JBB who was head of the Blandy wine lodges in Funchal, bought the Palheiro estate at public auction in 1885. He was criticised by friends and family alike for having bought a `white elephant'. The property was remote from Funchal and the Casa Velha was already at this stage in a state of decay.
He built a new house on the site of the `Casa da Francesa' which was completed in 1891. The family used to live there during the summer months. He improved the farm greatly, adding new farm buildings including the sawmill with its turbine and rebuilt the reservoir at the top of the estate. JBB initiated the farming of cereal crops and forestry. He and his wife also continued the garden development.
Until the construction roads and car transport, the men of the family used to go down to Funchal to their businesses in the morning by running car (basket sledge) and returned in the evening on horseback. The women and children usually `stayed put' during the days except for visits to neighbours by hammock or on horseback!
To learn more about the history of the Palheiro Estate choose a link below:
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