Casa Branca
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About the home
Casa Branca - This property with stunning views situated in the small mountainside village of Salgueiro da Lomba near the charming town of Figueiró dos Vinhos.This 100 year old house has recently been beautifully and lovingly restored by designer Robert Conway together with a team of local craftsmen using traditional materials. Being built on a hillside it is afforded spectacular views over the valley and mountains beyond.
Throughout the house the floor is tiled with traditional terracotta, the walls are smooth white plaster and the ceilings are painted wood with traditional beams. The whole is lit by dimmer controlled spotlights.
The three bedrooms, one of which is en-suite are situated on the ground floor; two of which have French doors opening onto a covered patio with steps down to the courtyard. Also on this floor is the large family shower/bathroom plus the utility/laundry area. A large open staircase leads to the large stunning, living/kitchen area with French doors opening on to a huge veranda with fantastic views over the valley and mountains beyond. On the veranda is also a built in BBQ and an open staircase leading down to the large courtyard. Off this there are steps to a garden and grassed area which in turn leads to the beautiful 15mx10m chemical free/natural Eco-swimming pool surrounded by exotic water plants.
Should you require more information about the village, Eco Pool, surrounding area and beyond.
Please see our private website Central Portugal Village Rentals.
| Size: | Sleeps up to 8, 3 bedrooms |
|---|---|
| Nearest beach: | Figueira da Foz, 40km |
| Will consider: | Long lets Short breaks |
| Access: | Car advised Nearest amenities: 5km |
| Family friendly? | Suitable for over 5s only Unsuitable for people with restricted mobility |
| Notes: | May take pets - please enquire No smoking at this property |
Facilities
| Luxuries: | Log fire, Internet access, DVD player, Boat available for guest use |
|---|---|
| Pool: | Shared outdoor pool (unheated) |
| General: | TV, Video player, CD player, Satellite TV, Wi-fi available |
| Standard: | Kettle, Toaster, Iron, Hair dryer |
| Utilities: | Dishwasher, Cooker, Microwave, Fridge, Freezer, Washing machine |
| Rooms: | 3 Bedrooms, 2 bathrooms of which 1 family bathroom and 1 en suite |
| Furniture: | Sofabeds (1), Single beds (2), Double beds (2), Dining seating for 8, Lounge seating for 10 |
| Other: | Linen and towels provided |
| Outdoors: | Shared outdoor pool (unheated), Balcony / Terrace, Private garden, BBQ, Bicycles available |
| Access: | Parking space |
Further details indoors:
Whilst this house is equipped to a high standard there is the added advantage of an owner living in the same small village, therefore any additional requirements can normally readily be fulfilled.
For those enjoying cooler times of the year there are two wood burning stoves and electric/ oil heaters in the bedrooms.
Further details outdoors:
In addition to the private garden there is for your use a large grassed area surrounding the fabulous Eco swimming pool. The open countryside adjoins this pretty village making for delightful walking straight from your doorstep.
Wonderful fresh bread is delivered to the village most mornings.
For more information the village, Eco Pool, surrounding area and beyond.
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Further details
Rental Policy:
Whilst we do not recommend this accommodation for children under five mainly due to steps/ stairs and hillside location we are willing to consider any variation and can accommodate babies and make available a cot.
If you require we are quite willing to shop and stock your kitchen with basics, at cost.
For those staying more than one week there is a full cleaning and laundry service included in the price and additional cleaning services can be made available.
We do not allow house towels to be taken to the pool or the beach and suggest that you bring your own beach towels although we do have a few available at laundry cost.
When using the Eco swimming pool it is essential that water resistant sun cream is used to avoid unsightly eco unfriendly oil film.
Our Mission Statement – if we have forgotten to provide anything, we will in reason correct this with all due haste.
Guest Book: All entries shown on this site are accurate copies from our in house guest book.
Conditions
- smokers welcome in exterior areas only.
The Costa de Prata/Silver Coast/Central Portugal region
Whilst Holiday Lettings show our location as Costa de Prata the more accurate positioning is the Pinhal Interior Norte area of Central Portugal in fact if you stuck a pin in the central of a map of Portugal you would be hard to miss us.
The small mountainside village of Salgueiro da Lomba (Willows on the Hill) with its stunning views near the charming town of Figueiró dos Vinhos, has five properties rebuilt by English designer Robert Conway who over the last few years, together with a small team of local craftsmen has lovingly restored these properties. One of the properties, Casa da Lomba has been featured in Portugal's leading house design magazine, Casas de Portugal. With the village situated in the very centre of this beautiful country its location offers a great jumping off point to explore so much that Central Portugal has to offer. Lisbon and Porto are approximately one and a half hours by car or train from the local station, 20 minutes away, thereby making daytrips easy and overnight stays need not be expensive. The trains are great and very inexpensive. For those wishing to potter locally there are a wealth of interest and activities. The Costa de Prata (Silver Coast) is an easy 40mins drive and has mile after mile of golden sand backed with pine clad dunes. Beira Litoral the old name of this region which spans inland as far as Pedrogão Grande and adjoins there the old regions of Beira Alta and Beira Baixa, all three areas are now known as Central Portugal. The west of the region contains more or less flat countryside and then gradually climbs eastwards as far as the spectacular Serra da Estrela, Portugal’s highest mountains with a peak of just under 2000m, and this just two and a half hours away.
Should you require more information about the village, Eco Pool, surrounding area and beyond, our private website link address will be supplied on request.
The Figueiro dos Vinhos area
SOME IDEAS OF WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER
Our nearest town is Avelar (5km) offering the essentials and for supermarkets you have Ansiao (15 mins) and Pombal (30mins) together with mainline railway station. Figueiró dos Vinhos (15 mins) the local administration centre has a great Saturday market plus supermarkets, and its backstreets are worth a wander.
Locally is the historic world heritage city of Tomar (30 mins) plus, Batalha (60 mins) Alcobaça (90 mins) and Òbidos the charming medieval walled city (90mins) deserve a visit. Then there is Coimbra (45mins) Portugal’s University City with Conimbriga, Portugal’s Pompei on route. The countryside in this area and eastwards is cloaked with a variety of trees including eucalyptus, cork oaks, mimosas, wild cherry, sweet chestnuts and pine making for a heady mixture.
Activities in the area:
ACTIVITIES / NATURE / RELAXATION
Sensational Rock pool swimming (10 mins) Numerous River swimming with sandy beaches. Municipal indoor pool (15 mins), Water parks (30 mins), Horse/ Donkey riding, Fishing / sea and river, Sailing, Canoeing / Kayaking, Mountain biking, Cycling, Rock climbing, 4x4 off-roading/ Quads, Paintball, Rope rappel, Golf (60mins),
Walking/Hiking, Bird watching, Fauna / Flora, Painting / Photography, Tennis,
Sea sports / great winds and waves, Motor Launch river trips (including towed doughnut and lunch stop off)
The alternative being just a rural / countryside / beach relaxation) Reiki /Massage, Aromatherapy,
So if you are looking for stimulation of both body and mind this area offers all.
All of the above and more can be arranged.
VENUE FOR ‘ALL SEASONS’
Most people when considering Portugal for a holiday think Summer / Algarve. Having lived in Central Portugal for many years we have discovered that this country has so much more to offer, and having made our home in the very centre of this beautiful country we know that we have so much that is an offer on my doorstep.
Yes HIGH SUMMER is great but there are the wonderful periods of SPRING and AUTUMN which offer very different types of vacation. ‘GOOD WEATHER’ normally starts in APRIL and MAY can be so lovely, remember the seasons here are at least one month ahead of the south of the UK. The countryside is so fresh and green and alive with herbs and spring flowers. The skies are crystal blue and temperatures are warm enough to eat out of doors. Yes early mornings and evenings can be chilly but nothing compared with what you have endured back home, plus evenings around a log fire can be great. It’s also a quieter time to visit cities such as Lisboa and Porto, both of which can be a day’s visit by train or car and overnight stays need not be expensive. We also offer to escort you so you discover the ‘locals’ cities. SPRING is also a great time to drive through Portugal’s highest mountain range, maybe even with snowcapped peaks. Then there’s the coast just 40mins easy drive (Portugal’s road network is very excellent with light traffic) here you may even have some sunbathing weather on the mile after mile of deserted golden beaches, backed by pine forested sand dunes. Not that you will encounter many Portuguese as they consider any period either side July / August as winter!
Then there is FUN AUTUMN, feel like taking your frustrations out by ‘beating olive trees’!!! All part of the traditional way of olive picking, which takes place during the end of OCTOBER / early NOVEMBER. You can even take home a bottle of your own pickings. Earlier in late SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER comes the grape harvest. So if you feel like helping with the picking and sampling some of Portugal’s great and inexpensive wines (avoiding we suggest the locals homebrew!) just get picking. The AUTUMN season offers so much more, whilst you can squeeze lemons all year and make marmalade both in summer and winter – did you know that oranges ripen in winter? How do you fancy eating figs straight from the tree, and have you ever picked a pomegranate? Sweet chestnuts abound in OCTOBER, great for log fire evenings.
Whilst this all sounds very charming don’t forget that most of the local people live off the land, cultivating small areas between the rocks, it’s hard and they are amongst the last of a dying breed as the youngsters head off to the cities – shame.
Then there are the other outdoor pursuits ranging from rock climbing to 4x4 off roading and even Lisbon’s famous Mini Marathons across the two beautiful bridges in March and September. Throughout the year there are Festivals of all sorts in cities and most towns. Full details of all the above on request.
THEN THERE IS CHRISTMAS / NEW YEAR
How about getting ‘Away from the Madding Crowd’ Log fires, country and beach walks and maybe Christmas lunch on the terrace in warm sunshine. Just avoid the locals’ invitation for Christmas Eve dinner – boil salted cod!
So for whatever season we will do our best to help you tailor a fantastic holiday just get in contact.
How to get there
Click map icons for more information
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| Nearest Travel Links | |
| Airport: | Lisboa & Porto: 190 km |
| Railway: | Pombal: 25 km |
Car Rental Options
- We are able to collect you at a charge either from the airports or the local railway station. However to get the most of the area, car hire is recommended.
- We suggest that you book your car via your own country.
- Due to high season delays of collecting your car at the airport (has been up to 3hrs) that you arrange collection inside the city.
Directions to Salgueiro da Lomba from Lisboa
From Airport take A1 NORTE (North).
Travel for aprox 1 hour until you see junction 7 - turn off to TORRES NOVAS. The road is now the A23.
Keep on this until you see the turn to TOMAR, (this road will eventually become the IC3).This is a new highway for aprox 1/2 hour it then becomes an old road, still IC3 with a number of speed restriction warning lights. You should be on this section for another 1/2 hour until you come on to another highway section and you will see almost at once, signs for FIGUEIRÓ DOS VINHOS and CASTELO BRANCO. Turn off here onto the IC8 keep on this 'highway' going East up a long hill passing the sign for Aguda and Avelar. When the highway levels and starts to descend you'll see a sign for AGUDA and FATO. Come off here and immediately take the left turn - this takes you back over the IC8 - keep on this small road until you come to the small village of SALGUEIRO DA RIBEIRA, go down the hill, bearing right - over a small bridge to the T junction. Turn right up a winding hill. (Do not be confused at the T junction by a sign to the left with the name Lomba de Casa). At the 9th bend you will see a track on your right and a house sign - CASA DA LOMBA. Take this turning, drive ahead 100 yards till you see a small road on your left. Don't come up - park and walk up to the main house on your right - you've made it !
I estimate you will take 2 to 2h30 hours as against my journey time of 1h30 to 2 hours.
If you have a mobile, ring when you are aprox 1/2 hour away . My mobile is +351 918643001.
Best of luck
Directions to Salgueiro da Lomba from Porto
The routes from Porto Airport are complicated so all we can tell you is to follow signs direction Porto and then find signs - South (Sul) and Lisboa A1SUL. Travel for aprox. 2 hours until you see the exit for Pombal come off here onto the IC8 ,keep on this road, passed Ansião, keep on this 'highway' going East. Go up a long hill passing the sign for Aguda and Avelar. When the highway levels and starts to descend you'll see a sign for AGUDA and FATO. Come off here and immediately take the left turn - this takes you over the IC8 - keep on this small road until you come to the small village of SALGUEIRO DA RIBEIRA, go down the hill, bearing right - over a small bridge to the T junction. Turn right up a winding hill. (Do not be confused at the T junction by a sign to the left with the name Lomba de Casa). At the 9th bend you will see a track on your right and a house sign - CASA DA LOMBA. Take this turning, drive ahead 100 yards till you see a small road on your left. Don't come up - park and walk up to the main house on your right - you've made it !
If you have a mobile, ring when you are at Pombal . My mobile is +351 918643001.
Best of luck
PS If you are approaching from any other direction we will be pleased to help with directions.
Activities near Figueiro dos Vinhos
Tennis in town
Watersports
Waterpark
Horse Riding
Fishing
Walking holidays
Rural / countryside retreats
Beach or lakeside relaxation
A winter sun break
Cycling holidays
Reviews
 12 Dec 2011 |
We stayed at Casa Branca & Pomar in August 2011 for a week. There were 8 of us, a family of five with three older children and three grandparents. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay, and we had some very... more |
19 Aug 2011 |
We loved everything about Casa Branca and the tiny village of Salgueira de Lomba that it nestles in. The villa is exactly as it looks in the photos, very spacious and airy with a great mix of contemporary facilities and traditional design and interior decor. The bio pool is a delight and the children spent endless hours jumping in from the decks. Robert the host is a perfectly attentive without being intrusive and nothing seems too much trouble. Unfortunately he unwittingly spoilt us on our first night with a delicious welcome meal of barbecued fish and salad - the local cuisine was quite a a let down after that! All in all a super introduction to Portugal. |
Rental prices
| Rental prices originally quoted in: British £ | Convert to: |
| Prices for group size 2 | ||||||
| Period | From | To | Weekly | Nightly rate | Minimum stay | |
| Weekday | Weekend | |||||
| All year/ 2 People | 15 Mar 13 | 1 Jan 14 | £ 578 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Prices for group size 4 | ||||||
| Period | From | To | Weekly | Nightly rate | Minimum stay | |
| Weekday | Weekend | |||||
| All year/ 4 People | 15 Mar 13 | 1 Jan 14 | £ 798 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Prices for group size 8 | ||||||
| Period | From | To | Weekly | Nightly rate | Minimum stay | |
| Weekday | Weekend | |||||
| All year/ 8 People | 15 Mar 13 | 1 Jan 14 | £ 1045 | - | - | 1 Week |
The property does not have weekend tariffs.
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.
The prices for 3 / 5 / 6/ 7/ people available on request.
- Prices for Main Annex only for 2 / 4 people on request.
There is a 10% reduction on the second and consecutive weeks of bookings.
- Prices subject to variation due to exchange rates and mix of occupancy e.g. double / singles.
-Depending upon the age of children over five years of age and time of year there may be a possible price reduction.
- There will be required a possible damage deposit, being fully refundable if no damages occur. The amount of this deposit will be in proportion to the rental cost and will be confirmed at the time of booking.
- Weekend rates and longer stay prices on request.
- Additional rooms may be available via other properties see nºs75868, 55847and 146015.
- For those looking for something special/romantic for 2 people please look at the Main Annex on our property ref.55847
- Welcoming meal / drink supplied subject to time of arrival and are included in our rates.
Our Mission Statement – if we have forgotten to provide anything, we will in reason correct this with all due haste.
For more information about us and the area go to our private website
BookAvailability
See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here
| Key: | 11 | 12 | Unvailable | 11 | 12 | Available | 11 | 12 | Reserved | 11 | 12 | Arrival/Departure dates |
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Availability notes:
Please note that if this property is unavailable for your dates we may be able to offer you one of our alternative properties within the same village. For more information about us and the area go to our private website.
Selected other homes from this advertiser
 Casa da Lomba & Annex in Figueiro dos Vinhos, Portugal |  Casa do Pomar in Figueiro dos Vinhos, Portugal |  Casa da Lomba Annexes in Figueiro dos Vinhos, Portugal |
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