Torre da Giesteira

A Storied Country House on a Vast Estate

This home was created with the motto: "viver com vagar". Translated from Portuguese literally, it means "live with wandering". But translated on an emotional level, it asks you to slow right down and focus on doing the things you love with the people you love. And that's what you are invited to do here.

The first thing you notice about this villa for rent in Portugal is that it is built around a tower. Constructed in the late 15th century by António de Mira Sobrinho, it was left to his family who later added on the adjacent structures. Four centuries later, the property was sold to the Counts of Sarmento, and a convent by the name of Recolhimento Nossa Senhora da Conceição was built next to it. A few years later in 1901, it again changed hands, this time to a farming family whose descendants still own it today. The house forms part of their 240-hectare farm estate, which is sprinkled with typical Alentejo oak groves and ancient olive trees, and surrounded by the natural expanse of the Serra de Monfurado.

As a result, there's a whole world to explore right where you are. The house itself is spacious, with five bedrooms, several living areas, a dining room, and a large kitchen. It's simply furnished with antique country pieces, including a lovely clawfoot tub, as well as touches of modern humor. We love the soft colors, the tiling on the kitchen floor and the fireplace, as well as the shuttered windows that look out across the grounds.

In addition to all the outdoor spaces, which include a vast pool and patio where you can swim by day and dine under the stars at night, guests are welcome to explore the gardens, visit the farm, have a picnic, or book a massage under the boughs of the olive trees. If you want to leave the property, the countryside is great for exploring, and your hosts are happy to help with bookings at nearby restaurants and other activities.

AROUND

This villa for rent in Portugal is located in the Alentejo, 90 minutes by car from Lisbon. It's a region that is rich in history and culture and home to many unique towns and castles of historical interest. The village of Arraiolos with its narrow, neatly lined streets, whitewashed architecture, and artisan shops is a charming example of authentic rural life, while the walled town of Estremoz has long been the site of the Rossio Marquês de Pombalone, one of Portugal’s finest markets. The tiny walled village of Monsaraz is a sleepy hilltop town with commanding views of the nearby Alqueva Lake and a short drive away are the fascinating and not-to-be-missed UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Evora and Elvas. 

The entire region is an important frontier district with remnants of both Moorish and late 16th-century battlements and fortifications, including the fascinating megalithic complex of Almendres Cromlech. The beautiful Atlantic Coast and Comporta Beach are just over an hour to the west, making them comfortable day trips.

LOCATION

Foros da Carvalha, Alentejo, Portugal. Nearest airports: Badajoz (60 miles), Lisbon (65 miles).

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through fall.