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Dominio Vale do Mondego
Bed & Breakfast, Selfcatering, Camping/Caravans, Activity Holidays, Equestrian Holiday, Beach or Riverside, volunteers, Retreat, Longterm, Eco - Faia (Guarda)
Dominio Vale do Mondego - Click on photo for more photographs from Dominio Vale do Mondego.
Rural turism, Bio-dynamic agriculture, art & nature on large Estate Dominio Vale do Mondego in the famous Serra da Estrela nature park.
Location:
The Vale do Mondego is situated in the Serra da Estrela, the largest nature park of Portugal. The Domain consists of 6 Quinta's (authentic Portugese farms) with 2 selfcatering farmhouses, B&B, the 'Lagar Lounge' (table d'hote restaurant) with terrace, swimbasin with sunterrace, and a rural campsite.
One can walk for hours on our own terrain of 33,3 hectares, with historic terraces, large pastures, wood, olive groves, orchards with apple, pear, cherry and fig trees and a large herb and vegetable garden. A dirt road leads to the secluded Estate, a beautiful and very private location in the green valley along the river Mondego. The region is famous for its nature walks and historic villlages. The highest city of Portugal, Guarda is at a distance of 12 km.
Accommodation:
Selfcatering:
Quinta do Rio is a large, beautifully restored Quinta, with direct access to the river Mondego. The terraced garden (4 ha) has a large private swimming pool and separate children's pool, with beautiful views of the valley.
The house, (sleeps 9) traditionally built with large granite stones, consists of a spacious living room with a great open fire, a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, 4 double bedrooms with twin beds and 1 single bedroom - suitable for 2 families. Bathroom with bath and toilet. And in the basement a large children's playroom, 2 showers and a toilet.
On the covered terrace is a traditional bread oven and barbecue. Small children's play-area.
The house has its own clean and healthy drinking water source, besides tapwater.
Quinta das Canas is situated on a hilltop, from the terrace and the fenced garden you have a fantastic view of the Mondego valley and the Serra da Estrela mountains.
The newly converted barnhouse (90 m2) is situated amidst an olivegrove of 5 ha. It has 2 bedrooms for 4 persons, a bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. The spacious open kitchen and livingroom with woodstove are connected.
The high ceiling gives it a pleasant airy feeling.
At walking distance (200 mtrs) is large water basin for swimming, with sundeck. (filled with water from the river). Directly near the garden is a small dam.
Over the Passeio de Castanhas it is 500 meters to the Quinta da Portela, with the Lagar Lounge, table d'hote restaurant, panorama-terrace and art Atelier.
Via the Passeio de Aqua it is a stroll of 1,5 km on our estate to the river Mondego, with its crystal clear water.
Bed & Breakfast:
We converted 3 cosy, traditional outbuildings of the Quinta da Portela into 3 individual rooms, with their own access, 'pedra vista' walls, suitable for 1 - 2 persons each. They share the bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin (access through the terrace).
Direct access to the panorama-sunterrace with an amazing view of 360 degrees of the Mondego valley.
Campismo Rural:
In the olivegrove of the Quinta da Portela we have a small rural campsite, with lots of private space for 10 tents, small caravans or campers. Separate parking space. There is a new sanitary building with showers, toilets and washing space.
Restaurant:
On the Quinta da Portela we have a terrace for summer-dinners and cold drinks, a lounge with library, bar, travel information & internet, a children's playing area and relaxing deckchairs and lounge-cushions in the olive orchard, open air Ar Atelier, and swimbasin.
On the Estate live 2 Dutch families with 6 children aged 4 to 16. Eelco is expert on Bio-dynamic/organic farming.
The farm has a large flock of the typical Serra da Estrela sheep (170 in total). In our own dairy we make the famous Serra da Estrela cheese. There are about 1500 olive trees on the Estate, from which a tasty, healthy olive-oil is produced. Organic vegetables, fruit and herbs are also grown in our gardens and for sale.
We have several animals: our 2 young Lusitano horses, donkey, dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens, ducks, geese and doves.
There are great walks on the Domain, along a centuries old path with historic water basins. For children it is great to walk with Burro, our donkey.
For fanatic walkers the Serra da Estrela region has many long distance walking trails. With our Landrover we can drop you off in the middle of the park.
The river with an abundance of water and its pebble beach is great for swimming and fishing.
Emely is a gourmet cook, and a few times a week she prepares family-dinners with fresh ingredients from our garden, which are served on the terrace of the 'Lagar' (the place where the olive press was originally located (also vegetarian meals). She also organizes cooking workshops in spring and fall.
Karin and her daughter Armida organise cultural activities. Guests of the Estate may make free use of the open air Atelier (just costs of materials), where also workshops like granite sculpting and mosaic are given. In summer we organize regularly open air performances.
The Vale do Mondego is in the Serra da Estrela Nature Park, the largest Nature Park of Portugal, with more than 100.000 hectares. It is known for its rich fauna and flora. It's a great region for walking. In summer the temperatures are agreeable. In the surrounding area there are many small historic villages with age-old castles (Sabugal, Belmonte, Celorico da Beira, Linhares, Trancoso). The main city of Guarda has a historic centre with medieval houses, small churches and lively restaurants and bars.
Prices in euros:
Quinta do Rio:
High season: 1600 per week
Low season: 1200 per week
Price is based on 9 persons, including all bed-linen and bath towels, gas, electricity, water, wood, tourist tax and welcome package. No extra charges for cleaning after your departure.
Quinta das Canas:
High season: 500 per week
Low season: 350 per week
Price is based on 4 persons, including all bed-linen and bath towels, gas, electricity, water, wood, tourist tax and welcome package. No extra charges for cleaning after your departure.
Cabana:
High season: 35 per night
Low season: 30 per night
Price is based on 2 persons, including breakfast, shared bathroom, bed-linen and bath towels, electricity, water, tourist tax.
Campingsite:
15 per day
Price is based on 1 tent/camper/caravan, 2 persons, car.
High season 2008:
28 june to 31 august,
18 to 26 october,
20 december 2008 to 3 january 2009.
Low season:
Remaining periods.
Restaurant:
3-course menu incl wine and water: 15 euros
gastronomic dinner incl wine and water: 25 euros
children's (< 10 year) menu: 7.50 euros
Availability & Booking:
Contact the owner of Dominio Vale do Mondego direct.
Can we help?
Pure Portugal can help with many aspects of your trip to Central Portugal. We can connect you to people who will pick you up from the airport, give tours of the area & informal taxi service, translators & other english speaking professionals.
Simply email to find out if we can help.
Our Pure Portugal Information website is also packed with useful information.
Pure Portugal advertises on behalf of hosts / owners, who supply their details, and are responsible for accuracy and booking arrangements.
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Registered Office: 93 North Street, Burwell, Cambridge, CB5 0BB, United Kingdom.
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