Situated on the road to Tomar, just a few kilometres outside Ourem is the Quinta da Alcaidaria Mor. This is a delightful guesthouse with a welcoming atmosphere, ideal for a relaxing rural retreat within easy reach of some of Portugal’s most historic towns and important Christian monuments such as Tomar and Fatima.
The main hotel is set in a 17th Century country house, typical of this region of Portugal, which has remained in the same family to this day. It has plenty of historic legacies, having featured in the Napoleonic Invasions and the Order of Malta, and Nuno Álvares Pereira is said to have prayed in the small chapel on the property in 1385.
The main house has seven double bedrooms. All are en-suite with central heating and are tastefully decorated with antique beds and period furniture. There is plenty of room to relax in the spacious public areas, which include sitting rooms and a library. Set on a gently sloping hill, the house sits in attractive gardens with a good-sized clean swimming pool and several sun loungers for guests’ use.
Several self-contained cottages are strategically located within the gardens, providing a more rural-feeling alternative to the main house. These comprise of a large living area with kitchenette, fireplace and a double bedroom and some, such as the Alambique cottage, also have a second twin room, making them an idea choice for families or small groups. Each cottage has a television with DVD player and a CD player with a selection of music. If you are visiting out of the summer months the owners thoughtfully replenish wood supplies daily to ensure you are able to enjoy a cosy roaring fire at the end of your day.
Set on farmland, surrounded by other small rural plots, the Quinta da Alcaidaria Mor offers plenty of opportunities for exploring the unspoiled scenery on its doorstep. The owners are very helpful and will provide advice on the many walks and trails that run through the local area. They can also help with organising water sports on the lake or horse riding at one of the nearby equestrian centres famous throughout Portugal for their Lusitano horses.
Fatima, one of the most important centres of pilgrimage in the Catholic world, is approximately 15 kilometres away and the historic town of Tomar, with its UNESCO World Heritage Sites is within easy reach, making this an ideal rural location from which to enjoy all that this area of central Portugal has to offer.
Address: 490-000 Alcaidaria – Ourem, Portugal
Phone: +351 969 891 303
website: http://www.quintaalcaidaria-mor.pt
