Quinta da Vila Maria is a former wine merchant’s country house, winery and vineyard located in the beautiful and unspoilt countryside of the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park, near to the historic towns of Portalegre, Marvão and Castelo de Vide. Sympathetically restored this unique house now provides 1 and 2 bedroom B&B; holiday apartments with modern and comfortable facilities, whilst still retaining the original Art deco influences and other period features such as the beautiful floor tiles, wooden shutters and high ceilings. The property is officially licensed by the Ministry of Tourism of Portugal as a Turismo Rural – Casa de Campo. Our 2-bedroom apartment “Hoiho” is for 4 guests and has wonderful panoramic views over the vineyard and across the valley. It has two double bedrooms – one with a large double bed (1.6 x 2m) and the other with twin single beds, two en-suite bathrooms both with walk-in showers, a living/dining area with comfortable sofa and easy chair, dining table and seating for four, TV and free WiFi, and a well equipped kitchenette with fridge with freezer compartment, hob/stovetop and microwave oven/grill. It is bright, furnished to a high standard and contains everything you need for a comfortable holiday, including bed linen, kitchen linen and towels.
Continental breakfast, including fresh fruit, cereals and homemade marmalade, is provided every day in your apartment so you can have breakfast at any time you want, either in your apartment or outside on the front patio. There are also tea and coffee making facilities in the apartment.The large patio at the front of the house is the perfect place for breakfast as it gets the morning sun. There is another terrace next to the water fonte with beautiful views over the vineyard and across the valley. Here you can relax in the shade of the palm tree and listen to the gentle burbling of clear spring water into the fonte, birdsong and the animated croaking of the frogs, all accompanied by the occasional background murmur of sheep bells.
The house is set in 7½ acres/3 hectares of flat land separated into an organic, traditional vineyard and pasture. The vineyard is still in production and we grow organic grapes for a local winemaker. Many of the vines are very old and grow in the traditional Portuguese way, like a bush. In early spring, after pruning, they look like sculptures, all gnarled and twisted, an interesting study for those who like drawing or painting. The adega, which is now our reception, still has the original adobe pots which were used to make the red wine.
We have many olive trees amongst the vines and on the land, one of which is in the region of 1000-2000 years old, so you’re sure to find a shady spot to sit on a hot summer’s afternoon. There are also cork, orange, apple, pear, fig and walnut trees. Animals and birds regularly seen around the Quinta include lizards, geckos, frogs, treecreepers, little owls, blackcaps, bee-eaters, hoopoes and cattle egrets. Guests are very welcome to walk around the Quinta’s land and enjoy the restful atmosphere.
The barns and other outbuildings are largely undisturbed and are full of old agricultural implements and wine making equipment. We are happy to show guests round and share some of the history of this remarkable house.
We live at Quinta da Vila Maria so we can offer you our personal attention throughout your stay. Whether you need directions to somewhere, advice on the best restaurants or just fancy a friendly chat at the end of the day, we are here when you need us, there in the background when you don’t.