castle, the Portuguese state acquired these properties, allowing Elise to retain the use of the Chalet and its garden until 1904. Known for her cultural patronage, Elise supported local charities and artists until she died in 1929.

The Chalet was tragically destroyed by fire in 1999 but underwent meticulous restoration led by Parques de Sintra. Reopened in 2011, the project earned the prestigious Europa Nostra Award for Conservation in 2013, reaffirming its status as a site of significant cultural, historical, and artistic importance. Today, the Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla stand as a testament to romanticism, art, and love in the heart of Sintra’s magical landscape.