Reviews of Property: Architect / artist converted 17th C' farmhouse in World Heritage Site
Description
Farmhouse, 200 m²,
4 Bedrooms, Sleeps 8, 3 Bathrooms
4 Bedrooms, Sleeps 8, 3 Bathrooms
Facilities
mountain, near the sea,
pool,
garden,
terrace,
internet access
Rates
per property
Set rates in Euros
Set rates in Euros
€1,015 -
€1,750/week
GBP Conversion - Estimated
£914 -
£1,577/week Mary St. George
+351 (0)21-9280151
+351 (0)96-2447888
+351 (0)96-2447888
Speaks: English, Portuguese
7 Reviews of Property 55958 in Colares, Portugal
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1
A place like home - only better
Review Submitted: November 24, 2009
Date of Stay: October 2009
A place like home - only better
We spent a wonderful fortnight at Casa do Celeiro in the (unusually hot) first half of October 2009. The house immediately felt like home to us and Mary and Alan made us feel very welcome. They have been ideal hosts - always available and ready to help, easy going, unobtrusive, kind - and they are lovely people and inspired (and inspiring) artists.
We - a family of four with 12-year-old twins spent the first week there with our parents, and another week on our own, The combination of the house with its fully equipped kitchen and living room and the separate bedrooms in the studio and the annex were ideal, offering space and privacy for the extended family and a cosy house for us four. The house has great places to chill in, both inside and outdoors: the most beautiful (we think) is at and in the pool, and it's closely followed by the lovely wine-covered porch, fully equipped with table and barbecue, in front of the house - the ideal place for a glass of wine at sunset.
The area is beautiful and great for all sorts of sports: there are plenty of beautiful backroads both along the cost and in Sintra national park and trails that are great for mountain biking, running or hiking, and there are quite a few - and some of the most beautiful in Portugal - golf clubs nearby. Surfers and kite surfers will enjoy both the big surf, strong tide and the wind (not a place for swimmers for the same conditions). Beach combers like us will enjoy the (at least in autumn) almost empty beaches with fine sand, and the spectacle of watching the surfers ride and dive. (We could never concentrate on reading on the beach for fear of missing a great ride or a splash).
There's culture also: the moorish castle ruins, palaces and beautiful gardens (Montserrat), and Sintra and the national park. There are concerts and galleries - including Mary's newly opened gallery in Almocageme ! - and there are Lisbon and Belem less than an hour's drive away. Almocageme is a lovely village and its village life seems unspoilt by tourism, even though it welcomes visitors, has nice shops, cafès and restaurants.
We enjoyed every day of our two weeks there and will definitely be back soon!!
We spent a wonderful fortnight at Casa do Celeiro in the (unusually hot) first half of October 2009. The house immediately felt like home to us and Mary and Alan made us feel very welcome. They have been ideal hosts - always available and ready to help, easy going, unobtrusive, kind - and they are lovely people and inspired (and inspiring) artists.
We - a family of four with 12-year-old twins spent the first week there with our parents, and another week on our own, The combination of the house with its fully equipped kitchen and living room and the separate bedrooms in the studio and the annex were ideal, offering space and privacy for the extended family and a cosy house for us four. The house has great places to chill in, both inside and outdoors: the most beautiful (we think) is at and in the pool, and it's closely followed by the lovely wine-covered porch, fully equipped with table and barbecue, in front of the house - the ideal place for a glass of wine at sunset.
The area is beautiful and great for all sorts of sports: there are plenty of beautiful backroads both along the cost and in Sintra national park and trails that are great for mountain biking, running or hiking, and there are quite a few - and some of the most beautiful in Portugal - golf clubs nearby. Surfers and kite surfers will enjoy both the big surf, strong tide and the wind (not a place for swimmers for the same conditions). Beach combers like us will enjoy the (at least in autumn) almost empty beaches with fine sand, and the spectacle of watching the surfers ride and dive. (We could never concentrate on reading on the beach for fear of missing a great ride or a splash).
There's culture also: the moorish castle ruins, palaces and beautiful gardens (Montserrat), and Sintra and the national park. There are concerts and galleries - including Mary's newly opened gallery in Almocageme ! - and there are Lisbon and Belem less than an hour's drive away. Almocageme is a lovely village and its village life seems unspoilt by tourism, even though it welcomes visitors, has nice shops, cafès and restaurants.
We enjoyed every day of our two weeks there and will definitely be back soon!!
A lovely stay in Casa do Celeiro
Review Submitted: August 12, 2009
Date of Stay: June 2009
Our family stayed a week at the Casa at the end of June. The children (aged 6, 10 and 13) as well as us adults enjoyed the pleasant atmosphere that Mary and Allan have created.
The house is very spacious, and well equipped. The garden and the pool are very nice, the view from the pool over the roof of the Casa is magnificent! Our children made good friends with the dogs, especially with Alma. The boys are sending warm regards to her.
Everything was superbly reachable from the casa by car. Visiting all the nearby beaches - which in late June were yet not too crowded but already nice and warm - as well as all sites in the Sintra World Heritage area and a great old village Obidos a little more far away we manage to consume only one full tank of fuel.
There was also a nice guided path for a 6 year old to hike - not too long nor too difficult, along the cost line from Praia Adraga up to Praia Grande. and the views were breath taking, again.
There were nice restaurants with good prices, and the minimarkets and the butcher's at the village Almocageme. Organic and fair trade goods were easily found in those small shops which was a pleasant surprise to us. We found also the local people very friendly and helpful.
Hope to return soon, and maybe next time we'll be also able to attend a painting or drawing course!
All the best,
Heidi, Timo and the boys
The house is very spacious, and well equipped. The garden and the pool are very nice, the view from the pool over the roof of the Casa is magnificent! Our children made good friends with the dogs, especially with Alma. The boys are sending warm regards to her.
Everything was superbly reachable from the casa by car. Visiting all the nearby beaches - which in late June were yet not too crowded but already nice and warm - as well as all sites in the Sintra World Heritage area and a great old village Obidos a little more far away we manage to consume only one full tank of fuel.
There was also a nice guided path for a 6 year old to hike - not too long nor too difficult, along the cost line from Praia Adraga up to Praia Grande. and the views were breath taking, again.
There were nice restaurants with good prices, and the minimarkets and the butcher's at the village Almocageme. Organic and fair trade goods were easily found in those small shops which was a pleasant surprise to us. We found also the local people very friendly and helpful.
Hope to return soon, and maybe next time we'll be also able to attend a painting or drawing course!
All the best,
Heidi, Timo and the boys
Owner's Response: So encouraging to hear comments like this and yes we would be happy to give art lessons if there was a good sized group (min. 3) or even welcome artists who might like to work independently.
Mary & Alan St.George
Mary & Alan St.George
Family holiday for 1 week - last week in May
Review Submitted: July 14, 2009
Date of Stay: May 2009
We were warmly welcomed by Alan and Mary to Casa do Celeiro. The situation of the villa was lovely as was the property, in particular the garden and pool and the views.
A car is required to get anywhere however there is a lovely road over the hill to Sintra from which there is direct access into the Serra (mountain trails) - ideal for walking, running or mountain biking. The road itself (past the convent) is quiet enough to us on foot/bike also.
The local village (Almocageme) is beautiful, typical and very pleasant to spend time in. The restaurants are also good.
The beaches nearby were a bit disappointing. It was far too rough to swim and all except Adraga were a little let down looking. We ended up going to Carcavelos for a swim where conditions were much calmer. This beach is nearer Lisbon than the villa (a good 25k drive).
The Serra (mountain terrain) is the key to this area. It's quiet and rural and the paths in the woods are lovely. The climate, as a result, is much cooler than in Lisbon. So the weather up at the villa was a little cool in May for the swimming pool.
The inside of the villa is lovely and has mod cons to take the hassle out of the stay (washing machine, dishwasher). The views are fabulous and the terrace is ideal for barbeque.
Overall this is a great place to stay for a quiet relaxed holiday in beautiful surroundings. It's not ideal for beaches where you can swim and can be a bit cool and windy. The owners are great people who provide all you could need and who are very friendly and welcoming.
A car is required to get anywhere however there is a lovely road over the hill to Sintra from which there is direct access into the Serra (mountain trails) - ideal for walking, running or mountain biking. The road itself (past the convent) is quiet enough to us on foot/bike also.
The local village (Almocageme) is beautiful, typical and very pleasant to spend time in. The restaurants are also good.
The beaches nearby were a bit disappointing. It was far too rough to swim and all except Adraga were a little let down looking. We ended up going to Carcavelos for a swim where conditions were much calmer. This beach is nearer Lisbon than the villa (a good 25k drive).
The Serra (mountain terrain) is the key to this area. It's quiet and rural and the paths in the woods are lovely. The climate, as a result, is much cooler than in Lisbon. So the weather up at the villa was a little cool in May for the swimming pool.
The inside of the villa is lovely and has mod cons to take the hassle out of the stay (washing machine, dishwasher). The views are fabulous and the terrace is ideal for barbeque.
Overall this is a great place to stay for a quiet relaxed holiday in beautiful surroundings. It's not ideal for beaches where you can swim and can be a bit cool and windy. The owners are great people who provide all you could need and who are very friendly and welcoming.
Owner's Response: It is really good to get impressions of our local beaches which can be a bit off-putting in the spring months due to wind and coolness. Also really nice to see that some of our guests adore the outdoors and take full advantage of our unusual setting right in the 'serra' (wooded hills) to walk, run, and mountain bike. Also important to know that one needs a car here as we are too far from the local village to walk back with groceries uphill! M. St.George
What a place to chill out!
Review Submitted: June 25, 2009
Date of Stay: June 2009
Through no Fault of Mary and Alan’s Directions we arrived by the 'scenic' route
to there warm welcome and hospitality that is Casa do Celeiro.
The country cottage feel relaxed our three young adult children and us by providing many varied snug private places to curl up with a book, music or just relax and take in the magnificent views while soaking up the inspiring surroundings of Mary and Alan’s creations.
The conservatory and the pool area with its sensational scents and sunsets were our favourites. Especially our midnight swim with the under water pool lights in the company of bats and glow flies.
The local beaches have all something unique to offer from a gentle paddle to kite surfing experience. The Moorish castle and Pena Palace occupied us one day but we were all enchanted by the day spent at the Quinta de Regalia .Which gives us a new definition of follies.
For sparkly shopping a great range of restaurants and a more touristy surroundings the lovely town of Cascais is a short scenic drive away.
In short Casa do Celeiro does exactly what it says on the tin, and more.
And I hope to join Mary and Alan again at some time on our future paths to dip into their unique creation. Thanks Again.
Anthony & Crew
Dublin, Ireland.
to there warm welcome and hospitality that is Casa do Celeiro.
The country cottage feel relaxed our three young adult children and us by providing many varied snug private places to curl up with a book, music or just relax and take in the magnificent views while soaking up the inspiring surroundings of Mary and Alan’s creations.
The conservatory and the pool area with its sensational scents and sunsets were our favourites. Especially our midnight swim with the under water pool lights in the company of bats and glow flies.
The local beaches have all something unique to offer from a gentle paddle to kite surfing experience. The Moorish castle and Pena Palace occupied us one day but we were all enchanted by the day spent at the Quinta de Regalia .Which gives us a new definition of follies.
For sparkly shopping a great range of restaurants and a more touristy surroundings the lovely town of Cascais is a short scenic drive away.
In short Casa do Celeiro does exactly what it says on the tin, and more.
And I hope to join Mary and Alan again at some time on our future paths to dip into their unique creation. Thanks Again.
Anthony & Crew
Dublin, Ireland.
Owner's Response: Once again we have been charmed by this lovely Irish family who took to Portugal and Sintra like it was a second home. We are extremely grateful for those who come, sample and love the house, area and country. A big thankyou! Mary & Alan
A wonderful place to stay
Review Submitted: May 7, 2009
Date of Stay: April 2009
This is maybe the best place to stay in the Colares/Sintra area. Thank you Mary and Allen for the warm welcome and the wonderful stay!
We (2 adults + 2 kids of 3 and 8 yrs) stayed in May 2009 for 4 days in the cottage of Casa do Celeiro and we can truly recommend this place.
We arrived late in the evening and Mary was so kind as to light up the fireplace for us and to provide us with basic staples for the first day (this took a lot of stress out of our first day).
The house was clean, technically in good shape (everything was working) and very well equipped (especially the kitchen, which is complete and better equipped than in most other holiday homes).
The overall atmosphere is warm and inspiring, thanks to character of the building and the various artworks that the owners placed inside. The garden is lovely and offers a stunning view on the Atlantic Ocean. The same thing must be said about the pool area. You can even see the huge waves breaking during high water on Praia Agrada, a wonderful beach just down the hills.
The place is also very quiet; there is no noise from roads or other tourists (never mind the early cawing of the cocks). You will need a car to get there and to explore the area. Shops and public markets are just a few minutes away. Excellent fish and seafood restaurants are several along the coast nearby.
We will definitely come back to this place on our next trip to the Lisbon area!
We (2 adults + 2 kids of 3 and 8 yrs) stayed in May 2009 for 4 days in the cottage of Casa do Celeiro and we can truly recommend this place.
We arrived late in the evening and Mary was so kind as to light up the fireplace for us and to provide us with basic staples for the first day (this took a lot of stress out of our first day).
The house was clean, technically in good shape (everything was working) and very well equipped (especially the kitchen, which is complete and better equipped than in most other holiday homes).
The overall atmosphere is warm and inspiring, thanks to character of the building and the various artworks that the owners placed inside. The garden is lovely and offers a stunning view on the Atlantic Ocean. The same thing must be said about the pool area. You can even see the huge waves breaking during high water on Praia Agrada, a wonderful beach just down the hills.
The place is also very quiet; there is no noise from roads or other tourists (never mind the early cawing of the cocks). You will need a car to get there and to explore the area. Shops and public markets are just a few minutes away. Excellent fish and seafood restaurants are several along the coast nearby.
We will definitely come back to this place on our next trip to the Lisbon area!
Owner's Response: We were so delighted to meet this charming family with two small children who really appreciated the house, the setting and the historic location of Sintra, Portugal. This extra plus of meeting and helping our guests is really lovely.
Mary St.George
Mary St.George
Place with artistic and creative atmosphere
Review Submitted: April 17, 2009
Date of Stay: April 2009
We are an artist family ( me, my husband, our two daughters, their husbands and three grandchildren) living in Sweden,Denmark and France stayed for nine day´s in Casa do Celeiro in april 2009. The inspirating architectual lifeprojekt of Alan and Mary, gave us unforgetible memories that lived within us long time after that we arrived home.The smell from the calyptus trees, the view over the atlantic ocean, the green Sintra mountain in the back of the house and the sky in the round swimmingpool, Alan`s sculptures in the garden. High up hanging like a birdnest Casa do Celeiro is the place I can highly recommend to people who can enjoy the best in life, art,nice people, relaxing and creative inspirating atmosphere.
Both Mary and Alan are happy to show you their artwork and if you are curious Mary invite you to her studio and show you her new work in progress.You can feel free to work on your own too, if you are an artist or like to be one.
Behind the house there is nice exciting paths for walks in the nature along the Sintra mountain. Plenty of flowers, for me unknown, in radiant colours and a thrilling view over the ocean. Mystic old convents that mirror the history of time and the spirit of the place.
For an artist this gives new inspiration and I am happy we chosed this place and not the touristic Cascais. If you have to balance the countrylife with a big town, Lisbon is only 45 minute drive from here.
The little village Almocagem (5 min from the house with a car) have a wonderfull little minimercado where the genuine portuguese daily life floats slowly and without the hectic stress.After shopping there is a nice café/bar and restuarant by the beach which I highly recommend, with a fantastic scenary over the wild and noisy waves from the Atlantic Ocean.
The roads are narrow and you will need a car to take you to the next villages.We will for sure come back to this exciting place and inspirating artists. Thank you Alan and Mary for you warm welcome.
Both Mary and Alan are happy to show you their artwork and if you are curious Mary invite you to her studio and show you her new work in progress.You can feel free to work on your own too, if you are an artist or like to be one.
Behind the house there is nice exciting paths for walks in the nature along the Sintra mountain. Plenty of flowers, for me unknown, in radiant colours and a thrilling view over the ocean. Mystic old convents that mirror the history of time and the spirit of the place.
For an artist this gives new inspiration and I am happy we chosed this place and not the touristic Cascais. If you have to balance the countrylife with a big town, Lisbon is only 45 minute drive from here.
The little village Almocagem (5 min from the house with a car) have a wonderfull little minimercado where the genuine portuguese daily life floats slowly and without the hectic stress.After shopping there is a nice café/bar and restuarant by the beach which I highly recommend, with a fantastic scenary over the wild and noisy waves from the Atlantic Ocean.
The roads are narrow and you will need a car to take you to the next villages.We will for sure come back to this exciting place and inspirating artists. Thank you Alan and Mary for you warm welcome.
Home from home
Review Submitted: September 4, 2008
Date of Stay: August 2008
Wonderful welcome on arrival and help with visits/tourist sites etc while there and email before holiday. Close to genuine Portugese village for shopping. Lovely views from pool of Atlantic and from barbeque area. Away from other tourists. Well equipped and clean house and as per description. Can walk from house into hills. Very well located for visiting Sintra, Lisbon, Cabo de Roca, Cascais and further Obidos, Nazare etc. Lovely beaches. 20 mins from golf courses and 10 mins from tennis courts. The photos don't do justice to the wonderful setting and property.
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