PORTUGAL
Excellent opportunity to escape the ‘rat race’ and enjoy a life of peace and quiet in a rural community, yet only 15 minutes from the local town. Rebuilt in 2008, this ‘move in ready’ two storey detached property, has two double bedrooms, two bathrooms, lounge, kitchen diner and upper and lower verandas which run for 2/3rds the length of the property. The verandas can be used as a place
to relax and enjoy the views and the sounds of the birds and trees or as practical drying and storage areas. The upper floor has a vaulted ceiling throughout and consists of the main entrance into the property from the road into the hallway, which leads to the main bathroom, second double bedroom and the lounge, which has a wood-burner. All rooms at the rear of the house have a door onto either the upper or lower veranda, which enjoy far-reaching views through the tree-lined valley to the Serra da Estrela mountain range. The lower floor can be accessed by the internal stairs or via the back doors, one to the kitchen and one to the main bedroom. Also on this floor is the second bathroom which contains the under-stair storage and separate laundry area. Mains water and electricity. Gas is bottled. External windows and doors are double-glazed aluminium and have shutters to keep out the heat in the summer or retain it in the winter. Outside there is a terraced garden containing olive and fruit trees, leading from a cobbled parking area and courtyard. Across the lane there is a piece of land approximately 1/3 of an acre with oak and olive trees. Plus, it has a concrete pad where an outbuilding once stood, which could be used as such again. The village is well serviced with daily bakery, grocery, butcher and fish vans, which means you needn’t go far for your shopping. There is also a well stocked shop 5 minutes drive from the property which stocks the essentials and as an added bonus next door is a café and bar. The nearby towns of Penacova and Mortagua, both around 15 minutes drive, have banks, larger stores (Lidls, Intermarche and Hiper), pharmacies, cafés, restaurants, council buildings, leisure centres, swimming pools, health centres, etc. The closest town, Penacova is a beautiful place with breath-taking views over the mountains, forests and the mighty River Mondego. Tourism is growing in the area and there has been an investment in the town’s infrastructure which benefits all with cycleways and up to the minute facilities. In addition, the ‘Portuguese Route 66’, the N2 spine road which runs the length of the country, also runs through Penacova. The house is 20 minutes away from the famous spa town of Luso, which nestles at the edge of the Bucaco National Park (complete with its own palace) and 30 minutes away from the vibrant and historic university city of Coimbra. Casa Fundo do Lugar provides a perfect base to either relax and live in a peaceful community in amongst the forest and nature or for striking out on a hike, a run, mountain bike, road bike or canoe down the river Mondego. It has it all. The area is a rich and varied cultural experience and socialising with the friendly and generous local people is part of this. The village is situated in a wonderful rural setting, yet is close to the main routes of the IP3 and IC6 to give easy access to the whole of central Portugal. Airports are: Porto – 1 ½ hours away and Lisbon – 2 hours away. Other places to visit or experience are the Ecopista, for those who like to cycle and take in their surroundings, which originates in Santa Comba Dao and is extending towards Penacova; a variety of river beaches such as Reconquinho, Vimiero, Senhora da Ribeira and Coja. The list of river beaches is very long. They all have cafés and areas to sit and relax or you can swim in the beautifully refreshing water. Forty minutes away is Aveiro, classed as the Venice of Portugal or there is Conimbriga, a Roman settlement for a different cultural experience. For those wanting to visit the sea, Figuera da Foz is the closest beach for swimming and surfing. It is approximately 45 minutes from the house.
