Casa do Meio

The highlights

• This beautiful traditional Portuguese house is perfectly placed for quiet days by the pool but close to some stunning white sand beaches with bars and restaurants overlooking the sea.
• Prepare a feast in the large pretty kitchen and enjoy it alfresco on the long covered terrace as the sun sets and the stars appear.
• Whether you enjoy ancient ruins or bustling city centres there's something for everyone and all within a short drive.
• Be sure to head into Grandola City for some proper Portuguese food and a look around the shops.

You should know

• The pool is open May to end of September.
• This property does not allow pets.
• No smoking.

The detail

This lovely home is situated in 524 hectacres of land surrounded by cork and pine trees where you'll see the odd chicken or goat wandering about, but is only a short drive to some absolutely stunning beaches, and one hour by car from Lisbon. It's the perfect holiday escape for a larger family or a group of friends who enjoy restaurants on the beach, fabulous nature reserves and lounging by the pool.

The interior of the house is cheerful and cool with typically dark wooden furniture. Tasteful and comfortable it's a lovely place to unwind and you'll be delighted by the traditional kitchen with its brightly tiled walls and large metal range. It comes fully equipped to cook some magnificent feasts using all the fresh local produce at your disposal. The dining room has vaulted ceilings and is perfect for a rare chilly night, but you'll most likely choose to dine alfresco in the beautiful garden beneath the covered terrace.

The two living rooms have large brown leather sofas where you can lie back and enjoy an afternoon nap or curl up with that thriller you've been meaning to read.

There are four comfortable bedrooms, all with ensuite bathrooms where you can siesta in the afternoon when it's very hot, or sleep peacefully at night with the sound of the crickets for company. The rooms have a mixture of double and twin beds and all are made up with crisp sheets and warm blankets.

There's even a rather fabulous library with a desk for those needing to catch up on emails or work. With the pale walls and dark wooden furnishings there is a very old traditional feel to the cottage which adds charm and character.

After a morning shower and coffee you might like to take breakfast outside with the birdsong as backdrop, before a dip in the pool. In fact, you might like to just spend the whole day poolside on the comfy sofas with a selection of snacks and drinks. But if you do fancy heading out, you're a short drive from white sand beaches, some of the most beautiful in Europe, the closest of which are Comporta Carvalhal and Pego – only 15 minutes away. If you are happy to drive a little further you can visit a different beach every day! Several of the beaches have lovely restaurants with outside seating where you can dine with a view of the sea.

A day trip to Lisbon for some shopping comes highly recommended and is only an hour's drive away. Visit the Roman ruins at Santiago do Cacem and be sure to visit the castle. And for those who like to keep active, check out Grandola Mountain or play some golf at Troia. And if you need to stock up on food and wine head into Grandola City where you can enjoy a typical Portuguese meal and take advantage of the large supermarkets.

After a day of sun and sand return to your lovely rural home, cool down in the pool, prepare some nibbles and watch the sunset from the terrace with a big glass of wine.

Features

Essential