Rural home in the Parque Natural da Serra de Sao Mamede
Rural house set among olive terraces bordered by a mountain stream. The large outdoor terrace is perfect for relaxing with spectacular views of the river and valley. Excellent for country walking and exploring the Sao Mamede natural park.
Sleeps: 8 - Bedrooms: 4 - Bathrooms: 2
Quinta Azenha do Ramalho is a very comfortable self-catering house set on the unique, private one hectare rural setting of Vale Lourenço, a mountain valley exceptional for its beauty and nature. The house is within the Parque Natural da Serra de São Mamede in the North Alentejo area of Portugal near to the Spanish border. Perfect for exploring all that São Mamede has to offer.
The quinta's four double bedrooms, three with twin beds, is ideal for groups of friends as well as families who want to visit São Mamede for country walking in the many routes nearby or exploring the Parque's historic and cultural sites such as Marvão , Castelo de Vide and Portalegre. Our rates will suit four guests with a lower amount for additional guests.
This is an exceptional part of Portugal, full of character, barely touched by tourism and steeped in history. From the dramatic medieval hilltop villages of Marvão and Castelo de Vide and the many Roman and megalithic sites, to the cobbled lanes that wind through cork oak woods and over panoramic rocky ridges giving views that stretch for miles. In Spring the wildflowers carpet the hillsides and olive groves and the eagles and storks flying high overhead are a common sight.
Quinta Azenha do Ramalho is a peaceful retreat in the midst of this spectacular countryside. It is easy to feel detached from the busy world as you listen to the sounds of nature, birdsong, distant goat bells and the soothing gurgle of the adjoining mountain stream. A truly unspoilt natural environment and an ideal holiday destination.
GARDEN:
The large outdoor terrace has a dining area with a barbecue. A place for relaxing with views looking down to the willow and aspen in the ribeira, to the olive terraces beyond backed by the forest.
KITCHEN:
The kitchen is fully equipped with cooker (hob and oven), dishwasher, washer/dryer, microwave, fridge/freezer, coffee maker, toaster, electric kettle and sandwich maker.
DINING AREA:
The spacious open plan dining and sitting area is stylishly furnished with a dining table seating up to 8 people, a large comfortable sofa, wood burning stove, flat screen TV and DVD, Hi-Fi system with CD/MP3, radio and cassette. There is also a small selection of books, games CDs and DVDs.
LIVING/LOUNGE AREA:
The sitting area has direct access through two large full length patio doors to a new wooden decked terrace which runs the full length of the house. From this terrace there are spectacular views down to the river and along the valley.
BEDROOMS:
The house sleeps eight people in four bedrooms. One double room with a queen size bed. Three twin rooms with two single beds in each. All the beds have comfortable orthopaedic mattresses.
LOCAL AMENITIES/ATTRACTIONS:
Quinta Azenha do Ramalho is a very private property. Standing on a hectare of land, it is bordered by about 240 metres of mountain stream called the Ribeira da Arronches.
There are over 100 olive trees on the property together with orange, fig, lemon, cherry, pear and apricot trees.
The terraces of olives and vines have been uncultivated and ungrazed for many years and they host the greatest profusion of wild flowers in the whole valley. It is known locally for its particular abundance of wild oregano which is sought for flavouring olives.
A multicoloured carpet of spring flowers and herbs attracts butterflies and other fascinating creatures. Throughout the summer it is soothing to stroll through the tall mint as it releases clouds of small butterflies.
BATHROOM/ENSUITE:
There are two bathrooms, one with shower, wc, wash basin and bath and the other with shower, wc and wash basin. Both bathrooms have thermostatically controlled taps.