Rural Alentejo Hideaway

The Monte do vale does what the Alentejo region of Portugal does best – rural simplicity and authenticity. In this case you can also add 106 hectares of Holm Oaks and a small man-made lake to the equation. Though the setting may be unpretentious it is certainly idyllic and comfortable.

The traditional architecture of the “Monte” means thick white walls to protect the hot sun, though another form of protection would be to jump into the salt water swimming pool. All seven rooms, decorated in a simple contemporary manner, open out onto the very same pool which is in many ways the centre of the house given the climate. We will bet you'll spend much of your time around the pool taking in the beautiful aromas of the region.

Other activities, though, include horseback riding, cycling and even clay pigeon shooting nearby.