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Paradise in Portugal
Santa Clara-a-Velha,
Alentejo
Bed & Breakfast
+351 283 933065
Visit owner's website
€145 - €375
10 rooms
Rooms sleep 2 – 5
Children welcome
Pets welcome
Babies welcome
Wild beauty and hundreds of birds on the shore of a freshwater lake. Frank and Daniella look after you in a homely, fuss free way
€145 - €375
Visit the owner's site and book direct with them. No fees or fuss from us.
What part does Sawday’s play?
Use our quick form to drop the owner a line asking anything you need to know.
Ask a question€145 - €375 per night
The Experience
Up a 4km dirt track which the adventurous will love, and hugging the shore of one of the Alentejo’s largest freshwater lakes, the Quinta and its garden are simply the best for birdwatching and wildlife with masses of wild flowers in spring. Frank’s eco-friendly renovation of the original low house took years and then a row of guest rooms was added. These are pleasingly simple, with pictures, books, terraces and lake views.
Breakfast, lunch and supper – all home cooked by Daniella are served in the big extended living room and bar which has a warm, informal feel. Beyond huge windows (open to the sky except in winter) is a vine-covered terrace; further butterfly-bright terraces brim over with hibiscus, oleander, palm, jasmine, plumbago, cactus. Frank planted the garden specifically to attract birds and wildlife so book a tour (he is southern Portugal’s expert) or sit quietly in one of the hides.
Walk down the garden to the jetty where you’ll find boats and kit for canoeing, paddle boarding, fishing; swimming here is sublime and warm for most of the year. You’ll also find a newly-built yoga shala overlooking the lake. This is a place of peace and much beauty – and star-filled skies on clear nights.
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We think you'll love
- Watching the birds and other wildlife
- Being so very far away from crowds, cars and buildings
- Swimming, boating and fishing on the lake
You should know
- No TV
- No nightlife apart from lively conversation
- This is a destination place, you're not near anything else
Essentials
- EV charger
- Swimming pool
- Hot tub
- Garden
- Open fire / woodburner
- Breakfast included
- Breakfast available
- Meals available
- Vegetarian meals
- Oven
- Parking on premises
- Free parking nearby
- Accessible by public transport
- WiFi
- Television
- Spa
- Central heating
- Limited mobility
- Wheelchair access
- Mobile reception
- Hob
- Bar
- Barbecue
- Licensed premises
- Paid parking nearby
- Air conditioning
- Relaxation areas
- Washing machine
- Tennis court
- Microwave oven
- No smoking
- Credit cards
- Working farm
- Owner has pets
- Dishwasher
- Pets welcome
Family friendly
- Baby monitor
- Books and toys
- Children welcome
- Babies welcome
- Stair gates
- High chair
- Fire guard
- Cot available
Nearby
- Pub/bar within 3 miles
- Restaurant within 3 miles
- Shop within 3 miles
Activities
- Bikes available
- Food courses
- Kayaking
- Other courses
- Sailing
- Surfing
- Wild swimming
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Accommodation
Pricing
- Nightly price
- from €145
- Surcharges
- Singles €145-€180. Dinner, B&B €114-€137 per person. Extra bed/sofabed available €45 per person per night.
- 1 Family room for 5
- From €200
- 8 Twin/doubles
- From €145
- 1 Family room for 4
- From €200
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Information
Booking information
- Check in
- 12pm-9pm
- Check out
- 8am-12pm
- Other details
- Minimum stay: 2 nights, 4 nights in high season.
- Closed
- 1 November - 17 March.
- Property
- This property is part of a working farm or vineyard.
- Owner has pets
- Animals living on the property
- Meals
- Lunch €27. Dinner €37. Wine from €11.
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Reviews
Wim
Sawday's Inspector
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We've never been on a 'birding' holiday before so didn't really know what to expect .... what we got was great trips out, brilliant guidance from Frank, lots of laughs, and so many 'firsts' we almost lost count. As for Quinta itself, what an idyllic place to stay. We had a charming bedroom with a cat theme which suited us down to the ground, a fabulous bathroom, and own terrace with a lovely view of the lake. We've never stayed in a hotel with such a warm, family feel to it - Frank and Daniela are a very special couple and made us feel part of the family in no time.
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This is the best ever for a relaxing holiday in the middle of no where. Everything one could ask for is on hand here. Fresh water lake where one can swim as far as one likes to build up an appetite for the next delicious meal provided by the Quinta. I would recommend this hotel to anyone who wants a peaceful relaxing holiday in an enchanting eco friendly corner of the Alentejo, Portugal
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The most peaceful and beautiful place to get away from the hubbub of city life. We loved the laid back atmospere and the opportunity to talk to other guests from all nationalities round the large dining table. The experience was more like a house party than a hotel, and we were treated to delicious, often home grown meals. Our children loved playing by the lake and walking the numerous dogs. They had no desire to go to the beach or anywhere else during our 8 day stay.
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Location
The neighbourhood
This is the most beautiful, unspoilt part of rural Portugal and you don't come here to do anything but stay (unless you enjoy going up and down the dirt track endlessly, in which case you can do that.) Frank's bird tours are legendary and sometimes there will be yoga groups so you could come to find peace in the shala. There are plenty of books to read and maps for walks long and short, strenuous or strollable. All food is provided for you but if you want a change there is a restaurant on the other side of the lake. The village at the bottom of the long track is sleepy and quiet but with two cafes. You are at least an hour away from both coasts and Daniella can give you a picnic lunch.
Local points of interest from Frank McClintock
- Birdwatching - and nature in general - is our speciality and Frank, the owner, organises Guided Trips throughout southern Portugal for guests at the Quinta. It's an opportunity not to be missed!
- Canoes and SUPs are all included in the price of your stay - make the most of them and explore the lake's 250 kms of coastline.
- The fishing is stunning, with Carp and Wide-mouthed Bass being the targets.
- Swimming in the lake is de-rigeur - at an average temperature of 28º during the summer months it's the ideal place for children too as it's safe with no currents.
- The surrounding area's full of walking trails and the Quinta can supply you with detailed directions and picnics.
- There's a total absence of any noise from the outside world; no cars, trains, buses or planes - just the hum of insects and the trill of birds. "Paradise" it's called and it's as near to heaven as you'll ever get!
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Introducing
Frank McClintock
Frank is a maverick - one of those guys who just decides to do a mad thing and does it. So many years ago he bought this wild piece of land in Portugal - totally unterraced and unreachable - piled all his belongings into a red double-decker bus and drove out here. He created the track, the house and the rooms and the wonderful garden. He's made the place very much his own and now shares it with Daniella. He really does know everything that is worth knowing about birds and plenty of other wildlife.
We really enjoyed the peace and friendly hospitality of the Quinta, and the excellent home-cooked meals. The lush garden is quite an oasis, and the adjoining lake is perfect for a refreshing dip or paddle on a warm summer's day. The rooms are clean and comfortable, with lots of character. At dinner-time we chatted with interesting people of various nationalities around the table, and enjoyed the ever-changing vista across the lake. Frank is an excellent bird-guide, and knows where to find the avian specialities of southern Portugal. Highly recommended.