Vacation Rental Description
Pleasant in all seasons Monte Serra is a great place for gathering family and friends when all are looking forward to sharing joy and pleasure. Straddling a ridge in a still unspoiled rolling landscape overlooking the coastline basking in the sun, hidden at the end of a long access road, here is peace, quiet and safety for children: no traffic, except for your self, the neighbour, the shepherd with his flock. And a gated wall seals off the pool area.
Stroll over the grounds, pick your grapefruit for breakfast, listen to the birds and at night, enjoy the starry sky and perfume of ”dama da noite”, a flower that awakens when the sun has set. Thirty acres of centuries old trees ensure your tranquility and privacy.
Restored to its 19th century glory, the CASARÃO features Moorish flavoured doors and windows, period furniture, Kazakh rugs and stylish bathrooms. Original terra cotta tiles clad the floors and antique tiles depicting birds or flowers adorn kitchen and bathroom walls. The well equipped kitchen kept its original oven which once roasted twelve piglets to celebrate a village wedding. The cashier's office became a stylish dining room and through the wrought iron window bars one may catch a glimpse of the shepherd and his fluffy flock as they go past the old country track.
Cobbled terraces amidst rose beds beckon for an 'al fresco' lunch. Thick stone walls, high ceilings and whispering fans keep the house amazingly cool during the hot summer days; come winter and log fires, art nouveau stoves and heaters take over.
Summary: 245m2/2700 sqft for 6~7 guests; corridor, living, dining, large kitchen, utility room, 3 bedrooms (2x double, 1x twin beds), 3 bathrooms(2x bath, 1x shower)
The estate features 3 other independent accommodations:
- the PATIO HOUSE for 4 guests, living, open plan kitchen/dining, 2 bedrooms, shared bathroom, wood-burning fireplace;
- the WHITE STABLES for 2~5p. G/F with open plan cooking/living/dining area, bedroom (twin), bathroom; mezzanine (30m2) with master bedroom and bathroom.
- the COTTAGE, 750sqft of rustic luxury, open plan living/dining/kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, toilet.
Facilities
Cable Satellite
Cleaning Service
Cooking Utensils
Dishwasher
Dryer
DVD
Heating
Kitchen
Linen Service
Microwave
Open Fire
Amenity Parking
Private Pool
Refrigerator
Shared Pool
Sterio
TV
Washer
The large gardens hide many quiet corners for a serene chat or a peaceful reading time and terraces for high tea, sundowners or a great dinner. With great views everywhere! The pool offers a refreshing dive and pergolas a soothing shade after too much sun; a walk around the grounds will take some 20~30minutes; chemical free fruit can be picked in the citrus groves, the orchards and the vineyards; bikes are available and so is "What to do ...and where" a guide with Monte Serra as your base station with shops, restaurants, golf courses, bird sanctuary and nature tours, tennis courts, beaches, etc., etc. ….
Activities
Biking
Playground
Fishing
Horse Riding
Mountain Biking
Restaurant
Sailing
Tennis
Theme park
Water Skiing
Zoo/Wildlife
Choose a nearby walking or biking track, a famous golf course, a medieval castle, the scenic Guadiana riverbanks, a guided boat tour to the fascinating wildlife of the Ria Formosa bird sanctuary or the old town of Tavira where country cooking or more sophisticated recipes are served at very palatable prices.
You are just 7km north of Fuzeta. From this fishermen village a launch will take you across the lagoon to lovely Armona Island for a swim or a stroll. Walk for 5 mins and this endless beach is empty!
Or you can windsurf or kite surf.
At 2 km, Angela's small yet well stocked mini-market has fresh bread at 9am and most of the daily necessities on the shelves. Ask her to arrange a free range cockerel for the pot or a homemade ice cream cake for a birthday party.
On Saturdays enjoy a bustling farmers’ market; on Sundays a have-it-all gypsy fair: socks or donkeys, cheese or fruit trees, BBQ lunch or riding boots