Nestled in the mountainous part of the Serra São Mamede Natural Park, this villa was built in 2006 using high-quality natural materials, and the property was designed with the primary objective of connecting with the surrounding nature.
The house is U-shaped, with a flower-filled patio in the centre, facing the setting sun and offering an impressive view of the plain in the distance. In c
Nestled in the mountainous part of the Serra São Mamede Natural Park, this villa was built in 2006 using high-quality natural materials, and the property was designed with the primary objective of connecting with the surrounding nature.
The house is U-shaped, with a flower-filled patio in the centre, facing the setting sun and offering an impressive view of the plain in the distance. In continuation, we walk through dense vegetation, past numerous relaxation areas, up to a footpath that skirts down the property. On the lower part of the land, there is a field where sit the settlement of a medieval village, including two exceptionally well-preserved graves. The property is entirely enclosed by an old stone wall, and the large granite blocks typical of the region are ubiquitous.
The house is composed of : A central section with the common areas : a large kitchen, a dining room and a living room on the ground floor ; a large open-plan office / lounge under the exposed wooden beams on the first floor, offering breathtaking views through windows running its entire length. All the ground-floor rooms have French doors leading to the central patio. The patio is laid out into several relaxation areas, nestled among flowerbeds and under ornamental trees : a covered porch along the walls, two areas with tables for al fresco dining or drinks, and, heading towards the field, a terrace that the owners call the ’lodge,’ perfect for admiring the landscape and observing wildlife. The ’night’ wing of the house consists of a hallway leading successively to : a bathroom, two bedrooms, and, at the far end, the master suite with its walk-in closet. All bedrooms have French doors opening onto a covered balcony overlooking the garden. The annex, located opposite the ’night’ wing, is the former house converted into a guest house with a small bathroom and a mezzanine. It has two independent entrances : one leading to the patio and the other to the main entrance of the property.
The materials used are of outstanding quality : the rustic style is enhanced by slate flooring ; Canadian pine is used extensively on the doors, windows, shutters, built-in wardrobes, and exposed beams, creating a very cosy atmosphere ; the wall tiles in the kitchen and bathrooms are handcrafted ; etc. ... The insulation is excellent and the equipment is high-quality. There is a radiant wood-burning stove in the living room and underfloor heating throughout the ground and first floors of the main house. This system, along with the 300-liter hot water heat pump, is powered by solar panels. In addition, there are ceiling fans on the ground floor and a reversible air conditioner in the first-floor room. The property is connected to the city’s water and electricity grids. Furthermore, it has two springs, three boreholes and a large cistern at the far end of the garden, where a small gate opens onto the footpath.
Adjoining the house is a large landscaped garden featuring a charming little outdoor lounge, a small round swimming pool with a deck, an outdoor kitchen with a barbecue area and a greenhouse, a vegetable garden, and an orchard. At the far end of the property is a shed for farm equipment. Then, returning to the main entrance of the house from the rear, we find a stone fire pit, other shaded relaxation areas, and finally a carport next to one of the three entrance gates. The house also has a small terrace at the back, perfect for enjoying breakfast in the sun.
This property is exceptional in its beauty, its lush, bucolic vegetation, its numerous relaxation areas, its protected environment, its breathtaking views, and the quality of its construction, all in a decidedly rustic style. I hope to share it with you soon!
It is located a few kilometres from the iconic medieval town of Marvão, on the Spanish border. The small, lively town of Castelo de Vide, with all its shops, administrative offices, and supermarkets, is a 15-minute drive away. The larger city of Portalegre, with its industrial area and university, is 30 minutes away. Energy Rating: B- #ref:ED064