Monte Moita Raza Farmhouse

Description

Situated in the beautiful Vale de Rodam, near Marvao and Castelo de Vide and within the Sao Mamede Natural Park, Monte Moita Raza is a luxury farmhouse with 3 spacious double bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms.

The house sleeps 6 plus 3 optional additional beds. The smimming pool is shared with Montinho Cottage.

The upstairs Rose Bedroom is ideal for honeymooners with a large double bed and ensuite bathroom with a large oval double bath with rain dance shower. A private balcony with stunning views of Vale de Rodão and Marvão castle.

The upstairs Wren Room has twin divan beds, a large ensuite bathroom with a stand-alone bath and rain dance shower with a small private patio for breakfast and evening drinks.

The downstairs Green Painted Bedroom has matching hand-painted Alentejo furniture in green and an adjoining bathroom with rain dance shower.

All rooms have ample space for additional beds if needed and 2 cots are also available. The Farmhouse has a fully equipped open-plan kitchen, a dining area with a large wooden table and a comfortable sitting area with a log burner - double wooden doors open onto a vine covered patio with wooden table and chairs, barbecue area perfect for outdoor meals.

Freshly laundered towels and bed linen are provided on a weekly basis. A complimentary welcome pack is provided on arrival including a bottle of local wine, freshly baked bread, fresh fruit and home grown organic olive oil. Firewood is provided in the winter as well as full central heating.

Amenities provided : electric hob/stove - oven - fridge/freezer - microwave - dish washer - DVD player - wifi internet - cable TV - central heating - wood burning stove - cots. A separate utility room has a washing machine, tumble drier and ironing facilities.

Activities: Birdwatching:
Guests at Raza will be given advice on the best spots in the area to see the different bird species, and you can arrange with Peter to go on a guided tour. A half day trip will cost you the price of the fuel and lunch! You can see a wide range of birds including egrets, vultures, eagles, great and lesser bustard, black-shouldered kite, azure-winged magpie, hoopoe, blue rock-thrush, bee-eaters and many more.

Walking:
Walking the medieval tracks through the hills is a must, and we will provide you with details. Some tracks start from the house.
Guided walks can be organised as well as self-guided walking maps and notes, with lunches or picnics.

Mountain biking:
There are 8 mountain-bikes for guests use. The area has many quiet tracks to explore, and maps and advice can be given.

Cycling:
This area is very suitable for serious cycling with good road surfaces, quiet traffic free roads, good and long hill climbs and all amongst the wonderful scenery of the Sao Mamede hills, combined with a good climate and delicious local food and wines.
We can meet groups with their own equipment at Lisbon airport with a minibus and provide backup as required.

Swimming - besides the swimming pool a stones throw from your room, river bathing is available on the River Sever at Portagem and at various lakes in the area, the most convenient being Apartadura (6km) and Barragem do Póvoa (10km). There are superb municipal swimming pools at Castelo de Vide including an indoor heated pool.

Fishing - Bass and Carp fishing on the Caia and Apartadura lakes. Private fishing can be arranged on a 4 hectare Alfarofia lake near Elvas where the Portuguese record carp was caught this year, weighing 24kgs or 52 lbs! You will need a licence which can be obtained in Portalegre.

Horse Riding - Cordero the mule and Improvisto the donkey are residents of Raza and Montinho properties and can be ridden to explore the farm. Riding can be organized locally and a visit to the National Horse Stud at Alter do Chão cannot be missed.

Rock climbing and abseiling under supervision can be arranged nearby.