Notes from the host
Quinta da Relva
Approached through woodland, nestling in a valley that enjoys stunning views of foothills and coast, the house bursts with charm. Retaining many of its original features, carefully restored and enjoyed by the family over 30 years, there is everything here for the complete natural healthy holiday; organic food is almost impossible to avoid. Water is from our underground spring. No light at night in the valley apart from the moon and the stars, and no sound but the wildlife. These mountains are Algarve's best-kept secret. The house is a typical quinta surrounded by fertile farmland. Footpaths and lanes lead from the house into the forests & foot hills. This is a designated area of outstanding natural beauty. At the far side of the mountain eagles circle overhead and there are views as far as Lisbon over a vast expanse of foothills There is another world here. People have lived and farmed here all their lives. The landscape is strange and beautiful. Sunset best viewed with a bottle of wine.
Activity and cooking holidays:
In Autumn Winter and Spring we offer some bespoke activity, cooking and creative holidays for you, your family or friends . We team up with a local activity company to offer a menu including guided walks, downhill cycling, canoeing and a new which is visiting local producers in hidden mountain locations collecting food from the mountain, making bread in the village square and cooking lessons at the quinta. It is a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate a special occasion or get together with friends and family. Have the place to yourself and everyone can do as much or as little as they like. Just contact me and we can talk about what you would like to do .
We regularly have the whole house decorated inside and out and work hard in the garden to be ready for each season. It can be such beautiful weather here in the low seasons and in the Spring there are flowers everywhere so come and enjoy a spring break.
We are always very popular with honeymooners and families with children who enjoy the opportunity to spend days at home by the pool and exploring the garden It is home to us and our children, so there are boxes of toys and books. There is a dining area outside the kitchen with a granite table and barbecue. The swimming pool and garden at the side of the house reached by a level path. This is particularly useful for people with small children as access to the area can be more easily monitored
Around the pool area are wooden sunbeds with mattresses, chairs and an umbrella. The pool is 5m x 10m, there are wide steps for easy access. The rest of the property is terraced with a variety of olive trees, fruit trees and wild flowers. There are stunning views from the higher terrace to the foothills and coast. You are welcome to help yourself to fruit from the trees.
Our nearest restaurant (our favourite) is 15min walk across the valley, a magical walk home by moonlight.
Real Portugal: This is authentic Portugal, and Monchique is a small working town. There are few tourists: those who visit come for lunch and to gaze at the view. It has a good number of restaurants and bars, banks, food shops and a market. Produce has travelled metres rather than miles. Vegetarians, vegans and omnivores are all delighted. There is an attractive square, a park and public swimming pool and craft shops. Staying in Monchique is a very different experience from life on the coast. The pace is slow and you will feel you have stepped back in time. Walking the footpaths around the town you will see a forgotten culture. You are likely to be included in whatever festivities are taking place, be it an event at the church, a pig roast or music in the square. There are weekly and monthly markets . It is possible to use the house as part of a larger group and in the past have made arrangements for other houses in the area.
Christmas, New Year and Easter: a chance to refresh your spirit. Christmas in Monchique is very simple. Festivities only begin a few days before. Celebrations take place at home and at the church. Christmas trees are in all the restaurants and houses.
If you wish to have a simple Christmas, Quinta da Relva is perfect. You can cut your own fir tree from the grounds and decorate the house with orange branches, light an enormous log fire and enjoy the smell of eucalyptus. and wood smoke. The weather can be bright and sunny and warm in the day but cold at night, so bring warm clothes. At New Year it is possible to go to the coast for the celebrations, or sit on the terrace and watch the firework display, then a New Year's Day walk on the west beaches. Easter in Monchique is celebrated at the church and with a procession in the town, flowers decorate the pavements. This is the best time for walking in the forests, mountains and coast. Wild flowers are everywhere. The weather can do anything however, so come prepared.
Please not we only take bookings Saturday to Saturday in high season
