History of Quinta da Mata de Baixo
A historic forest
Quinta da Mata takes its name from an ancient forest that once covered these lands for nearly 700 years. Located near Dornes, Tomar, and the Zêzere River, the forest was home to thousands of chestnut trees, cork oaks, and oaks, some of them centuries old.
This land was once part of the Commandery of Dornes, donated by King Afonso Henriques to the Order of the Knights Templar in the 12th century.
This land was once part of the Commandery of Dornes, donated by King Afonso Henriques to the Order of the Knights Templar in the 12th century.
From the Templars to the Convent of Christ
For centuries, the forest was closely linked to the Knights Templar and later to the Order of Christ, whose headquarters were at the Convent of Christ in Tomar. Historical records show that timber from the forest was used for conservation and expansion works at the convent.
Because Prince Henry the Navigator and King Manuel I were administrators of the Order of Christ, it is also likely that wood from this forest contributed to Portugal’s maritime expansion.
Because Prince Henry the Navigator and King Manuel I were administrators of the Order of Christ, it is also likely that wood from this forest contributed to Portugal’s maritime expansion.
A forest reborn
Over time, the ancient forest gradually disappeared due to the growing demand for timber, agriculture, and industry. By the beginning of the 20th century, it had almost completely vanished.
In 1999, Michael Geoffrey Stubbs acquired the estate and began restoring its natural richness. Through dedicated planting of native and exotic tree species, the forest has come back to life and continues to grow today.
In 1999, Michael Geoffrey Stubbs acquired the estate and began restoring its natural richness. Through dedicated planting of native and exotic tree species, the forest has come back to life and continues to grow today.