A Living Milestone: Ten Years, One Thousand Trees, and How We Found Our True Nature…

This October marks a profound milestone at Quinta da Bufala: ten years since the first seeds of regeneration - and the first tree - were sown on what was once a barren and neglected stretch of land in the Sintra Hills of Portugal. 

To commemorate this decade of restoration and growth, the team have planted their 1000th tree—a Sequoia, chosen for its symbolism of longevity, legacy and a love of the land.

The gesture is a simple one —a tree placed into the earth. Yet it carries within it the entire story of Quinta da Bufala - of transformation, care, and the belief that true sustainability begins with quiet listening to nature.

When the estate was first founded, the soil was tired, the terrain scarred by years of neglect. The vision was not to impose a new identity on it, but to restore what was already there—to bring life back through a thoughtful process of regeneration.

Over the past decade, this philosophy has shaped every decision, from the species of trees planted to the natural flow of the walking paths, the use of organic farming principles, and the integration of architecture that complements rather than competes.

Today, the estate stands as a living ecosystem—a sustainable farm and creative haven where nature and human intention coexist in balance. The land hums with biodiversity: orchards, native forests, gardens, and the soft murmur of bees and birds that call it home. It is a place designed to nurture connection—to oneself, to others, and to the natural world.

Guests who visit—whether for an open-air strategy session, a leadership retreat, or a nature-immersed celebration—often remark on the energy of the place. There is a sense of stillness and renewal that flows through the estate, a feeling that everything here has been done with purpose. The layout of paths, the framing of views, the rhythm of light and shade—all invite reflection.

Planting the 1000th tree is more than an anniversary act; it is a symbol of stewardship. It honours those who have tended the land and those who will continue its care into the future. It reaffirms Quinta da Bufala’s founding mission: to regenerate, not just sustain—to leave the land healthier and more resilient for generations to come.

As the young Sequoia takes root, it joins a living community that reflects a decade of mindful restoration.  At Quinta da Bufala, every tree tells a story. And with the planting of this one another chapter begins, and another decade of renewal. 

Quinta da Bufala – Celebrating Ten Years; Finding Our True Nature.