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Photo GallerySituated about 35 kms south of Lisbon in the Arrabida hills and only 10 kms from beautiful beaches.
GENERAL DESCRIPTIONAs you leave the village of Vila Nogueira de Azeitão and follow the winding road up to ‘Casa da Arrábida’ the feeling is one of leaving civilization and becoming one with Nature. The house is surrounded by greenery and with a wonderful view over a wooded valley. There are a few other houses around, but they are unobtrusive – blending in with the scenery, enjoying their privacy and respecting yours.
The house itself is built on the hillside and is distributed over three levels. On the lower level is the fully-equipped kitchen and dining area, which opens onto the barbecue terrace area and the garden with swimming pool. The middle floor, with the main entrance door, has a cosy living room, the main bedroom, with adjacent children’s room, and the bathroom. The upper floor has a double and a twin bedroom and a small wc.
The style of the house is rustic and homely, decorated in the local style and is well equipped. The house is set in about 4 acres of land which includes a well maintained garden with pool and a semi-wild area planted with the local vegetation including citrus trees, cork oaks, olive trees, pines and oaks.
The owners of ‘Casa da Arrábida’ are a professional couple who work in Lisbon and use the house for relaxation with their family at weekends and holidays. They will willingly assist you with any information you may need. Cristina’s excellent taste is evident in the décor which combines rustic charm with comfort, and leaves you with the feeling that you are stepping into a much-loved family home.
GUEST FACILITIESLower Floor: fully equipped kitchen, all electric, with dining area to seat 8 people, with plates, cutlery and glassware. Equipment includes Dishwasher, Cooker, Microwave, Fridge, Freezer, Washing machine, Kettle, Toaster, Iron.
Middle Floor: Main entrance into Lounge with seating for 5, with log fire, DVD player, TV, Video player, Satellite TV. Main bedroom with double bed and adjacent child’s room with single bed. Bathroom.
Upper Floor: 1 double and 1 twin bedroom, wc.
There is a cot, a high chair, stair gates, a baby bath and night lights available for young children.
House is centrally heated, and all linen and bathroom towels are provided.
Maid service by arrangement.
The garden has shady terrace with outdoor table, barbecue, lawn and garden chairs and a 6 x 4 metre pool. The pool area is fenced off for the safety of young children.
There is private parking on the drive outside the house.
PAYMENT CONDITIONS
A non-refundable deposit of 25% of the booking value is requested to secure the reservation, with the balance payable one week in advance of the start of the rental period. Payment can be made by bank transfer.
CANCELLATION POLICYIn the event of cancellation within 6 weeks of the reserved date, the deposit payment is non-refundable.
COMMENTSThe minimum booking period is 3 nights, or one week in high season. There is no fixed changeover day.
LOCAL INFORMATIONThe house is located in the Serra de Arrabida Natural Park where there are many opportunities for walking. The nearest village, Vila Nogueira de Azeitão, has many shops, supermarkets, butchers, Pharmacy, bakery, post office. Here you can also visit the local winery, and sample the famous local cheese ‘Queijo de Azeitão’ and the ‘Tortas’ a famous local cake in the form of a mini roll with orange filling.
The Arrabida coast has some very scenic beaches, with the majestic hills forming a green backdrop to the white sand and azure waters. The nearest beach is 10 kms by road.
Visit the castles of Setúbal and Palmela, the local wineries, and the Roman ruins in Troia. In September the local town of Palmela has a wine harvest festival, and Setúbal celebrates the Santiago Fair at the end of July /beginning of August each year.
Visit the local town of Setúbal with its bustling fishing port, or the nearby fishing village of Sesimbra and sample the freshly caught fish and seafood.
Nature
Birdwatching
Dolphin-watching
In Setúbal take a boat trip on the river Sado to see Portugal’s resident breeding colony of dolphins
Sport
Golf
See below for details of nearby golf courses.
Scuba diving
The waters off the Arrabida coast are very popular with divers and for underwater fishing.
Surfing
Walking
There are many trails through the Arrabida natural park, offering opportunities to observe wildlife with wonderful views to the sea or across to Lisbon in the distance.
Name of course: Aroeira
Distance from accommodation: About 30 kms (40 minutes)
Comments: This 18 hole course is set amongst an area of pine trees. It holds many Portuguese tournaments and charity events and has played host to the Portuguese Open.
Name of course: Montado
Distance from accommodation: About 15 kms (20 minutes)
Comments: Located close to the historic town of Palmela and surrounded by vineyards and oak trees, this course offers wide fairways and many elevated greens.
Name of course: Quinta do Peru
Distance from accommodation: 6 kms (10 minutes)
Comments: This course is set in an area known for its quality wine and cheeses. It has been designed for amateurs but has been known to challenge even the professionals in parts!
Name of course: Troia
Distance from accommodation: About 20 kms, including a short ferry journey from Setúbal.
Comments: Your drive here includes a short but picturesque ferry ride across to the Troia peninsular from the docks at Setúbal. This course is set in an area of outstanding natural beauty amidst sand dunes and pine trees. Breathtaking views can be enjoyed across the long stretches of beach to the blue of the Atlantic beyond. This is a challenging course. The first hole is a par 5 with a green protected by 8 bunkers!
