Discover Real Portugal and the Best Places to Stay

Hidden away some 30 km from Lisbon and 10km from the romantic, historical town of Sintra in the heart of a 5800 acre oceanside nature reserve close to Europe's most westerly point.

The impressive guest house and family home, Convento de São Saturnino, can only be described as a sanctuary; a haven of peace and tranquility in the midst of a wild and rugged oceanside nature reserve, seemingly miles away from the pressures and demands of everyday life.

The landscape is wild, dramatic, raw and remote and as close to the natural elements as you can get. If this area was once home to an ancient convent or monastery as evidence may suggest, it was the perfect location for a strict monastic lifestyle of prayer and meditation.

The guest house of the present day, however, which draws us within its thick walls and invites and guides us through its maze of elegant, stylishly furnished rooms is somewhat warmer and more welcoming than any monastery or convent that may have existed through the mists of time.

Whether monks or nuns ever worshipped here, we cannot be sure, but one thing is clear; this property has a history and sense of mystery about it which endows it with a certain charm and intrigue. A real sense of the past pervades every stone; every beam.

Exposed stone walls, winding stone staircases, weathered wooden beams, a huge open fireplace all add to the sense that this convent has been here for ever. The living areas are softened by many interesting objects, ornaments and artefacts, rich fabrics and furnishings, beautiful flower arrangements and soul-soothing, spiritual music.

An air of mystery seems to overhang the whole convent and this is felt as soon as you embark on the long winding drive down to the property. The approach reveals the most dramatic view of the convent as it sits nestled in its own private lush landscape with nothing but the green of the valley vegetation and the blue of the ocean and sky beyond. On arrival, you are filled with intrigue. This place has a story to tell.

And a story the owners will tell!

Scottish designer, John Perrie, was looking to buy some land in Portugal on which to build a holiday home for himself and his French wife and family. In 1998 he finally found and bought the land on which Convento de São Saturnino would eventually be built.

He thought he had bought a stunning wild valley which lead down to the ocean but after some camping trips to the site, he and his son Jonathan discovered that there was more to this land than originally met the eye.

Bit by bit they unveiled the remains of several buildings, along with many interesting artefacts, in the wild vegetation leading down to the sea. It was soon discovered that these were most likely to be the remains of a watermill and a lighthouse possibly serving a community of people back in the 12th Century. It was these remains which became the foundations of the new building.

John and his Portuguese architect and friend, João Kaditch, who was particularly interested in the design of ancient buildings, set to work. They followed the path of remains down the valley and meticulously built them up using original materials wherever possible. What stands today is a very 3 dimensional labyrinth of Mediteranean-style whitewashed buildings on different levels, all interconnected to provide a truly convent-like guest house retreat which looks and feels as if it has been here since the beginning of time. This is quite an accomplishment when you consider that the property was ready to open its doors to guests in 2002!

At the time of the reconstruction, many artefacts and documents were found which suggest that the followers of Saint Saturnin once resided here, hence the name given to the Convent. There is evidence to believe that the same sect also set up home at a hermitage nearby called 'Peninha'. The owners will be delighted to tell you more!

The Bedrooms:

Accommodation comprises 6 double bedrooms, 3 suites and one self-catering cottage, sleeping up to 9 guests.

The double rooms are located in the main building whereas the suites and cottage are outside in the grounds.

All the rooms in the main house are individually decorated with impressive antique family paintings, rich fabrics and tones, luxurious furnishings and many personal touches. Some rooms have sumptuous canopied beds, a sea view, or stained-glass windows revealing a special glimpse of the ocean. Some rooms offer a view to the lush valley while others present a view over the charming terracotta roof-tops.

The suites and the cottage offer a more contemporary décor but are equally special and unique. Wherever your room may be, you'll not be disappointed.

The Swimming Pool:

The location of the pool is perfect for soaking in the magnitude of the valley and the ocean below. Built from the ruins of an old water tank or reservoir which was found on the site, the present day pool has a very natural feel and blends in harmoniously with the surrounding buildings and landscape.

There is also a pool-side covered barbecue area where you may seek warmth and shelter after your swim or where you may like to sit in the colder months beside the outdoor open fire and marvel at the view.

Meals:

Breakfast is included in the price and is served buffet-style in the old kitchen. Guests are warmly invited to help themselves to an enticing selection of fruit, cheeses, cold meats, breads, homemade jams and honey from the convent's own hives. Breakfast can be taken at the large banquet-style dining table in the chapel dining room with its 18th Century dining chairs and vaulted ceiling.

The owners also offer light snacks throughout the day and dinner with prior arrangement. Tea and coffee are always available.

There is an honesty bar in the living room, a charming touch, whereby guests can help themselves to drinks on offer and put their money in the tin provided.

Guests are asked to provide credit card details and a contact number at the point of reservation. A 20% deposit will be debited.

All major credit cards are accepted.

All payments are made directly to the property owner.

In the event of a cancellation made 30 days or less before the start of the reservation period, the owners will withold the deposit.

Special packages are also on offer for dinner, bed and breakfast, honeymoons, massages and adventure breaks. Please email us for more details.