A remarkable revival of burel began when new owners stepped into what had once been a thriving wool mill in Manteigas, nestled in the heart of the Serra da Estrela, and one of the stops our our Portugal: The Douro & Serra da Estrela journey. Faced with the near-collapse of an age-old industry, they saw untapped potential in the factory. They restored the original machinery, retrained local artisans, and breathed life back into a centuries-old craft. Yet, their vision extended well beyond simply spinning wool into fabric.
From the start, the new owners were determined to reimagine burel’s purpose. Rather than limit it to a textile for garments or blankets, they recognized its potential in shaping modern interiors. Using burel’s dense weave, natural insulation properties, and tactile warmth, they began designing furniture pieces, wall coverings, decorative elements, and bespoke home accessories. Their creations infused spaces with a contemporary flair while remaining deeply rooted in Portuguese heritage.
One of their early “proving grounds” was Casa de São Lourenço, a property perched high in the mountains. At first, the factory supplied furnishings and décor to this space, testing the versatility of burel in a real-world setting. The initial results were beyond promising. Burel’s softness contrasted elegantly with the rugged landscape outside, while its durability and sustainable sourcing resonated with evolving values in design and hospitality.
Enthralled by this synergy, the owners decided to take their involvement a step further. They purchased Casa de São Lourenço itself and undertook a thoughtful transformation, blending burel’s contemporary elegance with the building’s storied past. What emerged was a luxury mountain hotel that not only offers guests a sublime retreat but also stands as a living gallery of burel’s possibilities. On our journeys to Portugal, visitors now encounter burel not just as a fabric, but as a fundamental part of their surroundings at this spectacular retreat where we stay—from acoustic panels and upholstery to statement-making furniture and textiles that evoke the highland’s essence.
This bold move—from crafting burel at the factory to applying it as a cornerstone of interior design at Casa de São Lourenço, and now sold as fine furnishings around the world—showcases how tradition can be revitalized through innovation. It’s a story of local heritage brought forward into a modern context, proving that what once protected shepherds from the elements can now intrigue travelers seeking an authentic, design-led cultural experience. And for those who join our 9-day Portugal tour, witnessing this transformation firsthand is not merely an excursion, but an invitation to understand and appreciate the evolving narrative of Portuguese craftsmanship.
Immersive Cultural Encounters with Burel in Portugal
