Eight traditionally restored rooms in a country house that doubles as an organic farm, hidden in a secret corner of Portugal, just 45 minutes from Lisbon, yet in the middle of a Natural Park.
This is a wonderful place for those who love the outdoors, nature and are happy to see the Reino’s two (well-behaved!) dogs roaming around. Gabriela and Fernando finally stopped travelling in 1994 and bought the land where the Quinta do Rio Touro now sits. Careers in the diplomatic service had given them the idea of finally putting down roots and they couldn’t have chosen a more beautiful spot to do it.
A close by National Park, a World Heritage Site, a dilapidated and run-down farm with beautiful terrain on the edge of the Serra da Sintra, years of careful restoration, beautiful beaches and a cute little village nearby and the Reino family have really come up trumps.
There are eight rooms in all; most of the suites have small lounge areas or terraces and are designed in such a way that if the only thing you want to do is get far, far away from it all then you should probably come here. The main house, which includes the library, swimming pool and three of the suites, also has a lovely lounge area with an open fire for the cooler months. Two further suites and a double bedroom can be found in the guest house, 100m away from the main building and immersed in the organic orchards.
The guest house can only be booked entirely for those who want the entire family to appreciate the Quinta’s charms. Gabriela and Fernando are perfectly happy if you wish to pick your own organic breakfast from the thousands of fruit trees on the estate though if you prefer to sleep while someone else does the dirty work you can also enjoy your breakfast on the patio or on your balcony.
The village of Azoia is just a five-minute walk away and plenty of restaurants that specialize in fish, shellfish and the barbecue-grilled meats typical of Portugal.
The rooms are as follows:
Main House Azenha (Family Suite) This luxury suite has a double bed, spa-bath, separate dressing room with sofa bed for up to two children if they’re coming along. Small living room, terrace overlooking the gardens and swimming pool. Balcony with views towards the Serra da Sintra and down to the valley.
Açoteia (Junior Suite) The Açoteia room has a twin bedded room, en suite bathroom, and terrace overlooking the gardens and swimming pool.
Biblioteca (Family Suite) The Biblioteca room has a double room with bathroom as well as a living room with a sofa bed for up to 2 children. Views towards the valley with the sea in the distance.
Mira Rio (Double Room) Large Double with views over the gardens and down to the valley. Casa das Hortas (The Garden House)
Limão (Family Suite) The Limão features one twin bedded room and a small lounge with a sofa bed for up to two children. En suite bathroom. Large terrace and views towards the valley with the sea in the distance.
Lima (Twin) Twin bedded room with ensuite bathroom, large living room with open fire, dining room, well-equipped kitchenette and a patio in front. Dai-Nippon (Double room) An oriental styled room with a small terrace.
Laranja (Family room) A large room with one double bed and two beds suitable for children.