A family run, 19th-century farm estate in Portugal’s foothills of Monsaraz
Seventh-generation family-owned for over 200 years, the 2,000-acre estate of São Lourenço do Barrocal has been sensitively transformed into a rural retreat and boutique hotel with a feel of understated luxury. With its own winery, a farm-to-table restaurant and an organic vegetable garden the property continues to function as a working farm, producing its own wine and olive oil, available to guests in the farm shop. Set amidst ancient oak, olive groves and sun-soaked vineyards, heritage meets natural materials and quality design, transformed all about how the old farm buildings were constructed with the help of architect Eduardo Souto de Moura and interior designers Anahory Almeida. Additions such as a Susanne Kaufmann spa and new furniture lend a modern touch.
The Breakdown
Location: In the culturally rich Alentejo region at the foothills of Monsaraz
Rooms: 40 types of accommodation spread over rooms, suites and one to three-bedroom cottages, all of which have a private terrace
Rates: From €300 per night and up
Highlights: The hotel is very family friendly while also thinking of adult guest, with a separate kids pool, play room, bicycles with children seats and the friendliest staff
The feel: Understated and rural luxury, heritage meets natural material and quality design
Not to be missed: The different activities offered on the estate, from horseback riding through the ancient olive groves, to mountain biking trails or arts & crafts workshops
Images by Sanda Vuckovic, Ash James, Bruno Feder and Intentional Studio
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