Lua Branca, a magical paradise

Quinta Lua Branca, a magical estate in the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park. This quiet and inspiring place offers accommodation for retreats, groups and individual guests who love tranquility, nature, rest, luxury and comfort. Casa Santa Maria Casa Santa Maria is the former servant house of Quinta Lua Branca. With care and attention to detail, the house is transformed into a very beautiful and luxurious guest house with all the comfort and privacy you need and is suitable for up to 4 people. The house contains a bedroom for 2 people, a bathroom, living room with sofa/bunk for 2 persons, a fireplace and a well equipped kitchen for 8 people. The property has a spacious covered veranda with magnificent views of the valley and the mountains of Spain. Bed linen, kitchen linen and towels are provided. Description Quinta The quinta, built around 1827, is a lovely authentic and fruitful property, consisting of spacious terraces covered with a rich variety of trees and plants. Clean air and flowing clear water make this property a true paradise. Crickets, bees buzzing, chirping birds, and somewhere in the distance the sound of ringing bells of sheep and goats are typically familiar sounds. High in the sky a bird looking for prey. The spring ensures an exuberant colorful splendor of wild flowers and plants. The wealth of trees give plenty of shade, which is especially very pleasant in the hot summer months. In all these sounds and excess you experience a kind of rest, freeing up ear and eye for the beauty of nature. The high altitude of the property makes the view over the valley and the mountains impressive. In the night hours a spectacular starry sky is visible and the moon creates a mysterious lit atmosphere. The quinta is named after this particular light the moon is giving. From the quinta you can enjoy hiking through forests and farmlands. Marked with ancient stone walls, paths lead you through olive and vineyards, past cork oaks and citrus trees, abandoned ruins, which determine the atmosphere of unspoiled times. It is more the exception than the rule to run into someone. The medieval town of Portalegre is on the other side of the mountain and is accessible by foot or car within easy reach. Until the purchase in 2008 Lua Branca was abandoned and overgrown, waiting for a new owner with an eye and heart for this hidden paradise. Therefore, a project was started with the goal to create a centre for consciousness and inspiration. The renovation started in 2010 with the renovation of the main house, the old servant house and a large ruin that once served as stables. This was done with care and attention to detail, harmony, beauty and (environmental) quality and with respect for the architecture of the farmhouse and its surroundings. Now, the main house is occupied, the servant house is transformed into a comfortable guest house and the ruin is rebuilt in a large group space. Below the main house was a old winery which is now made into a guest room as well. In the forest we build two more very beautiful wooden guest houses.There is a private swimming pool for the guests with an adjoining indoor relaxation area with fireplace and an outdoor kitchen with barbecue on the back. All units can accommodate up to 16 people. Swimming pool, lounge room with a fireplace near the pool. Outside kitchen with BBQ. Gardens. Antique water place. We are (almost) always present at the property and we like to welcome our guests personally. We always let the guests know if we are away for a while. From the estate you can make lovely walks through the woods and fields. The ancient stone walls with marked trails lead through olive groves and vineyards, past cork oak and citrus trees, abandoned ruins, which determine the atmosphere of unspoiled times. It is more the exception than the rule to meet anyone. There are daily bus-connections from Portalegre to the surrounding villages / towns, as well as to Lisbon and Porto. We serve a 'continental breakfast' which consists of coffee / tea, freshly squeezed orange juice or a superfood smoothie, yogurt, granola, fresh bread, eggs made to order, assorted cheeses and homemade jams. On request, we also provide a (organic) meal with local products and wine from the Alentejo.