Encosta do Sobreiro

A Modern Mountain House on the Skirts of Serra da Estrela Park

Encosta do Sobreiro translates from Portuguese as “hillside of the cork oak,” and this property on a 2.5-hectare mountain village of Vila Soeiro do Chão, with its bounty of the rotund evergreens, is true to its name. Yet, there is so much more to it. Designed by on-the-verge architects Bernardo Castro and Filipe Gonçalves, the 2020-completed reconstruction of an old country house brings you into the fresh air with comfort and modernity. 

Lounge in the saltwater pool, take a hike in the mountains, or stroll the village. This is a place to clear your mind so that what emerges – birdsong, breeze or creative impulse – may find its rightful space.  

This vacation rental in Portugal, when rented in its entirety, can accommodate up to 15 guests, making it a perfect stay for groups or families.

The main two-story house has four bedrooms, two with en-suite bathrooms and two with regular bathrooms with showers. These rooms have hairdryers, TVs and wardrobes. You may request a baby cot or travel bed. This home also has two kitchens, two living and dining areas with two wood stoves, dining tables and chairs, two sofas, and two televisions. 

This house can be split into two separate units that each sleep five guests:

Casa da Lareira, a two-bedroom, two-bathroom house with a fully-equipped kitchen and living and dining area.

Casa do Postigo, also a two-bedroom, two-bathroom house with a fully-equipped kitchen and living and dining area.

A new home, Casa de Socalco, was added in 2022. This separate unit sleeps an additional 5 guests in two bedrooms, with one bathroom.

Shared amenities for all guests of the property include private parking, a saltwater swimming pool and water mirror pool, 5-a-Side football field, volleyball court, certified children playground, a ping pong table, turnball, outdoor Tic-Tac-Toe, and board games.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Amenities available (for an additional fee) are bike rental for adults and children, and guided visits to the historical villages and fishing excursions. Laundry service is also available for a fee.

THE SCULPTURE OF RUINS

The rural Guarda and Beira regions of central Portugal are located under the Serra da Estrela in a remote section between the Douro and the Tejo rivers that stretches from the Atlantic Coast all the way to the Spanish border. Dotted with well preserved ancient villages and the country's highest mountain ranges, it’s a quieter, less-traveled area to explore and is famous for the Dao vineyards.

Fornos de Algodres is a tiny mountain town with views of the Mondego River Valley, cobblestone streets and a vast historical and archeological heritage, with ceremonial sites and fortified settlements from the Bronze, Middle and Neolithic Ages. 

Don’t miss the centuries-old Sao Mateus Fair in August with artists, crafts, music and food that lasts for up to a month. The highest town in Portugal with fortifications dating back to the 12th century, the city of Guarda is a 30-minute drive and the medieval cities of Coimbra and Conímbriga with the most famous Roman ruins in Portugal, are a 90-minute drive. Other nearby treasures include the ancient atmosphere of the village of Celorico da Beira, with its impressive castle and solitary standing stone. The Atlantic coast is a one-hour drive west.  

LOCATION

Fornos de Algodres, Portugal. Nearest Airport: Porto Francisco Sa Carneiro (175km) .

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Year-round. The property is located in the mountains and has a small ski resort close by.