MOINHO DO ALAMO FULL DESCRIPTION:

In the heart of the Alentejo and only 1 hour from Lisbon, Moinho do Alamo is a small working farm of 12 hectares. Montemor-o-Novo (5 minutes away) is the nearest town and has a well preserved old quarter with unique chapels, a castle, banks, small shops and a food market. Also within a short driving distance are the World Heritage Site of Évora and some of Portugal’s best west coast beaches, with fine golden sand, clear blue waters and fantastic fish restaurants.

This very spacious country house totalling 1,200 sq metres, re-constructed from the ruins of a 19th century water-mill  has many of the original features including an all- stone living room built on top of the river channel. A large patio with river views is ideal for eating “al fresco”, but there are other outdoor  eating or sitting areas.  The property has been decorated in a classical Portuguese style, with many antiques and paintings and is very well equipped. Within the large lawned garden is a swimming pool  with jet stream, sun bathing areas and a spacious pool house with cooking facilities and a built-in barbeque.

The grounds of Moinho do Alamo are particularly charming when  floodlit in the evenings with the  romantic island folly (in the middle of the river), providing an extra chill out area “Out of Africa” style with hammocks, outside bar with draft beer (on request) and another barbeque. This property is perfect for small or large celebrations, themed parties or  corporate weekends  and the services provided, are of 5 star quality!

Other activities on offer at Moinho do Alamo include  horse riding (the countryside around the property is ideal),  bicycle riding and river boating, whilst especially for children, there is a “wendy” house in the garden, a  small horse carriage, and many toys.

READ PAST CLIENT COMMENTS!

ACCOMMODATION – 15 PEOPLE

Ground Floor – Living room with fireplace and dining room, with large original fireplace and seating up to 24 people, opening onto to river view patio with covered and uncovered lounging/dining areas. Guest WC, large, traditional and very well-equipped kitchen with larder. Rear terrace with built-in spit barbeque. The bedrooms are at a slightly higher level: 2 twin bedrooms, each with private bathroom. Next to these rooms is a small sitting room.
 
First Floor – Small sitting room with fireplace and corridor access to bedrooms. One double bedroom en-suite with single bedroom off it, one twin bedroom and 2 double bedrooms en-suite -  all opening onto a shared covered terrace with hammocks and garden.  The master bedroom suite has a king-size bed, small sitting  area, fireplace and air-conditioning,  a traditional tiled bathroom with Jacuzzi bath and shower, plus a large private balcony with hammocks and magnificent  views of the river.

Second Floor – Main entrance level with hall, cloakroom and kitchenette. Drawing room with large fireplace. Terrace with views over the surrounding countryside.

STAFF & SERVICES

English Speaking Manager to meet & greet clients on arrival at the property. Resident couple x 6 days a week (cleaning and maintaining the house, grounds and swimming pool).

Welcome Portuguese “hors d’oeuvres” with wine as well as a basic hamper is included in the rental and will provide items for a light snack on arrival and breakfast the next day. For other meals on request, see bellow.

Extra staff services on request/at an extra charge:

• The owners of this property are gourmets and can also provide Portuguese Gastronomy/cuisine with full service - menus and prices on request
• Second maid (recommended for large parties)
• Sunday staff, personal laundry, baby sitting
• Special catering/party organizing (marquee hire & themed events) – further details on request

Other extras on request/at an extra charge:

DISTANCES

Montemor-o-Novo (restaurants, shops & tennis courts) - 5 minutes drive; Évora (World Heritage Site) - 30 minutes drive; Comporta (Alentejo coast & beaches) - 45 minutes drive; Lisbon Airport -60 minutes drive; Badajoz (Spain) - 60 minutes drive.

THINGS TO DO

• Explore some typical whitewashed villages of the Alentejo: Monsaraz´s narrow streets and houses within castle walls surrounded by an open landscape, is a living monument; Arraiolos also has a medieval castle, but is best know for its hand embroidered carpets of naïf like designs of plants and hunt animals; whilst the royal palace at Vila Viçosa dates back to 1501  
• Portugal’s national song  is mournful and sad and accompanied by guitars  but quite an experience!  We are happy to recommend a number of restaurants for a night out in Lisbon and for you to hear some “Fado”
• Explore Évora (an UNESCO World Heritage Site) - This magnificent town is rich in history and culture such as churches and convents, palaces, roman temples and summer concerts

OTHER FACTS

Flexible change-over days. Minimum rental period 1 week in July & August / minimum 3 nights rental (pro-rated) all other periods. Check-in after 16:00 hours / Check-out before 10:00 hours. Household linen + pool towels supplied/changed twice a week. Baby cot (w/linen) and high chair on request. Other equipment: Telephone/fax on request. Cable TV (Plasma screen in sitting room, extra units throughout the property including some bedrooms); DVD/sound system. Air conditioning (on request/charged extra) available in master suite. There are electric fans in most other bedrooms. Central heating available on the ground and first floors (on request/charged extra). There are also several log fires throughout the property. Swimming Pool: 14 x 7 metres, with steps and jet stream. Pool heating on request/charged extra. Free use of bicycles on the farm and rowing boat on the lake.

RENTAL PRICES (IN EUROS) 2009/10
 
July/August - €9,555 p/week
May/June/Sept/October - €8,115 p/week
Christmas/New Year/Easter - €6,600 p/week *
Other Periods - €5,775 p/week *

* A heating supplement may be applicable

• Special Offers: 20% off July & August; 15% off remaining periods when confirmed by end of April 2010! Minimum 3

  nights accepted outside July & August

BOOKING/CANCELLATION TERMS