Moinho do Montado – Boutique Home

Architect Luís Pereira Miguel Rescues Ancient Watermills In The Alentejo

Just north of the UNESCO town of Evora in Portugal's rural Alentejo, this cluster of ancient watermills lies in a remote and largely undiscovered region of peaceful countryside.

Named "Most Tasteful Renovation" in Monocle's Travel Top 50 Awards for 2017 and featured in Wallpaper, Archilovers, Architizer and Archdaily among others, the property was discovered by a Lisbon based couple and restored in partnership with Portuguese architect Luís Pereira Miguel. An impulsive passion project, the property was designed as an homage to how people once lived and retains all of its original features.

Carefully restoring the ancient structures to retain their authenticity, the ancient stone, timbered ceilings, and whitewashed limestone appear much as they were when originally built, with subtle modern updates and amenities. Furnished with traditional handcrafted decor and a minimal aesthetic, the effect is simple, serene, and charming.

The property's awards include, among others:

Recognition of Excellence Award, Hotels Combined, 2021

Guesthouse of the Year Award, Travel & Hospitality Awards, 2021

Best Project of the Year, One of the Most Loved, Archilovers, 2020

Excellence in Service Award, Travel & Hospitality Awards, 2019

Most Tasteful Renovation, first call on 'design' category @Monocle Travel Top 50 - Awards

The house consists of three original structures and one new villa. It is set on a two-acre plot among hundreds of hectares of untouched cork-oak forests (montados), which are yours to explore on bike or foot. There is a three-bedroom house with an ensuite master bedroom and two additional bedrooms with a shared bath, and two smaller houses that each include one suite. The largest house has a terrace that connects to the swimming pool and offers a large living room and dining area, along with a fully equipped kitchen. Designed for hosting families, or groups, the property can accommodate up to 10 guests.

Surrounded by centennial olive trees, megalithic rock formations (including a megalithic stone carving of a woman's profile), and a babbling stream, the property was intentionally kept slightly wild and natural and includes a beach-like swimming pool for cooling off in summer. When night falls, the visibility conditions are like no other place in the south of Europe for stargazing.    

Additional features

A long-term housekeeper comes every day excluding Sunday to clean and can also prepare local foods by request.

The home has a glass-walled Finnish sauna, a fire pit in the megalithic rocks, bicycles and a Tesla electric car charger. Tennis and traditional padel courts are located nearby, and padel equipment is available at the home for guest use.

Around

This rural section of the Alentejo region is rich in history and culture and home to tranquil landscapes and many unique towns and castles of historical interest. The nearby 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 just a half-hour east has long been the site of the Rossio Marquês de Pombalone, one of Portugal’s finest markets. 

The Alentejo is a world-class wine region, with several renowned vineyards an easy drive from the property offering tours and tastings.

The small, fortifited city of Evora is about a half hour's drive south of the property and is famed for its architecture, Roman ruins, and excellent restaurants. The tiny walled village of Monsaraz is a sleepy hilltop town with commanding views of the nearby Alqueva Lake and a short drive south 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. Lisbon is just an hour's drive to the west as are the beautiful Atlantic Coast and Comporta Beach.      

Location

Sabugueiro, Evora, Portugal. Nearest airport: Lisbon Portela (120km)  

Best time to visit

Year round