Situated in the beautiful Vale de Rodam, near Marvao and Castelo de Vide and within the Sao Mamede Natural Park, Montinho Cottage has 2 comfortable double bedrooms with bathrooms, an open-plan fully equipped kitchen and indoor and outdoor eating and sitting areas, and shady patio with barbecue.
Montinho combines comfort and a charming rustic Alentejo style. Outside there is a large saline swimming pool with green lawns and a garden, and many peaceful corners to read a book and dine al-fresco.
The main Lemon Tree Suite is furnished with hand-painted pine furniture and has a very comfortable double bed and ensuite bathroom. Double doors open onto a private patio with stunning views of Vale de RodĂŁo and MarvĂŁo castle.
The twin Cherry Tree Suite features red Alentajana hand-painted furniture, a separate bathroom with a Raindance shower. There is space for an additional bed if needed and 2 cots are also available.
All rooms have ample space for additional beds if needed and 2 cots are also available.
The cottage has a fully equipped open-plan kitchen, a dining area with a wooden dining table and a comfortable sitting area with a log burner - a shaded patio area with wooden tables and chairs, a charcoal barbecue provides a perfect spot for outdoor meals.
Freshly laundered towels and bed linen are provided on a weekly basis. A complimentary welcome pack is provided on arrival including a bottle of local wine, freshly baked bread, fresh fruit and home grown organic olive oil. Firewood is provided in the winter and there is full central heating.
Amenities provided : electric hob/stove - oven - fridge/freezer - microwave - dish washer - DVD player - wifi internet - cable TV - central heating - wood burning stove - cots. A separate utility room has a washing machine, tumble drier and ironing facilities.
Activities: Birdwatching:
Guests at Raza will be given advice on the best spots in the area to see the different bird species, and you can arrange with Peter to go on a guided tour. A half day trip will cost you the price of the fuel and lunch! You can see a wide range of birds including egrets, vultures, eagles, great and lesser bustard, black-shouldered kite, azure-winged magpie, hoopoe, blue rock-thrush, bee-eaters and many more.
Walking:
Walking the medieval tracks through the hills is a must, and we will provide you with details. Some tracks start from the house.
Guided walks can be organised as well as self-guided walking maps and notes, with lunches or picnics.
Mountain biking:
There are 8 mountain-bikes for guests use. The area has many quiet tracks to explore, and maps and advice can be given.
Cycling:
This area is very suitable for serious cycling with good road surfaces, quiet traffic free roads, good and long hill climbs and all amongst the wonderful scenery of the Sao Mamede hills, combined with a good climate and delicious local food and wines.
We can meet groups with their own equipment at Lisbon airport with a minibus and provide backup as required.
Swimming - besides the swimming pool a stones throw from your room, river bathing is available on the River Sever at Portagem and at various lakes in the area, the most convenient being Apartadura (6km) and Barragem do PĂłvoa (10km). There are superb municipal swimming pools at Castelo de Vide including an indoor heated pool.
Fishing - Bass and Carp fishing on the Caia and Apartadura lakes. Private fishing can be arranged on a 4 hectare Alfarofia lake near Elvas where the Portuguese record carp was caught this year, weighing 24kgs or 52 lbs! You will need a licence which can be obtained in Portalegre.
Horse Riding - Cordero the mule and Improvisto the donkey are residents of Raza and Montinho properties and can be ridden to explore the farm. Riding can be organized locally and a visit to the National Horse Stud at Alter do ChĂŁo cannot be missed.
Rock climbing and abseiling under supervision can be arranged nearby.
