A press release states the company will invest €230,000 to restore the “decorative facade coverings,” with a six-month deadline. The goal is “to restore the building’s authenticity.”

Parques de Sintra explains that these interventions include “the unique polychrome plaster, which imitates wood, and the remaining decorative elements, especially those made of cork”.

João Sousa Rego, president of Parques de Sintra, says the Chalet is in western Pena Park, where the harsh microclimate wears away the building.

Thus, he says, this intervention is needed “to mitigate degradation, stabilise changes, and replace irrecoverable cork.”

“We fully respect the building’s architectural style, but adapt it for resilience against extreme climate events,” João Sousa Rego adds.

This intervention uses “more durable materials and reinforced systems.” Methodologies and materials are chosen to protect Pena Park’s fauna and flora.

Parques de Sintra also says, “We will use biocidal products based on essential oils that protect the ecosystem.”

The Chalet was built in the late 19th century by King Ferdinand II and Elise Hensler, Countess of Edla. It reopened to the public in 2011 after reconstruction for public enjoyment.