Horta Vermelha
Our philosophy has been to reuse, refurbish and recover things from the cottages themselves and from other places, such as many doors, chairs or tables. Many wooden materials have been given a paint cover, with varnish or wax, to make things fully integrated in the organic and personalised feel of the place. We also made several things ourselves, such as the low consumption lamps in the kitchens, living-rooms and rooms. This has meant time and effort to make things as they are now, producing minimum waste and maximum comfort for our guests. Along this spirit, inside the houses we have kept the traditional whitewash, for its good properties in keeping the old adobe walls. For the indigo blue or oxide red colours, we've used the pigments that have been used in the region for ages, mixed with the whitewash. The ceilings are also either of wooden beams and timber boards, or made of the original terracotta bricks. Also for the floors, we have kept the old materials and stone as possible. All of this adds up to colour, charm and atmosphere, in harmony with an organic feel. Unobtrusive and well integrated modern details have been added for thermal efficiency and comfort. Most of the feel is of uniqueness, history and personality. Now you may also be part of the new history of these old cottages.
Two self-catering, centuries-old Cottages (independently bookable), sleeping max 4-6 each, mostly built and kept according to old building materials. A wonderful recreational eco-friendly refreshing pool for the summer dip. Access to the property and fruit-picking on a fair basis. Inside: linen, towels, herbal soaps and shampoo, toilet paper are provided; WCs and kitchens have safe drinkable council water; kitchens are fully equipped for your own cooking; wood-burners in living rooms, electrical heaters in all other chambers. Housing is cool in the Summer, within thick walls, wood and isolated ceilings. Safety: kitchens have gas cookers, fully verified and certified; full anti-fire safety, and CO-detectors for rooms. Non-smoking inside, strict rules outside. Included: - breakfast with coffee, tea, local bread, local jams and cheese, juice and milk, provided on the day of arrival (for the remaining days, breakfast and meals are autonomously managed by you); - water, heating, electricity, and firewood; - free local telephone and free wide-band & wireless internet. Outside: you have free access to farm, with maps and detailed information, outdoor grill charcoal, parking, garden chairs. Suitability: family or small group holidays, long term rentals available. Local Activities: walking, fishing, cycling, museums, winery tours, bird watching; we provide information on local restaurants, maps and walking routes, activities and culture. Pets: allowed, not indoors; we have a very good shelter available (additional charge). A meeting room is also available, for workshops, meetings, parties (additional charge).
Horta Vermelha is located in Borba, in the Alto Alentejo region of Portugal, an area many call the "Provence" of Portugal. It is just few tens of kilometers from Évora to the West, and from Elvas to the East, in-between two important UNESCO World Heritage sites. The vast plains of the Alentejo (roughly the size of a country such as Belgium) sweep between the Algarve and Lisbon. It is a countryside of endless plains doted by olive trees, cork trees and great vineyards. Many say that it is still the last undiscovered destination wonder in Europe. The Alentejo is a rural idyll with historical and picturesque whitewash towns, atmospheric hilltop castles and not to be missed clear starry nights. Much of this patrimony (including World Heritage sites) is worth seeing, grasping, smelling and tasting. It is also a region of significative agricultural production, for high-quality wines and exquisite olive oil. Its tourism is still opening to the World, but many from far away have discovered and fell in love with a new place for home. We have a role in showing you this and in bringing you here, as a responsible traveler.
General information
Languages spoken
Selfcatering housingunit
Food
Facilities
Campfire/barbecue
Bicycles for rent
Open-air swimming pool
Facilities for playing outside
Tours of the farm
Participation in daily farm-activities possible
Workshops and courses
Facilities and activities in the surroundings (< 15 km)
Marked trails
Guided nature tours
Horseriding
Open-air swimming pool
Indoor swimming pool
Children
Highchair
Cot
Special target groups
Pets allowed if agreed upon
Landscape characteristics
Hilly scenery
Predominantly agricultural
Farm production
A full-time farm
Small, traditional and ecological farm
Horticulture, Fruticulture