ARCHITECT / ARTIST CONVERTED 17TH C' FARMHOUSE IN WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Mary and Allan were the perfect hosts for our family retreat at this villa perched in the hills overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. We arrived here for some private family time and to enjoy the beaches and surrounding local cultural sites.

For our family of seven adults and three children the villa was the perfect spot to relax while celebrating our son's silver medal performance at the London Olympics and enjoying activities suited to everyone's taste. Mary and Allan were very accommodating, assisting us with recommendations for things to see and do in the local surroundings, to getting medical attention in the nearby local village.

We had two small cars for getting around to the three main beaches and for shopping in the local villages. It worked out well for our large gang. The young adults enjoyed spending most of the day on the beach, while the older adults explored the palace and ruins of the Moor Castle looking down on near-by Sintra. Old and young appreciated the forest-shaded trails directly accessible from behind the villa. They were perfect for early morning jogs and afternoon walks. Driving around on the winding, narrow roads was part of the adventure. For those who like this kind of thrill, a motorcycle is definitely something to consider. Late afternoons we would all meet back at the villa to relax around the poolside and chat about our day's adventures.

The last night we made reservations for dinner at the only restaurant at the Praia da Adraga, our favourite beach. The kids explored the caves while the adults savoured the fresh fish dinner, the wine, and the beautiful sunset. The relaxed, informal atmosphere, along with the out-of-this-world Sea Bass dinner for two, made for a fitting last night together before heading back to Lisbon.

We would highly recommend this location to friends and relatives as a great place for a family retreat in a location that exudes the qualities of a "home-away-from-home." My wife and I stayed in four-star hotels after leaving Mary and Allan's place to sightsee in northern Portugal. Looking back, we have many fond memories of our stay in Portugal, but nothing matched the charm, intimacy and hospitality afforded by this lovingly restored 17th century villa and getting to meet its proud owners.

Our only regret is that the next Olympics are in Rio instead of Lisbon. Otherwise, we would be learning Portuguese to make our return visit that much more rewarding as a cultural adventure.

Nous avons passé deux semaines formidables à la Casa do Celeiro. La maison est très jolie et bien située : à côté de Sintra, avec son parc, ses châteaux et ses quintas magnifiques. Il y a plusieurs belles plages à proximité. Accès facile en 40/50mn à Lisbonne.
Nous étions 3 adultes et 3 enfants (7 et 4 ans). La maison est très bien equipée, avec une belle piscine et une vue sur la mer.
Nous avons donc pu alterner visites/promenades et farniente au bord de la piscine.
Les propriétaires, Mary et Alan sont très agréables , et discrets. Bref, nous recommandons cette maison pour des vacances de rêves!

We had a wonderful time in Casa Do Celeiro: the house is beautiful and perfectly located near Sintra, and at ~ 40/50mn from Lisboa, many beaches nearby. There are many things to enjoy: Sintra, Lisboa, Belem, all the beaches or simply the nice house pool. The house is well equipped, we felt like home.
Mary and Alan, the owners, are really nice and quiet.
To conclude, we do recommend Casa do Celeiro for à perfect holiday stay in Portugal!

Marie-Céline, Steve, Sarah and Juliette from Paris

This was a great place for our New Year's retreat with a family and a couple. The couple stayed in the Annex allowing them to escape our children when they wanted. The house was beautiful and the kitchen was well equipped. Everyone enjoyed the sun room balcony. Alan and Mary, our gracious hosts, were very helpful with suggestions for shops and restaurants in the village and a minor emergency need. The hosts live next door but you would never know it (unless you need help).

The area was perfect for our first trip to Portugal. We took the train into Lisbon one day and made a couple trips to Sintra to see its sights. The kids enjoyed the swimming pool and the beach. The beach was close enough for quick trips. Being January it was too cold for an all day excursion. A car is definitely required.