Monte Alamo

An old typical Alentejo cottage, renovated with swimming pool, in a peaceful countryside location. This traditional monte in the spectacular Alentejo countryside is situated just five miles from the walled town of Estremoz. The Alentejo has a special magic which has a different appeal to coastal areas such as the Algarve. Although not a place for beach lovers there are river beaches to be found in the area and we provide a swimming pool to cool off in the summer as an alternative

The property is independent from other houses and consists of three small linked cottages each with its original Alentejo chimney. Set in a quiet vale, with no through traffic, it is typical of the Alentejo landscape – sweeping open agricultural countryside dotted with cork trees. The area is amazingly beautiful and full of history providing an ideal environment for a peaceful, relaxing holiday. This is the “real Portugal” the Portugal that few tourists get to see. The house is long, low and white with blue edging, red doors and huge white chimneys – a traditional “monte”. In the interior, wherever possible, all traditional features have been retained or modern equivalents chosen to match. All the rooms (except the bathroom which is modern) have traditional Portuguese architectural style with beam and cane ceilings, red floors and white walls and are decorated with furniture and objects from the region.

Accommodation
The accommodation consist of a living/dining room, two bedrooms a kitchen and a bathroom . The living/dining room has two settees, table and chairs for four people and a salamander for colder weather. The kitchen has gas cooking facilities and a sink with hot running water (gas heated). A fridge freezer and microwave oven are provided. The bathroom is tiled throughout and has a screened bath with shower plus sink, toilet and bidet. Hand, bath and pool towels are provided as is bed linen. In the bathroom there is an automatic washing machine for guests use.
Smokers are welcome but are asked not to smoke in the house. Pets not allowed (except guide dogs for the blind). Logs for the salamander are provided at no extra cost. An enclosed garden of 600 square meters with grape vines, olive and fig trees plus flower borders surrounding an 8m x 5m swimming pool. There is a shaded area for outside meals with table and chairs and sun beds for the pool. Parking space for three cars.

Travel/ Distances
A car is necessary. 
Nearest airport and capital city – Lisbon - 120 miles
Algarve holiday area and main tourist airport - Faro - 180 miles
Local café – 2 miles
All shops, supermarkets, restaurants, post office, health centre etc can be found in Estremoz – 5 miles. (a local trader selling bread, milk, fruit and vegetables passes the house on Wed and sat.)
Evora – regional capital with best local facilities – 30 miles
Badajoz - Closest large city in Spain – 35 miles 

Activities – Special interest
In addition to history and unspoilt countryside the area also has the three marble towns of Estremoz, Borba and Villa Viçosa plus fine wines which can be sampled by following the wine route and stopping off to visit the vineyards. There are very good and cheap restaurants, typical of the region, where you can taste the delicious Alentejano food in the company of the very friendly local people. In historical terms there is an astonishing amount to see in this area. I found over sixteen walled towns or castles within 30 mins driving distance and I am still counting. Perhaps the best know place is Evora - a World Heritage Site which retains almost all of the original city wall plus also a Roman temple and a chapel built with bones. In the Evora area are some of the most spectacular Neolithic monuments to be seen in the Iberian Peninsula with others near Elvas and Pavia. Not far from Evora is the town of Arriolas, famous for it’s carpets and tapestries. North to Portalegre there is the National Park of the Serre de S.Mamede and the fortified village of Marvaõ set spectacularly on a rock escarpment. Also in the area there is the breeding centre for the Lusitania horses at Alter do Cháo. To the south west we have the largest man made lake in Europe, another fortified village high on the rocks – this time Monseraz and further pre-historic sites to explore in the region.

Alamo on owners direct website http://www.ownersdirect.co.uk/portugal/p1505.htm