Monte das Sesmarias

Everything was fantastic.

Paul is a wonderful host. He called to confirm our arrival time and was there to meet us when we arrived. His property is spectacular -- we had an entire guest house to ourselves in the middle of a sprawling cork forest in the Alentejo. We woke each morning to a view of the sunrise, enjoyed our morning coffee on a spacious patio, and watched the sunset and stars each night. Paul's three dogs were friendly and good company -- especially his border collie pup! Paul made us feel at home, making reservations for us for lunch at a nearby restaurant and for a cork safari tour operated by his brother. The facilities were great -- fully stocked and spacious kitchenette with hotplates, microwave, mini-oven, coffee maker and kettle and all the kitchenware we needed; large living/dining room with fireplace; large bedroom with a comfy bed and lots of surfaces to spread out; and two bathrooms with hot water and great pressure. The whole house has excellent radiator heating. When we asked if they happened to have a hypoallergenic pillow or blanket we could use, they found both and changed the bedding while we were out for dinner and offered us a HEPA room filter as well. We couldn't have asked for a more peaceful, relaxing, joyous time away!

This place was perfect for us, much better than expected even from the photographs and descriptions. We stayed in early January, so the forest was green, mild weather. Paul was a great host, with many stories, took us on walks of the very ample grounds with diverse corners, to the market, welcoming in a relaxed manner. The house was perfectly cosy- none of the humid cold we encountered in other places at the season, but central heating, insulation and the most cosy fireplace. It’s a great base to to drive to sights and cities nearby. But the best is just being at the house, walking the grounds, reading from the exceptional library, or observing the (very friendly) dogs and sheep. all rooms are exiting onto a terrace, with tremendous views. In the end, we stayed an extra day - and would have loved to stay much longer if possible.

nothing- it was perfect.

It's a beautiful place with soul. Quite isolated and perfect for relaxing in nature, but very comfortable. Redondo and Estremoz with their restaurants and grocery stores are a short drive away. The house was cool even with temperatures over 30 degrees. And what a book collection!

Nothing to report.