Mountain Escape with Breathtaking Views: Casa Figo

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, the original stone building of Casa Figo 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. IN CASA FIGO The master bedroom is located on the first floor has a king-size bed. French doors that open right up to let the countryside views pour in. This room has the spectacular dawn views. The main living space has a wood burning fire, perfect for curling up next to after a day spent exploring the surrounding area. There is a second living area on the floor above with huge windows that frame mountain vistas, which makes the perfect space for remote working, writing, reading or just a moment of quiet contemplation. The kitchen offers all the amenities you’ll need to rustle up some home cooked meals. A highlight of Casa Figo is the outside eating area on the terrace in front of the house; a large stone table looks directly out over the mountains and it is a fantastic place to enjoy a meal under the stars. If you are looking for some midday shade, there is seating under the large old Fig tree right next to Casa Figo. The bathroom is complete with a bath and a shower. GUEST ACCESS Beyond the house, you have your terrace with the al fresco eating area amid the olive trees and the shady nook next to the house under the old Fig tree. You have a dedicated parking space next to your house on the driveway. You have shared access to the swimming pool (May - October) 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 Figo and her sister, Casa Flores, also listed on Airbnb. NEED MORE SPACE FOR A LARGER GROUP? If you are coming with a larger group of friends and family who want to stay together but also want some privacy, you can book out both houses, Casa Figo and Casa Flores. If you'd like to do this, send us a message and we can help reserve this for you if it is available. We look forward to welcoming you to Casa Figo at Quinta do Castanheiro! 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. 25 minutes 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. 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. To explore and enjoy this rural area, you will need a car. 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.