moinho do montado
"Best Project of the Year, One of the Most Loved" | Archilovers 2020
“Six of the Best Retreats” | Sunday Times Travel Magazine 2018
“Most Tasteful Renovation Award” | Monocle Top Travel 50 2017
Just north of the UNESCO town of Évora, in Portugal's rural Alentejo, lie ancient watermills, rescued from ruin and restored with passion for their cultural significance and simple, rural style.
Located in a remote and magical setting. It's as if you've turned back time.
400 year old olive trees, a stream and megalithic stone formations and carvings (including a carving of a woman’s profile) that dot the garden, all surrounded by miles of ancient cork forest (montado). The house has a special pull, one that has been drawing people to its location for millennia…
Together with the previous owners, Portuguese architect Luís Pereira Miguel, carefully restored the ancient structures to retain their authenticity. The ancient stone, timbered ceilings, and whitewashed limestone appear much as they were when originally built, with subtle modern updates and amenities.
Amenities
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4 separate houses on 2 acre plot, amongst 100s of hectares of untouched cork forest (montado)
1 house with kitchen / living room and terrace for dining; 3 separate houses with sleeping quarters
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5 bedrooms (sleeping 10): 3 in one house and 2 more in their own houses
4 full bathrooms, 1 toilet
3 additional cots and an additional mattress
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Ana, the Housekeeper, comes every morning other than Sunday
Fully equipped kitchen
2 BBQs (one gas, one wood)
Variety of excellent outdoor terraces and decks
Washer / Dryer
Internet
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Swimming pool
Sauna with glass wall on river
Firepit amongst megalithic rock formations
Bicycles to explore
Padel equipment
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Rural Alentejo. 15 minutes from Arraiolos, 30 minutes from Évora, just over 1 hour from Lisbon
Towns to visit in Alentejo
This rural section of the Alentejo region is rich in history and culture and home to tranquil landscapes and many unique towns and castles of historical interest.
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Just a 10-15 minute drive from the house is the town of Arraiolos. With its narrow, neatly lined streets, whitewashed architecture, and artisan shops it is a charming example of authentic rural life. There’s a big supermarket, a few good restaurants and a lovely square to enjoy a coffee, beer or glass of wine.
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The small, fortified city of Évora is a half hour's drive south of the property and is famed for its architecture, Roman ruins, and excellent restaurants. We highly recommend a visit here during your stay.
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The tiny walled village of Monsaraz is a sleepy hilltop town with commanding views of the nearby Alqueva Lake. The entire region is an important frontier district with remnants of both Moorish and late 16th-century battlements and fortifications.
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The walled town of Estremoz, just a half-hour east, is known as the “white city” due to the colour of the houses but also from the deposits of white marble. Estremoz Marble made the city famous worldwide. There are a few excellent restaurants and it has long been the site of the Rossio Marquês de Pombal, one of Portugal’s finest markets which happens every Saturday morning.
Activities in Alentejo
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Vineyards & Wine Tasting
The Alentejo is a world-class wine region, with several renowned vineyards an easy drive from the property offering tours and tastings.
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Walking
The surrounding land is excellent for walks and bike rides. Hundreds of acres of untouched land – you are more likely to see deer, cows, foxes and wild boar than humans.
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Stargazing
This part of the Alentejo is one of the darkest areas of Europe and so lends itself well to stargazing. For those that take it more seriously, the Dark Sky Observatory is close.
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Padel
There is a padel court 15 minutes away in Arraiolos which is easy to book and the owners can advise. Padel gear is provided. There is a tennis club 20 minutes away which is also easy to book and play.
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Bike Riding
The surrounding land is excellent for bike rides as well - either off road or on the dirt tracks. Untouched utopia awaits!
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Comporta Beach
An hour away is one of Portugal’s most famous stretches of beach with a number of excellent restaurants. A day trip for lunch and beach time is recommended!
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Megalithic Sites
The Alentejo is punctuated by endless megalithic sites, may of which are easy to visit. Outside of the carving in the garden, we recommend visiting the complex of Almendres Cromlech.
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Bird Watching
The house is in an important Bird Area and therefore excellent for bird watching.
Rates
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November to April – EUR 660 per night – 3 night minimum
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May and October – EUR 850 per night – 3 night minimum
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June, July, August and September – EUR 1,100 per night – 5 night minimum
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There is a EUR 200 fee per stay.
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50% of the total is due at the time of booking. This is non-refundable after 24 hours. (Refunds within that period are after any transaction fees to return the money). The 50% balance is due 60 days before arrival and is non-refundable.
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Year-round. The lush green riverside environment/landscape and mild weather last from Autumn through Spring, turning gold and warm in Summer.
Book Now
Please text, call or WhatsApp for a quick response regarding availability,
or fill in the form below:
+44 7830 120 960 (UK / SMS / WhatsApp)
+351 965 825 172 (PT / SMS)