Monte da Ameira is a beautifully located, traditional farmstead in the Alentejo, consisting of several houses with a surrounding fertile property in the midst of nature. The buildings were built through generations of local families and the property used for sustainable agriculture of vegetables and fruits.
The farm enjoys a completely private location without any neighbours, in the midst of the Serra do Monfurado, a small natural reserve in between Evora (20km) and Montemor-o-Novo (15km), surrounded by vast cork-oak and holm-oak forests.
Originally consisting of 5 houses, the Monte was converted into two separate units due to the number of kitchens and bathrooms. There is one separate building which finds itself in ruins and can be rebuilt according to one’s needs.
The oldest house was built 1741, second and third a bit later, 4th 1894, 5th 1923. They have been kept in the traditional alentejano style, each having a large fireplace and chimney and very thick natural stone and clay walls (min. 60cm).
The roofs were mostly redone in 2019, equipped with proper insulation (8cm) and roof windows. All the floors were tiled with terracotta; new wooden windows and doors with folding shutters were installed.
The houses are connected to each other internally and laid out as two separate living units. There are 12 rooms, 2 kitchens, 2 bathrooms and 3 verandas; outbuildings with an appliance room, shed and a fully equipped workshop. There are three heating stoves for the winter and 4 traditional fireplaces. The fireplaces are functional but have been closed to prevent insects from entering the houses.
The kitchens have been equipped with granite counters, fridge and gas stove. In front of the houses there’s an old, traditional baking oven which has been carefully restored and is functional.
The property is completely autonomous; it has its own electricity (5KW solar system, installed 2020) and water supply through a spring, as well as a stream that runs year-around through the property. There are 4 water deposits with 120l each, supplied by the spring and connected to the houses.
For the sewage there are 4 septic tanks.
The property is mostly surrounded by a natural stone wall and enjoys complete privacy. Among the diverse vegetation there are different varieties of fruit trees including old species of oranges, lemons, olives, nesperas, grapes, figs, walnuts, chestnuts, pomegranades, peaches, plums, apples, laurel, and more.
Cork oaks are scattered throughout the property; an impressive bamboo forest grows next to the water, giving a cooling effect on hot summer days.
There are palm and banana trees, diverse species of herbs, flowers and bushes; lots of small animals and insects that are usually hard to find. A beautiful oasis worthy of protection!
The water supply of the spring is very abundant and has drinking water quality. The stream has two small bridges and a beautiful, idyllic waterfall.
Two access roads from opposite sides lead to the property, both natural roads with lengths of 1.7 and 1.9 kilometres. An old hiking trail leads past the house alongside the stream to the village Santiago do Escoural, a quiet little hamlet with all the necessary amenities.
A beautiful swimming lake is located just 1km away. Around Ameira there are several historic sites from the stone age and roman empire, such as “Grutas do Escoural”, just 2 kilometres away!
15 kilometres to Montemor-o-Novo with all the amenities. 1,5h to the airport of Lisbon.
Barely over an hour to the word-famous beaches of the Costa da Caparica.
