With a 10-day stay in view we had intended to explore the area, but liked the property so much we stayed put most of the time. A beautiful house, simply and charmingly decorated with old Portuguese things, and comfortable beds. There is even a projector for watching DVDs, and the kitchen has every implement anyone might need to prepare a feast every night (which we did). The pool is enchanting - fed by the spring so very refreshing even on the hottest day - and the garden is a paradise of fruiting trees. We loved being able to eat fresh lemons and walnuts. There are plenty of games to keep the most energetic group happy too. We made full use of the chess and the badminton. Only two things occasionally threatened our tranquillity - the barking of a neighbour's dog, not incessant, thankfully, and the sound of the motorway over the horizon which we noticed on windless days. Overall, though, the sheer beauty of the place minimised these minor irritations. Plus Duarte, the owner, who visited a few times to check on the water in the pool, was kindness personified. He even provided an old guitar for our singer-songerwriter son to use, and then returned with a set of new strings for it. Thankyou again, Duarte!