HERDADE DOS ALFANGES FULL DESCRIPTION:

Located amidst the rolling plains of the unspoilt Alentejo region,  Alfanges is a beautifully restored period country house which combines the best of Portugal’s past with all the comfort of modern day living.  An elegant but eclectic mix of furnishings  give this house an unique style and in  total there are 400 sqm of living areas, 600 sqm of landscaped gardens  and a further 500 sqm of pool area - all this, set within 90 hectares of 100 year old olives and cork trees. These tranquil surroundings provide the perfect backdrop to long walks, relaxation and quality time with friends or family.

The main accommodation is spread over two buildings: there are 6 double bedrooms each with an en-suite bathroom (one of these is extra large, includes a kitchenette and can cater as a family room) and a triple children’s room. An 85 sq metres entertainment lounge includes a two-way fireplace, a bar, a 50 inch flat screen TV with movies and sports channels, and a superb 4 metres window overlooking the countryside. A second TV (cable) with DVD player plus a library of children’s DVDs is available in the sitting room; and there is also a covered summer room equipped with a table football and table tennis; whilst especially for children, a tree house and a trampoline.

Original thick stone walls dating back from the 1800’s,  keep the property cool in the summer; whilst large fire places warm it up in the winter months. But there is also central heating and air conditioning (included in the rental) available in the double bedrooms and kitchen; whilst the other rooms have ceiling fans. All the bedrooms have one window fitted with mosquito netting, so that it can be left open all night long.

The pool area is unusually large with teak decking and a stunning black mosaic infinity pool (8 x 15 m with steps), and enjoys uninterrupted views of fields and sheep at pasture, of olive and cork trees. To one side are shaded seating areas and a bar; whilst to the other side are the changing room, WC, shower and a small twin bedroom (ideal room for an extra guest or two). This area is accessed through a child safety gate.

But Alfanges isn’t just about the location, the house or the space. It is also about providing a boutique hotel style service and individual attention to every client.  The Management team prides itself for its comprehensive holiday planner service, including organizing a cook to cater at the property, arrange wine tasting or cultural visits, go horse riding or boating on the Alqueva dam; or even  book a personalised spa treatment.

The property is located within 20 minutes drive from the UNESCO Heritage Site of Évora, which has a historical past dating back to the Romans!  This is an ideal base to experience the Alentejo region with its rich traditions and gastronomy, at its best!

ACCOMMODATION  - 15 GUESTS (incl. 5 beds for children aged up to 12 years)
MAIN HOUSE

Ground Floor - Entrance through covered summer sitting room with large doors to garden. Hallway with WC leading to sitting room. Dining room and very spacious kitchen (w/ central breakfast table, gas stove/oven,  microwave, kettle, coffee machine, toaster, dishwasher), service door and terrace to one side plus a separate sitting area (lower level) to the other side, then opening onto an outdoor decked dining terrace with awning. Larder and laundry rooms (with washing machine, dryer and fridge freezer). Covered summer room equipped with games.

First Floor (at different levels) – Triple children’s bedroom with bunks plus one extra single bed, sharing a hallway with double bedroom with en suite shower room.  The master bedroom suite (bathroom w/ separate shower) also has a private sun terrace.

THE ANNEX

Ground Floor – Entertainment lounge.

First Floor – Open plan family room (double bed plus 2 single beds for children) with sitting area, kitchenette (microwave, double electric plates, fridge and dining table) and bathroom (sunken bath/hand held shower). Two double bedroom and bathrooms suites. Small balcony.

STAFF & SERVICES

Pool and garden maintenance included. Maid service included 5 hours (mornings) x 7 days a week. Baby sitting available on request.

In-house holiday planner can arrange a wide selection of special extras on request such as: beauty treatments catered evening meals, latin dancing lessons, a wine tasting tour, canoeing down the Guadiana river, or a jeep safari (does not include costs of activities, food & beverages, etc).
 
Welcome “Portuguese” food and wines (left ready on your first night) included in your rental. Wine cellar (a choice of local wines will be available in the larder, priced at cost and with no obligation to buy). Clients are also welcome to pick whatever is growing and ripe from the kitchen garden at no extra cost.

DISTANCES

Nearest Villages & Shops - Alvito at 6 kms; Vila Nova da Baronia at 2 kms; Viana do Alentejo at 6 kms
Évora  (UNESCO world heritage site with Roman Temple, Cathedral and 5 other major churches, Shopping, Restaurants, Concerts etc) – 30 kms
Alcaçer do Sal & West Coast (well worth a day trip and lunch right on the beach looking out to the Atlantic) – 100 kms
Lisbon Airport – 160 kms
Faro Airport – 160 kms

THINGS TO DO

• Explore Portugal in style by adding a few nights stay in Central Lisbon to your villa holiday in the Alentejo – click here for further details of our Super Deluxe Suites in Lisbon.
• The Alqueva Dam nearby offers a marina with boats for hire, a few restaurants and water skiing. A “family-day” on the dam will cost approx Euros 300 for 5 hours and includes water skiing lessons, wake boarding and “banana” rides.
• As an UNESCO World Heritage Site, Évora is a town rich in history and culture such as churches and convents, palaces, roman temples and summer concerts and well worth the visit.

OTHER FACTS

Friday change-overs preferred. Check-in after 16:00 hours/check-out before 10:00 hours. Four bedroom with king size beds (2x2 m in 3 rooms, 1,80m in one room) plus family room with extra large king size. Children’s beds (in triple and family room) for up to 12 years only. All beds have duvets plus 2 pillows per person. Household linen + pool towels supplied/changed twice a week. One high chair & 2 baby cots available. Telephone & internet connection/use on request. Pool furniture includes 8 deck chairs, 2 hammocks, 4 umbrellas, bar area with fridge, CD player, WC/shower room.

RENTAL PRICES  (IN EUROS) 2010

June, July & August (min stay 5 nights pro-rated) – €5,500 p/ week

Easter, Christmas & New Year (min stay 7 nights) – €5,500 p/ week

Rest of the Year  (min stay 3 nights pro-rated) – €3,500 p/week

• Special Offer: Free massage for all the ladies and one dinner per booking, included in the rental!

BOOKING/CANCELLATION TERMS