Charming Mountain Getaway: Casa Flores

Magnificent views reaching far over to the Serra da Estrela mountains, mainland Portugal’s highest range, await you at this wonderful 4 acre south-facing estate. Lovingly restored, Casa Flores has been beautifully renovated, creating a relaxing home from home amid cascading olive orchards, grape vines, orange and fig trees. Peaceful and tranquil, often the only sounds you hear up here are the bird song and the distant sound of church bells from the villages below. Set down a ¼ mile track, this is a private and tranquil place. Some days the only sounds you hear are the bird song and, on Sundays, the distant peels of the church bells from the villages far below. IN CASA FLORES The Master bedroom is upstairs and has a king-size bed that looks up the windows in the eaves, making it ideal for star-gazing! The Living Room is bright and airy with views of the surrounding mountains through the windows. The Kitchen offers all the amenities you’ll need to rustle up some home cooked meals. For those looking to enjoy a view of the mountains while you eat, then dinner al fresco on your private porch can’t be beaten! The Bathroom is complete with a shower that gets solar powered hot water. GUEST ACCESS Beyond the house, you have your porch with the al fresco eating area You have a dedicated parking space next to your house on the driveway. You have shared access to the swimming pool that is on one of the lower terraces. There is also shared access to an outdoor shower (unheated!) on the Quinta where you can cool off after a soak in the sun as you gaze out at the peaks. There are three houses on the Quinta; our home, Casa Flores and her sister, Casa Figo, also listed on Airbnb. NEED MORE SPACE FOR A LARGER GROUP? If available, it is possible to book both Casa Flores and Casa Figo if you are coming with a group of friends and family who are looking to stay together. If you'd like to do this, send us a message and we can help reserve this for you. We began our love affair with Portugal when my wife, Helen, and I visited from London, for our friends' wedding, over twenty years ago. Since then, we have travelled all across Portugal as a family and always felt the draw of the Serra da Estrela mountains. We are happy to help with any questions you might have. We try to spend as much of our time at the Quinta as we can, but if we are not there during your stay and you have any queries, please contact our fantastic co-host Venetia. The charming town of Oliveria do Hospital is a 10 minute drive and includes several restaurants, cafes, bakeries, supermarkets, hospital and banks. In addition to exploring the local walks around the property, there are some excellent walking, horse riding and cycling paths around the nearby UNESCO Global Estrela Geopark, many of them originating from the trails walked for centuries by shepherds. A 25 minute walk away is the beautifully clean and refreshing river beach in the valley below with its waterwheel, thatched umbrellas and bar/café in season. An area steeped in history; the Roman Amphitheatre, Schist Villages, churches and monasteries provide a wealth of heritage. Several vineyards in the area offer sampling tours where you can experience local wine culture and produce. A short drive away you can kayak, canoe and paddle board along the Alva river. Montebelo Golf course is nearby. If you visit in winter, the small Serra Estrella ski resort is suitable for beginner and intermediate levels. FOREST TRACK The final leg of your journey to the Quinta is along an untarmacked track for approximately 400m. This is fairly typical for Quintas in this mountain area. It can feel a bit bumpy in contrast to the smooth tarmacked road you have just turned off. Driving slowly in first gear is advised. TERRACES Due to the terraced terrain, the Quinta is not suitable for young children.