Casa do Brasão

Marvão in November - Chestnut Festival

2011-10-06T07:47:00.000-07:00

The chestnut is probably one of the first foods eaten by man and dates back to prehistoric times. The chestnut tree was first introduced to Europe via Greece.

In Portugal as well as other Catholic countries in Europe, chestnuts are traditionally eaten on Saint Martin's Day which is on the 11th November. "Fire, nuts and wine," is the popular saying. Celebrations in honor of this generous saint, one of the most popular in the West, warm the heart and make you forget how cold it is already being felt at this time of year.

Marvão, Alto Alentejo in Autumn is a beautiful place to visit, enjoy the colour of the countryside and take a walk in the stunning hills of the Serra de São Mamede. Join the celebrations of the Chestnut fair (Feira da Castanha / Festa do Castanheiro) held on the second weekend of November. The streets are lined with stalls selling genuine Portuguese handcrafts, artists demonstrating their traditional skills, various street artists and folk music and of course chestnuts and delicious chestnut cakes.
Another attraction is the Chestnut Gourmet Food Fortnight which runs 1-16 November, with participating restaurants in the area.

A stay at the 'self-catering cottage' Casa do Brasão is an excellent way to go. It can sleep up to six people, has a garden, terrace, patio and wood-burning stove.
See the special offer on
ONE OFF PLACES

2011-09-26T07:27:00.000-07:00

A new image of Casa do Brasao on Google maps and Google Earth

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=casa+do+brasao&sll=39.4965,-8.00865&sspn=119.031,360&ie=UTF8&v=2.2&cv=4.3.7204.0836&hl=en&ei=aMYGSvrZFcnMjAfH6rjaCQ&cd=1&dtab=5&cid=39434488,-7360687,14781204345423571709&li=lmd&z=14&t=m

Marvao Chestnut Festival

2011-09-15T07:34:00.000-07:00

Why not visit Marvão in the Alto Alentejo on the second weekend of November and join in the tradition of the chesnut festival.
The streets are lined with stalls selling genuine Portuguese handcrafts, artists demonstrating their traditional skills, various street artists and folk music. And of course chestnuts and delicious chestnut cakes.
Marvão is an imposing and peaceful town on the highest crest of the Serra de São Mamede Natural park. It was used as a place of refuge by Ibn Marúan, a Moorish warrior, during the 9th century.The Arab domination ended with the military campaign of the Christian forces led by D. Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal.
Take time out and walk around the picturesque walled town of of white houses, narrow cobbled streets, Gothic arches, Manueline windows and the magnificent castle, with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
A great day out for the family, and they even sell candy floss for the kids!
SEE THE SPECIAL OFFER TO STAY AT CASA DO BRASAO
On ONE OFF PLACES

http://www.cm-marvao.pt/

Autumn walks in the Alto Alentejo

2011-08-05T03:23:00.000-07:00

After a long hot summer we will return to crisp autumn days and a landscape full of rich colours with more agreeable teperatures. It's time to get your walking boots out to discover the delights of this region.
Walk through cork oak forests and olive grooves, along roman roads past ancient dolmens and through historic towns and villages.
Casa do Brasao in the small village of Barretos is perfectly placed for you to find all that this wonderful area has to offer. This stylish self catering cottage near Marvao and Castelo de Vide is the ideal base for your walking holiday, providing walking maps and other useful information to make your stay more enjoyable.

CASA DO BRASAO

The cork oak trees at our self catering cottage near Marvao

2011-08-05T03:09:00.000-07:00

Our cork oak bark has at last been harvested.
Ever since purchasing Casa do Brasao we have been wondering when it would happen as it is only harvested every nine years, leaving a beautiful rich red hue to the trunk.
Traditionally cork was a strong industry here with Portugal supplying 50% of the total world production. Over recent years we have seen the importance of this industry decline primarily due to the introduction of plastic corks in bottles. However this ecological material is making a come back in lots of different ways, e.g. roads, boats, tiles, insulation and lot of other products.
It would be good to think that our small contribution would go to the traditional bottle of wine like the locally produced Pedra Basta, a great red wine from the slopes of the Serra de Sao Mamede, named after the stone granite found in the vineyard.
And now our cottage has a rejuvenated look, blending in perfectly with it's natural surroundings.
A STYLISH SELF CATERING COTTAGE NEAR MARVAO

A wonderful film of Marvão, a fortified town in Portugal.

2011-06-20T01:48:00.000-07:00

A wonderful film of Marvão, see link:

http://vimeo.com/25161863

New airport opened in the Alentejo

2011-05-26T04:56:00.000-07:00

Portugal's Alentejo region is poor, uncrowded, wildly beautiful – and now linked by direct flights to Heathrow.
see link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2011/may/21/portugal-alentejo-new-flights

Another way to arrive at Casa do Brasão A self-catering cottage situated on the edge of a small typical Alentejo village with garden & plunge pool. Situated near the town of Marvão an imposing and peaceful town on the highest crest of the Serra de São Mamede Natural park.

THE BEST IN PORTUGAL

2011-03-21T06:56:00.000-07:00

http://bestinportugal.com/marvao-castle-in-alentejo

YOU MUST SEE MARVÃO

2011-03-21T06:47:00.000-07:00

http://www.youmustsee.com/marvao/

A sketch of the Alentejo

2011-02-19T05:43:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Matt for leaving a great sketch of a typical Alentejo house in the village of Cabeçudos, Marvão in the guest book.

an article from Up magazine about Marvão and area

2011-02-18T07:52:00.000-08:00

THE PERFECT WEEKEND
Marvão - Frontier pleasures

http://www.upmagazine-tap.com/en/2010/12/marvao-%E2%80%93-frontier-pleasures/http:

A SPECIAL PLACE FOR A PICNIC, NATURALLY!

2011-02-02T02:48:00.000-08:00

The Póvoa Dam "Barragem de Póvoa", situated about 11 km Northeast of Castelo de Vide is a large lake and is a great place for a picnic, specially in spring where you will most probably be alone. In the summer months the local Portuguese go for a swim to cool down from the hot Alentejo sun.
The dam was created in 1927 with the objective of providing energy for the region. Professional fishing and motorized boats are not allowed so it is a very tranquil and beautiful place to relax with plenty of water and large granite boulders to keep the children occupied.
Here you can observe a great variety of birds including lots of ducks and the Great Crested Grebe.
On the south side of the lake you can discover a Megalithic burial chamber or tomb (dolmen) " Anta do Curral das Galhordas", an ancient structure built more than 3000 years ago. (Latitude: 39.461200N Longitude: 7.54425W)
If you are visiting the Alto Alentejo spend the day here and marvel at the stunning natural landscape of this unforgettable region.

A Megalithic treasure in Alto Alentejo

2011-01-28T06:54:00.000-08:00

In the Alto Alentejo region of Portugal you will see scattered over the beautiful countryside these very large megalithic stones. You can discover over 50 here including dolmens and menhirs. One that stands out is the Menhir a Meada near the village of Póvoa. It is over 7 meters tall and 1.25 meters diameter, the tallest in the Iberian Peninsular. Nearby is the Coureleiros Megalithic Park, Castelo de Vide, a collection of various dolmens. Also near to the villages of Barretos and Beira there are more including the Anta da Granja.
These large stone structures are over 3,000 years old and it is still a mystery how these ancient civilizations managed to place them there.
Take a walk, go see and touch these magnificent stones and wonder how on earth did our ancestors cut and manage to move them.

Some great comments from the 2010 season.

2011-01-23T03:46:00.000-08:00

Casa do Brasão is truly a relaxing peaceful, tranquil place in the country. We truly enjoyed our early morning walks around the village enjoying the sights of this unique area - sheep with bells, friendly neighbours, the rugged but beautiful countryside. You have done a great job restoring your cottage. Appreciate the details. The fire was cozy especially since the weather was a bit on the cool side. Thank you for the adventure that we had here in Portugal exploring the towns in the Alentejo area.
March 2010
Dave and Marilynn, Ontario, Canada

Casa do Brasão seemed to be even better than the pictures on the site! Very well done, nice min of styles and everything in its place. Your guide is very useful, nice walks and good restaurants.
Thanks.
March 2010
Hilde and Frank, Overpelt, Belgium

A serenidade invadiu-nos os sentidos e o bem-estar apoderou-se do nosso ritmo.
Loved the pastoral cowpaths and the chance to get lost amidst the brush and fauna - and return to the comforts of home and sit in front of the blazing fire.
Nada melhor do que o deslumbre da paisagem e o conforto de um lar acolhidor para retemporal energias.
Abril 2010
César e amigos. Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal

Bereits zum vierten mal bereisen wir Portugal doch nicht einmal haben wir ein schoenes Haus bewohnt nicht einmal eine friedlichere Natur erlebt. Es war eine wunderbare Urlaubswoche mit schoenen Wanderungen und Casa do Brasão, Marvão und Castelo de Vide.
May 2010
Vielen Dank, goodbye und adeus.
May 2010. Christine and Johannes. Deutschland

Many thanks for a lovely week. every one in the village has been very friendly. The cottage is excellent... loads of hot water and lovely pillows. we heard the first cuckoo we have heard since 1998 - when we lived on the Isle of White... it was great to hear once again.
May 2010
Barry and Kate, Fareham, Great Britain

What a fantastic week. We had really been looking forward to our first week in Portugal and it did not disappoint. Casa do Brasão was wonderful you have made a really good job of restoring this lovely building. The village was great and we so enjoyed being amongst the daily life here. Everyone is so friendly as your other guests have already said. We loved the local walks and once you are here you don't need the car, the local tracks have been great. We did the long walk 8km and it was so good we did it again. We did the Marvão one of 7.33 km which was great. Lovely guided tour of the Convent & Church of our Lady (Igreja do Convento de Nossa Senhora de Estrela) by a lovely old gentleman. Didn't understand a word but lovely none the less. A beautiful old folks home. We are keen bird watchers and the birds are amazing here, to see Griffin Vultures and others from the stone table in the garden is a never to be forgotten moment. we have seen 74 species around the area which is a good list. Thanks again for a great stay I am very sure we will be back.
May 2010
Kara and John, Bideford, Great Britain

Leaving with a bit of a crush.
Charmed.
July 2010
Andrew and Molly, York, Great Britain & New York USA

Casa do Brasão has been an excellent base for us to discover an area that has hitherto been unknown to us. Marvão is an absolute must to visit - an amazing place, for both adults and children. The locals are wonderfully friendly. A journey to Spain, Caçeres - spotting eagles and kites on the way, was good. We enjoyed the local walks and had a delicious meal at O Poejo. Casa do Brasão has been wonderfully restored and decorated! obrigado!.
Rydym wedi mwynhau'r wythnos yn fawr iawn. Diolch.
August 2010
Y telu Llewellyn, Cardiff, Wales ( Pais de Gales)

Dear Dewi and Clare, Muito obrigado for the wonderful stay at Casa do Brasão, a fantastic hideaway and the perfect place to spend our honeymoon. this part of the Alentejo region is really for insiders and we fell in love with Castelo de Vide. We followed some of your recommendations (restaurants and hiking trips) and still haven't discovered most of the regions treasures.
September 2010
Best regards, Ulrike and Wojtek, Zuerich, Switzerland

Had a lovely stay in the beautiful house, excellent views. Compliments for the fine route maps, and also on the interior of the house, really nice! We love the environment / region. And sure come again some time.
October 2010
Barbara, Rotterdam, Holland

We caught the end of the summer weather and had a superb time exploring the hills and villages. It's true, the villagers have been very welcoming and full of smiles and kisses (for our 4 year old daughter!). Our last few days have been sheltering from the gale force winds and floods so there have been long evenings cuddling around the fire place. I got very strange looks from the farmers as I went running in the evenings over the hills. The house is superb and a joy to come home to.
Halloween, October 2010
Matt, Aga and Mia (4yrs), UK

New identity for the Alentejo!

2010-12-07T02:05:00.000-08:00

A new identity and slogan for the Alentejo "tempo para ser feliz" (time to be happy).

The idea for the identity is ok. but the letter spacing could have been closer for you to see the Alentejo hills (montes) better, the colour for me doesn't represent the Alentejo. It could have been the rich red colour of the earth. But I like the slogan.

The Turismo do Alentejo Wins Prestigious World Travel Market Global Award Award

Feiertag Landhaus für Miete in Alentejo, Portugal

2010-11-27T07:48:00.000-08:00

Feiertag Landhaus für Miete in Alentejo, Portugal.

Ein FeiertagsLandhaus aufgestellt auf dem Rand eines kleinen typischen Alentejo-Dorfs mit Garten & Kopfsprunglache. Leute des Schlafes 4 - 6.

http://www.casabrasao.com/

The rustic and flavoursome cuisine of Alentejo

2010-11-22T05:45:00.000-08:00

The rustic and flavoursome cuisine of Alentejo.

A good article from the ViaMichelin web site:

Portugal's most beautiful region is also its least well known. Alentejo has numerous assets including a cuisine which is rustic yet totally delicious

Evora an enchanting city

2010-11-22T01:57:00.000-08:00

Evora, well worth a day trip to see this enchanting city in the Alentejo.
see the ViaMichelin link:
http://travel.viamichelin.com/web/Destination/Portugal_and_Madeira-Evora/News-In_the_Arms_of_Evora-

One of the top ten places in Portugal

2010-11-16T03:32:00.000-08:00

Marvão, one of the top ten places to visit in Portugal.
See golisbon site:
http://www.golisbon.com/portugal/

Under the Portuguese sun

2010-11-15T09:24:00.000-08:00

PEOPLE say the Alentejo is "Tuscany of 30 years ago".
It happened to Tuscany. Kate Armstrong holds her breath and waits for the world to discover the delights of Portugal's Alentejo region.

And travel further to North Alentejo and discover more...

GUEST COMMENT

2010-11-09T08:39:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Stuart for his comment.
"Just to say we had a very nice time in the cottage - lovely spot, and lovely cottage. Very peaceful. Excellent weather as well"

Professor Stuart Milligan

OCTOBER 2010

Thank you to "WISH YOU WERE HERE"

2010-11-09T06:38:00.000-08:00

Thanks to "Wish you were here" for featuring Casa do Brasão on their site.
http://wishyouwerehere.us/article/Casa-do-Bras227o/

Medieval Festival in Castelo de Vide

2010-09-28T02:34:00.000-07:00

Every September held in Castelo de Vide there is a fantastic Medieval festival with market stalls, dancers, food including roasted wild boar, musicians, medieval tournaments and more.

A must if you are considering visiting this wonderful region of Portugal in September.

The unique medieval round houses of the Alentejo

2010-08-24T06:04:00.000-07:00

Near Marvão and Castelo de Vide hidden away in some small sleepy Alentejo villages you can find these unique medieval stone round houses called "choças".
These circular buildings are from the iron age, more than two thousand years old. They are made with dry stone walls and conical roofs made out of broom.
You can find several of these in the villages of Barretos and Cabeçudos and in the last century some families still lived in them.
Most of them are now used as storage or are in a ruined state and have been abandoned.
These unique buildings should be restored and kept as part of Marvão and Alto Alentejo heritage.

A wonderful Alentejo village

2010-08-24T05:39:00.000-07:00

Barretos is a friendly small Portuguese village virtually untouched by time. A place of olive groves, cork oak trees, ancient pathways and unique medieval stone round houses called "choças", where in the last century families still lived.
It is our home from home, where we can slow down, relax, listen to the birds sing, sheep bells clang and rise to the beautiful Alentejo morning light.
The wonderful views are to Marvão, an imposing castle and whitewashed town perched on a hill and Castelo de Vide with its Gothic doorways, famous Jewish quarter and castle. Reminders of the arduous battles and life of the past, now places of peace and beauty.
Barretos, a place where we always regret leaving and count the days until the next stay.
http://www.casabrasao.com/

Passeio pedestre perto de Marvão

2010-07-05T09:43:00.000-07:00

Um passeio pedestre perto de Marvão

Passeio pedestre (5.6 kilometros) Barretos - Beirã e volta para Barretos e a Casa da Brasão,uma casa de férias situada na extremidade de uma pequena vila alentejana, com jardim e piscina. Acomoda 4 a 6 pessoas (2 quartos duplos e um quarto com 2 camas de criança).

A região de Marvão e da Serra de São Mamede, reserva natural protegida, é um sítio fantástico para passeios.

http://www.casabrasao-pt.com/

A walk near Marvão

2010-06-25T04:49:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Terry and Pat for taking us on this great walk from Barretos to Beirã.
This walk (5.6 km) takes you through the beautiful Alentejo countryside to the village of Beirã where you can take a break for a snack or coffee and return back to Barretos and Casa do Brasão.

See the map attached for the walk.

RATE MARVÃO CASTLE

2010-05-12T04:11:00.000-07:00

Rate Marvão Castle

http://www.topcastles.com/kastelen.php?SubMenu=main&SelCastle=marvao&Language=en

Alto Alentejo article in The New York Times

2010-03-24T07:49:00.000-07:00

Alto Alentejo article in The New York Times.
See this article and look at the great photos on the slide show.

http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/11/08/travel/08next.html?scp=3&sq=Marvao&st=cse

Geo-trekking in Marvão

2010-01-13T06:13:00.000-08:00

Incentivos Outdoor with the Council of Marvão are organizing themed walks in the Marvão area for February.
These themed walks are: cultural, heritage, flora & fauna, birdwatching, night and others.
The price of the guided walks are 12.50 euros including coffee.
see: http://geo-trekking.blogspot.com
or telephone: 966504149

A Incentivos Outdoor, empresa de animação turistica a operar em Marvão, vai organizar no proximo mês de Fevereiro em parceria com a Camara Municipal de Marvão, um programa de Passeios Pedestres no territorio de Marvão.Estes passeios são realizados diariamente com diversas tematicas, culturais, patrimonio, observação de fauna e flora, observação de aves, passeios noctirnos, entre outras.
O preço por passeio é de 12,50 euros estando incluido welcome coffe, acompanhamento de monitores e seguros.O calendario de passeios pode ser consultado no nosso site http://geo-trekking.blogspot.com sendo as inscrições e informações através do email visitmarvao@gmail.com ou pelo telefone 966504149
Esperamos por si em Marvão

Alto Alentejo article in The New York Times

2009-11-13T05:46:00.000-08:00

Alto Alentejo, Unsung but Not for Long.

There is no shortage of historic sites in Alto Alentejo and one of the most beautiful is Marvão, a walled town that sits on a narrow spit of rock overlooking the rugged plains that reach across into Spain. Marvão is home to perfectly restored, whitewashed houses and a castle built in the ninth century as a Moorish fortification by Ibn Marwan.

Read the full article and copy this link into your browser.

http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/11/08/travel/08next.html?pagewanted=1&ref=travel

Guest comment for Casa do Brasão

2009-09-21T02:12:00.000-07:00

Another lovely comment about our holiday home near Marvão
http://www.casabrasao.com/
"Dear Dewi & Clare,
Your lovely cottage "Casa do Brasão" was just what we were up to after two weeks of holiday pleasures in Tavira and Lisbon. It gave us all a restful week close to nature.
We enjoyed living in your beautiful designed and decorated home. our feeling of great comfort was most definitely stimulated by the nice restaurants in the neighbouring villages as well as by the great wines of the São Mamede region, And, if possible we would take the stone table together with the three cork oak trees and the sound of the sheep bells home with us.
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to explore the Alentejo in combination with the luxury of your holiday home".
Nick, Mal Lieke& Karlyn Bos (NL)

Thank you to Chris and Clarissa for their comment about our holiday home in Marvão

2009-07-01T13:01:00.000-07:00

"Had a great few days at Casa do Brasao. Found it very comfortable and wanted for nothing. Locals were very friendly and helpful, and really enjoyed soaking up the whole atmosphere of the area. You have done a wonderful job renovating the cottage and the pool was fantastic.
Would highly recommend your cottage to anyone. Thankyou".

Cheers
Chris and Clarissa.

Our first guests comments about their stay at Casa do Brasão

2009-06-02T09:58:00.000-07:00

A big thank you to Marie Davey for the comments about our holiday home near Marvão.

"We had a fantastic holiday. What a wonderful place to stay! We really enjoyed the outside space and the amazing interior. We loved your design features. Really missed the sheep bells clanging last night! It was the perfect get away. Location wonderful and really enjoyed the exploring".

We hope our future guest will enjoy their time as much as our first.

Casa de Férias, Marvão, Alentejo, Portugal

2009-05-08T04:46:00.000-07:00

A “Casa do Brasão”, construída em 1856, foi inteiramente restaurada e decorada com toda a elegância e bom gosto.
A Casa do Brasão fica perto de Marvão e do Parque Natural da Serra de S. Mamede,
numa zona de extraordinária beleza.
Uma casa de férias situada na extremidade de uma pequena vila alentejana, com jardim e piscina.
Acomoda 4 a 6 pessoas (2 quartos duplos e um quarto com 2 camas de criança).

Casa do Brasão, cottage near Marvao

2009-04-13T10:33:00.000-07:00

A self-catering cottage, Alentejo, Marvão.
The swimming pool and garden is finally finished, and only a few finishing touches left to do.
We hope everyone will enjoy staying here as much as us.
http://www.casabrasao.com/

A walk around Barretos, Marvão

2009-04-13T10:24:00.000-07:00

A very short walk near Casa do Brasão cottage, Barretos - about 2.5 km with some great views of the Alentejo countryside and Marvão.
At the end we were invited for a drink of local wine (Conventual) at Terry and Pat's cottage.

Marvão - a collection of different photos from the web

2009-03-05T10:17:00.000-08:00

Self-catering cottage Alentejo

2009-02-27T05:50:00.000-08:00

THE PLUNGE POOL AND GARDEN PROGRESS FEBURARY 2009
The plunge pool and garden at 'Casa do Brasão' Marvão should be finished by the end of March.
It will be ready to rent for holidays from the 30th of May.

WALKING IN MARVÃO

2009-02-24T08:30:00.000-08:00

A great walk in Marvão, Alto Alentejo, Portugal with fantastic panoramic views, wonderful countryside and interesting historical sites.
This walk is 7.38 km and is easy to moderate. The map/guide we bought earlier from the tourist office in Marvão, and the start is from Portagem near the public swimming pool.
The four of us, two adults and two children aged 12 and 14, set off from the 16 century bridge and tower in Portagem. The guide informs you to follow the trail by posts with green markers and we realised after a few kilometres there are none. Instead follow the normal markers of a red and yellow rectangles.
This walk took us about two and a half hours with regular stops to see the sights such as:
The 16 century bridge and tower next to the river Sever.
The mediaeval cobbled road, possibly of Roman origin.
Views of the imposing town and castle of Marvão, the mountain range of Serra de São Mamede and the granite plains of the Alentejo countryside.
The Convent and Church of the Lady of the Star (Igreja do Convento de Nossa Senhora da Estrela).
Typical small Alentejo hamlets.
The 16 century derelict chapel and mediaeval tombs cut into the rock at Fonte Souto.
Oak, Walnut, Olive,Chestnut and Horse-Chestnut trees.
Plenty of farm animals and the wonderful fauna and flora of this region.
At the end of the walk why not have lunch at O Sever restaurant at Portagem for a hearty typical Alentejo lunch washed down with a bottle of Conventual Red wine.
This is a perfect day out in this great region of Portugal.

The start of the plunge pool and garden

2009-01-31T13:58:00.001-08:00

We met Franscisco the builder to check on the depth of our plunge pool and the progress of the wall and garden. In the next 2 weeks the structure of the pool and the wall will be finished and then he will be able to start the cobbled terrace and the rustic wooden gates and fencing. He assures me that everything will be finished by Easter.
At home I also have been busy preparing the web site, see:
http://www.casabrasao.com/
When the work is finished I will be taking more photos of the garden and pool to add to the site.
Casa do Brasão a self-catering cootage near Marvão will be ready to rent out for holidays from the 30th of May.

Marvão self-catering cottage

2008-11-22T06:09:00.000-08:00

See the real Portugal.
A stylish restored self-catering cottage near Marvão and Castelo de Vide, North Alentejo. Ready to rent in the summer of 2009.
The cottage:
• Situated on the edge of the small, peaceful Alentejo village of Barretos.
• Overlooking an olive grove with fantastic views of the historic towns of Marvão and Castelo de Vide.
• The region of Marvão and the Serra da São Mamede, a protected nature reserve, is a wonderful place for walking
• Marvão is an imposing and peaceful town on the highest crest of the 'Serra de São Mamede' Natural park.
• A restored 3 bedroom cottage with a rich blend of Moorish, Alentejo and contemporary styles.
• Surrounded by a garden with huge granite boulders, cork oak trees for shade, sun terrace, a small plunge pool and ample parking for 2 cars.
• Price: 575 euros per week from 30th May to 3rd October.
Contact: +351 219 209 364 (night and weekends)
+351 937 980 013 (day)
http://www.casabrasao.com/
mailto:lookgofind@sapo.pt

MARVÃO MAP

2008-11-15T08:24:00.000-08:00

Only 2 hours and 37 minutes from Lisbon airport to Casa do Brasão, Barretos, Marvão.

Marvão walks: The region of Marvão and the Serra da São Mamede, a protected nature reserve, is a wonderful place for walking. A mountain range with the highest point of 1025 meters, is a treasure of rich and diversified flora and fauna. A micro-climate with thick vegetation, megalithic stones, ancient roman roads and pathways, and is full of wildlife including rare birds of prey such as the vulture, kite or Bonelli eagle. And with a some luck you might see wild boar or deer.

Near Marvão, the village of Barretos

2008-11-15T07:42:00.001-08:00

• The real Portugal - a small typical Alentejo village untouched by time.

• Cobbled streets surrounded by beautiful olive groves, cork oak trees and ancient pathways.

• Set in the Natural park of Serra de São Mamede and 10 minutes from the historical towns of Marvão and Castelo de Vide.

• Bull festival in the village, held every second week in August (Festa Largada de Touros) where the brave men of the village entice the bulls to charge. This is followed by music and dancing well into the night.

• A number of small cafés and a small village shop for a few essentials. For a wider choice there is a large supermarket (Pingodoce) in Castelo de Vide - 9 km, and a mini market in Santo António das Areias - 2.5 km.

The medieval town of Marvão

2008-11-15T07:36:00.000-08:00

• An imposing and peaceful town on the highest crest of the Serra de São Mamede Natural park.

• Was used as a place of refuge by Ibn Marúan, a Moorish warrior, during the 9th century.The Arab domination ended with the military campaign of the Christian forces led by D. Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal.

• Picturesque walled town of of white houses, narrow cobbled streets, Gothic arches, Manueline windows and the magnificent castle, with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

• Municipal Museum in the church of Santa Maria and nearby there is a tourist office for more information.

• Chesnut festival held at the begining of November with the streets lined with stalls selling genuine Portuguese handcrafts, artists demonstrating their traditional skills, various street artists and folk music. And of course chestnuts and delicious chestnut cakes.

Interior Decorated after the summer 2008

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After spending two weeks in the summer painting and a long weekend in September transporting, and arranging furniture we were very tired, but very satisfied.
The next phase will be the garden and plunge pool in Janurary/February 2009.

Summer 2007

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Photographs of the cottage painted by us in the summer of 2007

First phase build

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Photographs of the first phase of building - before and after

Photos before the build

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My photographs before the build

MARVÃO - A RESTORED SELF CATERING COTTAGE

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Welcome to my blog about the restoration and conversion of a our small cottage in the village of Barretos, located near Marvão, Alto Alentejo, Portugal.
We went to see the cottage, a ruin then, in the summer of 2005, fell in love with it, and the village where it is located. It finally became ours later on in that year.
We sketched our ideas for the rebuild and conversion and hired a local architect and engineer to make to sure the plans were approved by the local council. It only took one month for the approval.
We met with some builders, and decided on the recommendation of João the engineer, and chose Francisco Batista from Castelo de Vide. We waited for about 9 months until he could start as he was busy with other projects. This turned out to be the right choice as we now have become friends. A good relationship with your builder is essential.
You will now see from the folllowing pictures and posts the devolpment of our Cottage, which will be ready to rent in the summer of 2009.
See the original advert above taken from a real estate magazine.

Casa do Brasão

Marvão in November - Chestnut Festival

Marvao Chestnut Festival

Autumn walks in the Alto Alentejo

The cork oak trees at our self catering cottage near Marvao

A wonderful film of Marvão, a fortified town in Portugal.

New airport opened in the Alentejo

THE BEST IN PORTUGAL

YOU MUST SEE MARVÃO

A sketch of the Alentejo

an article from Up magazine about Marvão and area

A SPECIAL PLACE FOR A PICNIC, NATURALLY!

A Megalithic treasure in Alto Alentejo

Some great comments from the 2010 season.

New identity for the Alentejo!

Feiertag Landhaus für Miete in Alentejo, Portugal

The rustic and flavoursome cuisine of Alentejo

The rustic and flavoursome cuisine of Alentejo.

A good article from the ViaMichelin web site:

Portugal's most beautiful region is also its least well known. Alentejo has numerous assets including a cuisine which is rustic yet totally delicious

Evora an enchanting city

One of the top ten places in Portugal

Under the Portuguese sun

GUEST COMMENT

Thanks to Stuart for his comment. "Just to say we had a very nice time in the cottage - lovely spot, and lovely cottage. Very peaceful. Excellent weather as well"

Thank you to "WISH YOU WERE HERE"

Medieval Festival in Castelo de Vide

The unique medieval round houses of the Alentejo

A wonderful Alentejo village

Passeio pedestre perto de Marvão

A walk near Marvão

RATE MARVÃO CASTLE

Alto Alentejo article in The New York Times

Geo-trekking in Marvão

Alto Alentejo article in The New York Times

Guest comment for Casa do Brasão

Thank you to Chris and Clarissa for their comment about our holiday home in Marvão

Our first guests comments about their stay at Casa do Brasão

Casa de Férias, Marvão, Alentejo, Portugal

Casa do Brasão, cottage near Marvao

A walk around Barretos, Marvão

Marvão - a collection of different photos from the web

Self-catering cottage Alentejo

WALKING IN MARVÃO

The start of the plunge pool and garden

Marvão self-catering cottage

MARVÃO MAP

Near Marvão, the village of Barretos

The medieval town of Marvão

Interior Decorated after the summer 2008

Summer 2007

First phase build

Photos before the build

MARVÃO - A RESTORED SELF CATERING COTTAGE

Thanks to Stuart for his comment.
"Just to say we had a very nice time in the cottage - lovely spot, and lovely cottage. Very peaceful. Excellent weather as well"