Monte Azaruja

For those unfamiliar with inland Alentejo — its gentle hills and melancholic stillness — arriving at this estate feels like stepping into a quiet, private paradise. Cypress-lined at the entrance and surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, the property stretches across 16 acres, centred around a traditional Alentejo house with thick whitewashed walls and a touch of understated feminine charm.

True to regional architecture, the house stands calm and confident, blending bright whites with soft curves and the muted warmth of faded pink tones. The main living room, with deep sofas clustered around a fireplace, is made for long, easy evenings. There's also a relaxed reading room with books, magazines and a television. Meals take place around a large round table that seats ten — a setting made for unhurried dining and lingering conversations.

The spacious kitchen, painted in a gentle shade of blue, is well-equipped and inviting, with a cosy breakfast nook that encourages slow mornings and home-cooked pleasures.

There are four bedrooms, each one thoughtfully decorated with a mix of simplicity and quiet elegance. Two have double beds (160 x 200 cm), one has twin beds, and the last — perfect for families — offers twin beds and a mezzanine with room for two additional children. The layout includes two en-suite bathrooms (one with a large shower, another with a bathtub), a shared bathroom and a separate guest toilet.

The soul of the estate truly comes alive outside. A grassy meadow stretches towards a pool flanked by loungers, and shaded corners under the arched veranda roof invite stillness and daydreams. The outdoor dining table, seating up to 20, suggests long lunches beneath the vast Alentejo sky. Stone benches, outdoor sofas and armchairs are scattered throughout the garden, ready for books, tea or a glass of local wine.

The setting is private and carefully maintained, with a fenced garden, electric gate and on-site parking. While not ideal for guests with limited mobility, it’s a perfect hideaway for those in search of authenticity, serenity, and an immersion into the rhythms of rural Portugal. Cosy in winter, glorious in spring and summer.

The surrounding area is rich in charm: picturesque whitewashed towns like Estremoz, Évora, Monsaraz and Arraiolos are well worth exploring.