38°43’50”N, 8°08’53”W Alentejo Hideaway, Portugal

Interiors are tranquil, with minimal fuss: not a single unnecessary detail detracts from the seamless white. Warm smooth clay-block flooring; spaces defined by natural woven mats; and the decor is a mix of antique finds and modern classics.

Four double bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, each with a walk-in shower, sink and toilet, make for the perfect holiday home and family-group getaway. Outside, a sloped-shore infinity pool floats on the landscape.

How far to the nearest…

• Resident neighbour 5km
• Shop 5km
• Village 5km
• Restaurant 40km
• Beach 100km
• Airport 100km

Location Completely private, in a 1,000-acre estate near Montemor-o-Novo; perfectly placed to discover Alto Alentejo’s gastronomic pleasures, historic splendour and wellbeing culture.

Build Complete refurb, finished with traditional materials and methods to create something modern yet enduring. Local clay-brick flooring and roof tiles.

Energy Underfloor heating. Electricity and water from local network. Portugal is a world leader in renewable energy; Alentejo is home to the world’s largest solar photovoltaic farm.

Digital detox No TVs. WiFi on request only.

Creature comforts 400sqm swimming pool. Fully fitted kitchen. Coffee machine. IPod dock.

Outside high summer, when temperatures soar and Lisbon’s leading lights descend on Comporta, this peaceful south-western patch of Portugal has a temperate climate that’s well suited to life lived slowly. Birdwatchers come for the migrating bird colonies October–March; warm spring rains bring out carpets of wildflowers, and autumn’s mild and misty mornings give way to bright afternoons of crisp sunshine.

Engage

Roam the far reaches of the property, on foot, by bike or on horseback. Take riding lessons on one of Casa No Tempo’s obliging horses. Launch the rowing boat onto the lake and fish for bass and carp, a stone’s throw from your front door. Step back through the centuries at the Unesco World Heritage Centre of Evora, a beautifully preserved mediaeval town with Roman roots and a maze of winding travessas. Families will enjoy visiting otters, toads and endangered freshwater aquatic species at the Fluviário de Mora; or getting close to farm animals, zebra and meerkats at Monte Selvagem – a sustainably managed animal sanctuary and education centre promoting environmental respect.

Savour

Alentejo is Portugal’s vintner, producing half of its wine and more cork than anywhere else in the world. It’s also renowned for bountiful seafood and delicious farm produce – you can raid stores of the Casa’s own honey, eggs, goat’s cheese, preserves, olive oil and vegetables for cooking. In Evora, visit the historic Cartuxa winery for a tasting tour, try authentic Alentejana cuisine and wines at Dom Joaquim, or seek out Restaurante Fialho for delicious seasonal fare. Highlights include resurrected historic dishes such as pig’s cheeks poached in red wine, pata negra ham and ewe’s milk cheese. Enjoy impressive 180-degree views with simple fresh fish and grills at O Arado in hilltop Montemor-o-Novo; the vistas are picture-perfect.

Go slow

Alentejo is Portugal’s vintner, producing half of its wine and more cork than anywhere else in the world. It’s also renowned for bountiful and delicious farm produce and seafood.

Step back through the centuries at the Unesco World Heritage Centre of Evora, a beautifully preserved mediaeval town with Roman roots and a maze of winding travessas.

Roam the far reaches of the property, on foot, by bike or on horseback. Take riding lessons on one of the property's horses. Read (or write) a novel by the pool.