Architect / artist converted 17th C' farmhouse in World Heritage Site

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Cottage (3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms) accommodates 6 people.
Casa do Celeiro was discovered by its architect / artist owners in 1980. It was a ruin which had been the stable/barn of a 'quinta'(manor house and farm). The main attractions of the site were its views of the Serra and the sea and its seclusion and intimacy due to being a courtyard built into a hill. The house today has the same basic format but is now suitable for self-catering groups of up to 6 plusbaby. There is an 8m dia. pool at the top of the property and a stone terrace with pergola and large garden in front of the Cottage. The Cottage has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a large sit-in conservatory on the upper level with view to a private courtyard. The kitchen / living room are on the ground floor. The house is comfortably furnished and although not luxurious it is charming and comfortable. The tranquil setting, fabulous views of sea and hills and close proximity to Almoçageme the local village make this property a magnificent retreat. Winter months in Sintra are known for their coolness and dampness and our house although equipped with storage heaters in bedrooms and living room as well as an effective fan assisted woodburning fireplace (living room) may not be ideal for those who are used to underfloor heating or other amenities. We are in a microclimate and humidity can be on the high side from time to time.

Art Courses: The owners live on site in separate quarters. Mary works as an artist and offers short courses from time to time. Guests may be interested in participating in the drawing & painting or etching courses and are encouraged to indicate their interest when booking.
Mary is a painter and a printer. Please ask owners for their website for more details / photos of house, courses, and area.
Piano: there is an old upright piano (Hoffmann) in the Cottage living room which although slightly out of tune and with worn keys is quite ok for sight reading and composing but not for recitals.

Owners' Background: Alan who is British worked as an architect in London at BDP (Building Design Partnership). He qualified at the AA (Architectural Association). When he moved to Portugal he opened an architectural office in Cascais in 1980. He retired in 1992. Many of his watercolour paintings are in the Cottage as well as his stainless steel sculptures on the grounds. Sadly, Alan passed away in early 2024. Mary, American, also worked as an architect, having completed her diploma at the Central London Poly (now Westminster College). She also has degrees in Art History, International Education and painting and etching. She was head of the Art Department at St. Julian's School in Lisbon and runs art workshops in her studio from time to time. She exhibits her work regularly.

Golf, tennis, beaches: Several golf courses within 20 minute drive. Beloura is considered the best golf course for tourists as it has a more open and friendly atmosphere. Tennis and water sports within 10 minutes. 3 beaches within 5-10 minutes drive: Praias (beach) das Maças, Adraga and Grande all have restaurants and cafes on waterfront / Guincho Beach (15 minutes drive) has international surfing / wind surfing and excellent up market restaurants / can recommend a surf school

A Biker’s Paradise
One of the major advantages of the positioning of our house is that it is right in the Serra de Sintra with splendid views up and down the Lisbon coast. For a mountain biker this is very advantageous as we are at the entrance of one the mountain roads so you can ride directly into the Serra. From this road there are many dirt paths to take you deeper into the Serra. A dog and cat on the premises.

Check in: As I live in a separate wing of the property I like to greet guests and explain all the details personally. I am available if necessary but otherwise like to give the guests their privacy.