Traditional Estate House on Alentejano Cork Farm

See all properties

Entire home

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 41506.9 sq ft

Popular amenities

Washer
Pet-friendly
Fireplace
Parking available
Breakfast available

Explore the area

Redondo, Alentejo

Quinta do Carmo
‪27 min drive‬
Évora Cathedral
‪42 min drive‬
University of Évora
‪43 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed and 1 Crib

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds and 1 Crib

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Bidet · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Bidet · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Separate dining area

About this property

A 200 year old traditional Alentejano farmhouse on a 125ha working Cork Farm, with new swimming pool is available for weekends and short term lets. This is a unique legacy property full of antiques and family heirlooms that reflect the owners Anglo-Dutch heritage. The farmhouse has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large living room with open fireplace, kitchen & a terrace with spectacular views over the surrounding plains.
Situated in beautiful countryside of cork trees, olive groves and vineyards. In the foothills of the Serra D’Ossa 20km south of Estremoz and 35km west of Evora. Ideal for sightseeing in a scenic and historic part of Portugal. Within easy reach, by motorway, of Lisbon 2hrs and Spain 1hr. The farm itself offers good opportunities for country walks, bird watching and quiet country life. Historical tours of Evora can also be arranged through a private guide.
There are a myriad of activities to enjoy on the farm. For the walkers or mountain bikers there are kilometers of footpaths around the 125 hectare farm for you to explore and for those wishing to venture further afield, the nearby peaks offer unrivalled views of the surrounding countryside. Serra d’Ossa lies at 500 metres above sea level and boasting one of the driest climates in Europe. The absence of light pollution makes this an astronomers’ paradise.
Bird watches can enjoy seeking out over 70 species of birds in the unique habitat provided by the cork forest, several of our past guests are members of the RSPB and have made lists of the birds they have seen / heard. Here is a list of a few: White Stork, Booted Eagle, Red Kite, Kestrel, Cuckoo, Tawny Owl, Hoopoe, Red-Rumped Swallow, Great Bustard, Little Bustard and Bee Eater. Visitors to the local damn include black winged stilts and the occasional avocet. Very occasionally, bustards can be seen in the lower plains.
Within a one-hour drive from the farm, you can also explore nearby towns including Evora (a UNESCO World Heritage site), Estremoz famed for its Saturday morning market, Vila Viçosa with its two royal palaces, Reguengos and even neighbouring Spain.
We offer guided walks in the cork forest.
This house is not suited to guests with mobility issues.

Property manager

Paul Mollet

Premier Host

Languages

English, French, Portuguese, Spanish

Protect your payment — always book on Vrbo

If someone asks you to book through them or pay them directly before you book on Vrbo, report it.

Find out more

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool

Kitchen

Washer

Pet-friendly

Air conditioning

Outdoor space

Have a question?

Beta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Ask a question

Similar properties

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Pet-friendly

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 17

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 1 total)

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

Property Registration Number 7076

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Redondo

Located in Redondo, this villa is in a rural area and in the mountains. Roquevale Redondo and Casa Relvas Winery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Jardim de San Pedro and Playa de Cheles. Discover the area's water adventures with nearby swimming, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding, hiking and cycling.

Redondo, Alentejo

What's nearby

Quinta do Carmo - 27 min drive - 26.5 km
Historic Centre of Évora - 39 min drive - 41.6 km
Évora Cathedral - 42 min drive - 42.8 km
University of Évora - 43 min drive - 42.2 km
Praca do Giraldo - 46 min drive - 43.5 km

Restaurants

‪Celeiro do Pinto - ‬12 min drive
‪Restaurante Palmeira - ‬11 min drive
‪A Torre - ‬8 min drive
‪O Chana - ‬5 min drive
‪Restaurante Central - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Traditional Estate House on Alentejano Cork Farm have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

Is Traditional Estate House on Alentejano Cork Farm pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total).

What time is check-in at Traditional Estate House on Alentejano Cork Farm?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

Where is Traditional Estate House on Alentejano Cork Farm located?

Situated in the mountains, this villa is within 16 miles (25 km) of Castelo Do Alandroal, Jardim de San Pedro and Santuario Da Padroeira De Portugal. Capela de Santa Isabel and Torre das Tres Coroas are also within 16 miles (25 km).

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Tina F., New Orleans

21 Sept 2018

Beautiful house, wonderful location

We only had two nights, I wish it would have been much longer. We stayed in late September. The weather was still warm mid day, cool in the mornings. Perfect for a dip in the infinity edge pool in the heat of the day. We went to a delicious very local restaurant, there are a number of options close by. The kitchen was well equipped and we ate in our first night not knowing there were places to go close by to eat. Redondo has a large and a small grocery store, both about ten minutes drive. The farm house is delightful. Generations of wonderful books in English. A fireplace, AC and beautiful furniture. You are definitely staying in a family house. The bed we slept in was very hard, this may be a good thing or not depending on your preference. This is the only thing I would change. Joseph took us on an informative, exciting and comprehensive tour of the property. Recommended. Thank you Philip for a wonderful stay.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2018

8/10 Good

Emily K.

15 Jul 2018

This property is beautiful, the house was comfortable and the dogs were a highlight of the stay.

This stay was one of our favorite places in Portugal. We took a tour of the property, including the cork farm. It was just fascinating and the guide was very knowledgeable. We were accompanied on the tour by the 6 resident dogs which just made my day. The pool was delightful and the night sky stunning. I would have given 5 stars, but we arrived after a long day of driving to find only a caretaker. The owner was travelling so we felt a little lost. The property is located a fair distance from any towns or restaurants and we did not have access to coffee in the mornings. There is a kitchen there. It is just important to know to bring everything that you might need. Given that, I highly recommend this property.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Eric D.

6 Jul 2018

Outstanding Experience

Herdade da Maroteira was a “destination” in and of itself. It’s a more than 1500 square foot farmhouse with authentic rustic charm. Philip and Marguerita were exceptional hosts. We swam and watched spectacular sunsets from the infinity pool, walked or hiked some of the many trails, took a bumpy Jeep tour through a 500 hectare cork farm, and actually watched the workers stripping cork from the trees. The house itself was spacious and well furnished, and the bed was comfortable. Everything was spotlessly clean. There were purple flowers and lemon trees outside our windows and a large private terrace with panoramic views. The World Heritage City of Evora was an easy 35 km away. We would definitely go back and definitely recommend it to family and friends. The pictures on the website - beautiful as they are - don’t do it justice. We also loved starting our trip in the Alentejo region in Portugal’s interior - less traveled but no less impressive than the big cities of Lisbon and Porto.

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Caroline F.

11 Jun 2018

Absolutely lovely original and very spacious farmhouse with super views and pool

Beautiful part of original farmhouse with extensive views over the cork farm and vineyard. It is enormous and beautifully furnished with antiques. The lovely owners arranged a great jeep tour of the estate and super wine tasting. A great central location for visiting the lovely walled towns of the region. Super pool with views.

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Jean B.

15 Mar 2018

We loved it

Four of us stayed at the farm for 5 nights. We enjoyed the experience thoroughly. The accommodation is first rate with many elements that reflect the family's long history at the property. There is a tour of the farm given by Jose that should not be missed not only for the wonderful scenery but to learn about cork and the vineyard that is on the property. Our host was most gracious and did arrange for us to have two wonderful meals in nearby restaurants. Recommend highly for a very different experience.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Philip M., Redondo

30 Dec 2017

As a returning guest what Can I say....I'll be back

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

PHILLIP M.

10 Nov 2017

We had such a wonderful stay, we can’t wait to return.

We loved staying here. Originally booked the main farmhouse for 1 week and enjoyed it so much we extended our stay. Unfortunately, the main farmhouse was booked so we had to move to Til’s - also very nice. Still prefer the main farmhouse though. Owner’s, Phil and Marge, are warm and welcoming, and the dogs and cats are most amusing and fun. Great pool, beautiful views. Really enjoyed the Jeep tour of the cork farm. Highly recommend. Our guide, David, was a lot of fun and informative. Not only does the farm produce cork but is also in the business of wine making, which by the way is excellent. This is definitely a place to stay if you want to relax and enjoy the countryside and small villages. Well located for visiting nearby towns of Evora, Maroteira, Estremoz and Elvas. Our only complaint was the bed was a little hard but we did get used to it. Would still prefer a softer bed.

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Brent M.

27 Oct 2017

Quiet and hautingly beautiful

We had been following Maroteira for several years and finally were able to visit. Very nice in all respects. The house was comfortable and could easily handle four adults or a family. Our tour of the property with Jesu was wonderful and the dogs were a hoot! No words can adequately describe the space, the beauty and the quiet. Amazing. Would have liked some time with Philip but this is a working farm/business so it was not possible. We were a little surprised that there was no premium red available, the Cem Reis. One of the main reasons we chose Maroteira. Would like to return but for a longer visit.

Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

John V.

1 Aug 2016

amazing

A wonderfull old farm in the middle of nowhere. Friendly hosts, lovely pool and a enourmous environment (what a view on top). The guided tours are very interesting ; the wine is delicious. The perfect place to feel totally relaxed.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2016

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

12 Jun 2016

This is the Alentejo at its very best.

We couldn't have chosen a better place than this 1000 acre farm of cork forest and vineyards. The Mollets are professionals when it comes to making sure their guests have everything they need to ensure the holiday is a complete success. The wild flowers were magnificent and the bird life is fascinating. Would we return? Most definitely.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Nunzia C.

12 Sept 2014

Calme et nature...

Nous avons passé une très belle semaine dans cette maison pleine de charme, spacieuse et confortable pour 4 personnes. La vue sur la campagne environnante est superbe et reposante. La maison est accolée à l'habitation des propriétaires, très accueillants, souriants et attentionnés en toute discrétion...merci encore pour la réservation du transport en bus et pour nos discussions très enrichissantes! Petite précision concernant la piscine: elle se situe à une petite dizaine de minutes de marche de la maison

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Julie W.

5 Sept 2014

comfortable, beautiful trees, very peaceful

This is a comfortable, old fashioned farmhouse on a farm which grows grapes for wine and trees for cork. Wonderfully sunny area in front of the house to barbecue and eat dinner, a great collection of books to read and good air-conditioning for when it gets hot in the afternoon. My daughter loved the swimming pool and the dogs.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Mark L.

20 Apr 2013

Lovely, friendly place on a farm

We stayed in the farmhouse with 2 children (2 and 5). Lovely, characterful place to stay, well-equipped and very clean. Good space on the terrace for playing, with panoramic views. Mollet family very welcoming and helpful. Dogs very friendly and lively - might just be a bit too lively for little ones (or others) who are not comfortable with dogs. (Our two little ones loved them 95% of the time and were just a little bit over-awed by them on rare, brief occasions). Our 5 year old loved exploring around the farm. The estate's own wines are very fine and mummy and daddy loved exploring those. The area around has loads to see - castles, delightful medieval towns, markets, megalithic sites etc. Would heartily recommend.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

6 Jul 2011

The most relaxing Alentejo stay.

Maroteira turned out to be everything we had hoped for and more. We were looking for a place where we could centre ourselves to explore the Alentejo and yet have a quite base to relax on the days when we just wanted to chill out and read books. The farm house is about a mile from the perimeter of the farm on a private road which winds up through cork trees. The only sound to be heard is the occasional tinkling of goats bells. The beautifully furnished and extremely well equipped stone built house is well over a hundred years old and it is easy to imagine life when the only transport was pulled by a horse or donkey. The house was very clean and its construction ensured it was always comfortably cool even when the outside temperature was baking hot. The nearby small town of Redondo has a small supermarket locked in a 1960’s time warp where essential supplies can be obtained. A large, modern, more customer orientated supermarket can be found thirty minutes’ drive away on the outskirts of Estremoz. The roads in the Alentejo are well surfaced and completely deserted of vehicles making driving a real pleasure. Philip and Margarite are excellent hosts always ready and willing to help with advice when needed but equally quite happy to leave their guests to their own devices, if that are what they want. The wines produced by Philip are very good with the red being excellent, make certain to try some. We are looking forward to staying at Maroteira again in the future.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

14 Apr 2011

A Great 10 Days

March is not the warmest time but we appreciated Philip's central heating and unlimited supply of logs. The view is magnificent and the farm is full of interest,cork trees,vines,sheep,goats,hens,not to mention five friendly dogs. No shortage of lemons and oranges either! Too cold for the swimming pool but beautifully situated away from the house but not too far to walk. There has not been the enormous amount of building development in the Alentejo that exists in some places in Portugal. Traffic is minimal by our urban standards and all the historic locations can be reached easily without getting lost in the suburbs. Philip and Margarite were as helpful and friendly as they could possibly be and we look forward to going back.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

3 Nov 2010

Great place to stay

My wife and I stayed here in October 2010 and had the best time. It is off the beaten track but easily accessable to lots of world class attractions ie Avora, monoliths 2000 years older than stonehenge, largest man made lake in Europe and more. But the best bit was when Philip took us on a farm tour and explained about the cork trees, the black pigs and the winery. The accommodation was sensational and really comfortable. I would highly recommend this farmhouse for a self catering holiday where you can fall in love with the real Portugal.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

16 Sept 2010

Springtime in Alentejo

We have been regular visitors to Alentejo over many years and this was our second visit to Herdade de Maroteira, this time staying in the farmhouse rather than the cottage. Despite the chilly and wet weather we enjoyed revisiting this peaceful and idyllic location. The farmhouse is beautifully furnished and presented, giving a real sense of traditional country estate life, although it felt rather big for just the two of us! – overall the cottage has a more cosy atmosphere for a couple. The spring wildflowers were fantastic once again and we never tire of this beautiful landscape with its cork oaks, traditional villages, castles, colourful birds and wide-ranging views across rolling countryside. Phillip & Marge are thoughtful and welcoming hosts and on our previous visit Phillip helped translate when we needed new tyres in Evora, which was much appreciated. This is a great place for a relaxing stay in a lovely setting where you can really feel part of traditional rural Portugal.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

9 Jul 2010

Wonderful days on your residence

Dear Margrete, dear Phillip, we have been searching a farmhouse away from tourist centers and the seaside. Your destination is a wonderful farmhouse for families and it is a perfect location to discover the nature, cities around. Your warm welcome was excellent and there was no different between you and our home. The next supermarket is only a few minutes away from your house and you find all necessary goods for breakfast, lunch, dinner, toilet articles and everything you need. If we asked for recommandations our something else you were always present and feed us with all needs. So we had dinner in a lot of different restaurants in the surroundings. The best recommandation we got is from our sun (13 yrs.) "dady once a day after my study I will invite you all to this fine restaurant in Estremoz". Believe me, we'll do it and come back to enjoy dinner once again. It was very well that our little daugther played with your toyes. By the way the photos has given a real view / impression about all the rooms. If you searching for a fine calm country side destination I think this framhouse is the best choice you can find. Mikel

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

8xpIoPzD1JzWM4zaiMMIg6hycH5SRv3rWI7wLN52Z07iMs5sBcIkZnE9M7Bg3msN1xSSqIyuz2/lDaxUGodww1R0BNIMXiXqs4K5 8., 8xpIoPzD1JzWM4zaiMMIg6hycH5SRv3rWI7wLN52Z060Rk8kch/45zrdW/EvQZdtvw7h9jG9AXYiGj+Z

13 May 2010

A Wonderful Retreat

We have just returned from a two week stay at this wonderful Alentejano farm house and we will carry the memories forever. The house is spacious, well equiped, and boasts a lovely outdoor area with a view that is "to die for." The location is remote but, at the same time, easily accessible to many wonderful destinations such as Evora, Estremoz, Vila Vicosa, Moura, Serpa, Arraiolos, Marvao; the list goes on and on. A highlight of our farm experience was the tour of the vast property. We learned about cork harvesting, raising pigs, the vineyard much more. Though these experiences were wonderful, the most memorable part was time spent with the owners. Margarida and Philip helped make the stay very special. They are interesting, caring, and always there to help and we left feeling that we made friends who we will always think of and care about. It was always special to spend time with them, their two children, and the farm dogs whom we grew attached to. If you are looking for a comfortable haven where you can rest, explore, and see the true beauty of Portugal, this is the place!

10/10 Excellent

myra o.

12 Sept 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous stay at a cork farm

We stayed just 2 nights but would happily stay much longer. Paul was an excellent host and gave us a tour of his cork forest and explained the process of harvesting cork. He also gave great recommendations for walks nearby. The pool is gorgeous and lovely to be woken by sheep grazing amongst the olive trees. Accommodations are traditional farmhouse - steeped in history. Kitchen had everything we needed. We will be back.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sherri L.

30 Jun 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing Vacation!

We enjoyed our stay at this quaint farmhouse and we were able to relax by the pool in the evenings. We had a lovely traditional Portuguese dinner in the local village and Paul was kind to give a a walking tour of the cork trees. Thank you for your hospitality!

Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan V.

17 Apr 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A little piece of heaven

Book it now! Paul’s house is truly magnificent. It is the perfect combination of luxury and rustic. We liked it so much we changed our plans to tour the surrounding towns and instead spent two days lolling around the property. Paul is a tremendous host. He was kind enough to give us a small tour and explain the cork process to us and went above and beyond answering our many questions. There are lemon trees and orange trees that Paul encouraged us to enjoy which we did listening to the lambs baas and the bells around their necks. And the infinity pool! Book it now

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lindsay d.

28 Nov 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise

I really can't add any more to the rave reviews that the other lucky guests have written other than, an added delight was the chorus of bells on the sheep. Thank you Paul for being such a gracious and trusting host.

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Thomas L.

14 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome stay

My wife and I really enjoyed our stay at the cork farm. Paul is an excellent host and on site to help in any way if needed. Evora is 35 minutes away and an easy drive. We dined in Evora a couple of nights and the rest of the week we cooked at the house. We liked to eat outside in the patio with some great local wines. Great views too; we recommend this place highly.

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott L.

18 Jul 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing property, rustic home, modern pool

As advertised but I would emphasize that this is a truly a rustic and historic property. It has a massive charm factor but it is hundreds of years old and has some of the foibles of an old home. Paul, the host was great walking us through these when we checked in and being there if anything minor happened. He also was great with recommendations and was super accommodating to our family. The pool and grounds are truly spectacular and make a sty here more than worth it. It is also a really nice and not over tourististed part of Portugal and was the perfect way to ease my family into our trip while getting adjusted to time zone changes.

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

About the host

Hosted by Paul Mollet

We are Paul and Inês and together we manage Monte da Japonica. Paul is a retired journalist and energy analyst with an interest in climate change while Inês is a researcher working on diabetes and nutrition.

Why they chose this property

Our policy, as a family-owned farm is to farm in a manner that is environmentally sustainable and provides value to the local community through employment and resource-sharing.
When you book us you will be helping us protect the cork forest and the local enviroment.

What makes this property unique

Other than the Accommodation Herdade the Maroteira is a 540ha working farm with several activities (Cork production, livestock, Vineyards, Wine production and Olive groves).
We also live in a very privileged area of Portugal with a lot of historical locations and sites.
For you to be able to make the most of you stay with us we have set up some actives with a full time local guide, who would love to show you the best of what we have.
Our Tours
1 Hr Visit of the farm
5km Walk of Cork Forest
10km Walk of the Cork Forest and Vineyards
20km Walk of the farm and surrounding hill
Explore the Dolmens of the serra D’ossa

Languages:

English, French, Spanish, Portuguese

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests

Traditional Estate House on Alentejano Cork Farm

Photo gallery for Traditional Estate House on Alentejano Cork Farm

Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

Bedroom 2

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

About this property