Monte do Chora Cascas

Gorgeous country house set in lush gardens with long views across open country from the swimming pool terrace

Sublime style, blissful countryside and a fine view across the valley to the town basking on the side of a hill. Monte do Chora Cascas - 'Hill of Weeping Bark' - is one of those places you won’t want to leave. It's small, intimate and very indulging, with terracotta urns bursting with colour under clumps of palms, Buddha sitting under a tree by the entrance, and open country all around.

Clipped country-house elegance spills over inside. Wander into the big sitting room and find Chinese wood carvings, glass vases by the dozen, a baby grand piano and a huge fireplace for winter nights. An exquisite garden draws you out, first to a shaded terrace, then to a shimmering pool that’s encircled by a well-kept lawn. Montemor sparkles on the hill a couple of kilometres away, and there are deck chairs and loungers from which to take in the view. Rooms are scattered about the place and come with cast-iron beds, crisp white linen and candles everywhere. If you like stylish small hotels and the song of a country cockerel, you’ll be in heaven here.

Highs

• The garden: a very tranquil spot, with a pretty pool and long country views
• The design: the place oozes understated elegance, and the rooms are stylish and soothing
• Superb hospitality from the owner and her wonderful staff
• The Alentejo: you’ve landed in one of Europe’s best-kept secrets

Lows

• There are no private terraces; 2 rooms share a terrace and the rest access a communal patio
• Rooms aren’t air-conditioned
• Lunch and dinner is not available unless you rent the whole house - check the eating page for details
• It's somewhat isolated at the end of a bumpy road