This is a delightfully green and mountainous part of Portugal with arguably the most diverse scenery anywhere in Europe, and many places of interest, yet unspoiled by mass tourism.

The stone cottage (recently renovated) stands at the very end of a cobbled road on the edge of a crazy little hillside hamlet, only about 10 – 12 minutes’ drive from shops and restaurants. All you are likely to hear are birdsong and the gentle rush of the cascades. The views (house faces south-west) are gorgeous. It has two bedrooms, one on the ground floor (with bunk beds) the other (double bed) on the upper floor, right next to the shower room. The upper bedroom has a veranda overlooking the grounds and the heart-stopping view down the valley to the hills beyond. All rooms have electric oil-filled radiators with timer switches.

The kitchen and sitting room are open plan. Facilities include: satellite TV; DVD player; portable hi-fi; games and books; log-burning fire (wood provided); microwave; fitted hob and oven; fridge/freezer; coffee maker; kettle; toaster; ironing; hair dryer; and of course cutlery, pots and pans, glassware etc. You also have free use of our washing machine, in an outhouse just across the patio, plus two mountain bikes.

Outside (and exclusive to the cottage) are a large patio with tables and chairs, barbecue, petanque court, 12-metre swimming pool. This is as natural as a pool can be: spring-fed and with a foot-friendly shingle bottom, water passes from the spring through 600 metres of black piping, so that on a sunny day it pours out warm water to the pool (which is also in the full sun). So no chlorine, pumps, or boring tiles! While the water is always clear, please note that, just like a natural river, in high summer it may take on a slightly greenish tint, not unlike very weak tea. This is perfectly harmless, and should not spoil your enjoyment.

Special mention must be made of the gardens, which are truly magical: an acre- and-a-half of little terraces, big rocks, winding pathways and a pond, bounded along about 120 metres by a series of cascades which tumble a total of almost 40 metres within the grounds - only slightly less than Niagara! That’s why the lower reaches of the gardens are not suitable for the elderly/infirm or unsupervised toddlers.

This is one of the most privileged spots in the region, if not Portugal, and the owner likes to share it rather than screw extra out of visitors. That's why the rental is very average, with a generous welcome hamper thrown in.