Casa de Terena
Alentejo, Portugal
A super-cosy hideaway in an undiscovered hilltop village with long views across a lake to the hills
A small untouched village that basks in the hot Alentejo sun. At
the top of the hill, once the bishop’s manor house, Casa de
Terena stands bathed in bougainvillea, shaded by the castle walls.
The house is impeccable in every way, be it the vaulted brick roof
in the sitting room, the marble stairs ‘rescued’ from a
Roman temple (Julius Caesar visited in 43 BC), Stella’s
fabulous pottery, or paintings from all over the world that fill
the walls and alcoves.
Quietly chic bedrooms extol the virtues of uncluttered
simplicity. Those at the back have huge views across olive groves
to the Lucefecit reservoir and hills; those at the front have
Juliet balconies serenading the castle. Help yourself to a drink,
then potter across the cobbled lane and sit at a table outside the
old church; don’t expect to be disturbed by cars. Jeremy can
organise incredible diversions: mountain-bike safaris, canoe trips
up river gorges, visits to local wineries, dinner on the castle
ramparts. If you yearn to escape the crowds in a blissful pocket of
undiscovered Europe, apply within.

Reviewed by Tom Bell
Last updated 13 January 2012
Highs
- The house and the village; both are gorgeous, a great base for those who want to explore
- There’s something exquisite at every turn: a calçada (tiled) entrance hall, Italian sofas, voile wall hangings, sumptuously upholstered armchairs, mellow lighting, an open fire in winter
- You’re in the heart of one of the loveliest areas in Portugal and you’ll have it to yourself
- Jeremy and Stella, who are extremely helpful and very knowledgeable
Lows
- There’s no pool, but you can swim in the lake
- There’s no air conditioning, but ceiling fans and shuttered windows keep you cool
- The only outdoor seating area is on the cobbled street outside, but it's a great spot for relaxing and watching village life go by
A sweet hilltop hideaway dressed in bougainvillea, shaded by castle walls...
The GuardianCasa de Terena: Read more press reviews




















