Discover Real Portugal and the Best Places to Stay

LOCATION

Set in the deepest Alentejo just 7km from the nearest town of Cercal and 2 hours from Lisbon and Faro.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Accommodation comprises 5 twin and 2 double rooms sleeping 2-4 guests with bed and breakfast facilities and 3 self-catering cottages sleeping 2-6 guests.

A red dusty track leads off the main road and winds past some cattle grazing lazily in the open fields. Over the brow of the hill, a hamlet of crisp white farm dwellings becomes visible, nestling snugly among the pastures and cork oak trees. Verdemar is clearly sign-posted. A long white freshly painted wall guides us through the wooden farm gate and into the grounds of the property.

The sweet smell of orange blossom fills the air. A colourful hammock and the shade of an orange tree beckon. Terracotta prevails, clearly a reflection of the rich soil in this region, contrasting perfectly with the white of walls and the lush green grass and surrounding farmland.

An old taverna and grocery shop were the inspiration behind what is today the charming country retreat ‘Verdemar’. Once a welcome stop for travellers in need of refreshment along what was the original main road into Cercal and used predominantly by donkey and cart, the old café has now been transformed into a cosy reception area and forms the heart of the property.

Overlooking the gardens are the delightfully designed cottage-style rooms, resourcefully restored from some of the surrounding derelict farm buildings: the donkey’s stable, the pig sty, an old cottage and some store rooms. All have been renovated to a very high standard using local materials and maintaining original features. Even an old bread oven has been cleverly re-designed to provide an ensuite shower room!

Hand-painted Alentejo-style beds, Portuguese tiling, restored furniture, low ceilings, original wooden beams, bold art and colourful paint effects all combine to create rooms which are essentially rustic and simple but at the same time warm and stylish.

THE OWNERS

Verdemar is the dream and creation of Nuno (from Portugal) and Christine (from Holland) who met while living and working in Amsterdam.

In 1988, they decided to swap their hectic city life in Amsterdam, where Nuno was a professional chef for 20 years and Christine worked as a furniture restorer, for a slower pace of life in the heart of the Alentejo countryside. They found and bought the old run down café and grocery shop and immediately set to work renovating.

The result is a unique, rustic, simple rural hideaway with a relaxed, comfortable family atmosphere. Nuno and Christine are very proud of the fact that they have maintained many original features and used local materials and workmanship.

Nuno is particularly proud of the long bar which he has retained from the old taverna and which for him forms the true hub of the property; the place where he combines his culinary skills with his artistic flare. Nuno loves to cook and takes great delight in preparing snacks and meals for his guests using fresh local ingredients as well as his home grown organic vegetables. He combines simple, hearty Portuguese recipes with the more cosmopolitan influences from his days as a chef in Amsterdam.

Nuno and Christine have been able to combine their skills to full advantage in the design and renovation of their property. Nuno’s art is displayed in each of the rooms and is the inspiration behind the shades Christine has chosen for walls, fabrics and furnishings. Christine’s artistic touches are also evident in her pieces of restored furniture throughout the property.

GUEST FACILITIES

Bed and Breakfast Rooms in the Main Guest House:
The 7 rooms all have a cottage feel and look on to the pool and garden. Each room has an ensuite shower room and is entered from the terrace which leads round the property.

Self-catering Cottages

There are 3 charming self-catering cottages on offer which are located on the other side of the road from the main guest house. Each cottage has its own private terrace with access to the larger garden in front of the cottages and to the shared swimming pool across the road at the main guest house. All bed linen and towels are provided. The cottages will be cleaned, beds will be made and fresh bed linen and towels provided for guests' arrival but guests are responsible thereafter for the cleaning of the cottages. For reservations of more than 7 nights, clean towels and bed linen will be provided.

Casa Verde (30m2): sleeps 2 guests with a living room with fireplace and TV, kitchenette, bathroom with shower, bedroom with double bed, sofa-bed for child.

Casa Azul (60m2): sleeps 2-4 guests with an open plan living room with sofa-bed (for 1 person), fireplace, TV, dining corner and kitchen, bathroom with bath. Mezzanine with double bed and a single bed.

Casa Grande (90m2): sleeps 4-6 guests with a large living room with TV, kitchen with fireplace, bathroom with shower and bath, 1 bedroom with twin beds, 1 bedroom with a double bed, 1 extra bed.

The swimming pool and garden:
The pool is situated in the centre of the garden at the main guest house creating an enticing focal point. It is surrounded by a low fence making it safer for children. There is a tree house, a small football pitch and a games room with table tennis and table football. A hammock and a swing chair offer immediate appeal!

Living and Dining Room:
There is a very cosy and welcoming living room in the centre of the guest house complete with fireplace, piano, music, books, games and TV for guests’ comfort. Christine and Nuno have thought of everything and have left a wealth of information on walks, tours and things to do and see in the local area. A large jigsaw puzzle lies casually on a table tempting guests to add just another piece!

The dining area is on the light and airy covered terrace or just outside on the patio when weather permits.

Meals:
Breakfast consists of, among other delights, fresh juices from the fruit trees in the garden, grape juice from the vines in the Autumn, homemade marmalade and hearty Alentejo bread.

Snacks are available on request throughout the day.

Dinner is on request but highly recommended. Nuno will proudly prepare some of his culinary delights for you to sample. He will even arrange earlier meals for young children who need to go to bed early or for parents who prefer to dine peacefully while they watch their children playing happily in the safety of the gardens.

PRICES

PAYMENT CONDITIONS

Guests are asked to pay a deposit of 30% by bank transfer. The balance is due on checkout and can be paid cash, cheque or bank transfer.

There is no credit card facility at this property.

All payments are made directly to the property owner.

CANCELLATION POLICY

In the event of a cancellation, the deposit is non-refundable, however, Nuno and Christine will try to accommodate guests at another time but within 6 months of the original reservation date.

LOCAL INFORMATION