Casa do Lago – Architect designed fabulous modern villa | Casa do Lago – 1.5 km to Foz beach – close to Sesimbra

Set in beautiful 14 hectare estate 1km from Foz beach – near Sesimbra

Casa do Lago: Magnificent Villa for 8 to 10 people
4/5 Bedrooms, 4 bathrooms
Luxurious living and dining areas, spacious kitchen and second small kitchenette off second living room
Many terraces, lake and 14 hectare gardens
Surface area: 380m2
Private swimming pool

Rental rates:€1800-€3000 per week for up to 8 people

Casa do Lago – 1.5 km to Foz beach – close to Sesimbra Surface area : 380 m2 – Private estate: 14 hectares

This architect designed villa is set in a 14 hectare estate of pine woods, located at about 5 miles from the fishermen’s town of Sesimbra. Casa do Lago is an excellent choice for nature lovers set in the countryside by the sea. The villa was featured in a number of architecture and designer magazines for its inspiring design features.

Throughout the house, beautiful pieces such as a Corbusier long chair and Oriental and African collector items are spread.

The estate is owned by an internationally renowned Portuguese artist, and has been a great source of inspiration for his work; it was designed for him by his architect friend, also an artist; artistic minds will appreciate the many personal touches all over the estate; no one leaves Quinta da Foz indifferent, it is one of those rare places where modernity and nature blend in perfect harmony and transmit a sensation of well being and serenity; many feel inspired by Casa do Lago and leave full of ideas for their own life projects. The owner retains a house for his occasional use on the vast estate of 14 hectares and is an endless source of information on local delights and secret finds.

Most of the house is on the ground floor, with spaces flowing seamlessly into each other; the large double height living room with seating for 12 makes the most of the magical light of the area and has sliding doors on one side opening onto a terrace with a view to the lake and the beautiful ocean 1km away and on the other side, onto a small sheltered patio with a lemon tree. For colder nights, the heating and fireplace provide the comfort required for long memorable evenings gazing at the stars in comfort, or long chats. The dining and seating areas just flow into each other while anyone who wants a quiet moment will find his private corner. The dining room opens on to a big outdoor patio of 70m2 with a barbecue and an imposing stone table for up to 18 seats. The fully equipped kitchen is accessed from the dining area and has a back entrance.

The master suite occupies a whole section of the house: off the bedroom area, there is a separate large living room with a sofa-bed for two, and stairs leading to an open plan area with a chinese canopy bed and the most spectacular views. This bedroom has its own en-suite bathroom and a separate kitchenette in case you don’t want to go all the way to the kitchen for a light meal!

The second bedroom is light and airy and has a large double bed. It shares a bathroom with the third bedroom which has twin beds. All bedrooms open onto garden.

In a second wing of the house, there is another very large suite, which has a bedroom with a double bed, a living room with a kitchenette and another bathroom.

The immense 50m2 roof terrace occupies the whole width of the house and is completely private. From there you can gaze at the breathtaking 360º panorama, with a large sea view to the West and, in the far distance, the legendary Sintra Mountain, the equally legendary Cape Espichel to the South and the hills behind densely covered with pine trees.

The private swimming pool is located within a pine area, and boasts spectacular sea views, a true place of inspiration.

There is another 25m2 patio with a quiet zen area, balanced by an orange tree and interesting seating areas; an ideal spot for contemplation. All over the 14 hectare estate you will find secret corners with amazing art.

There is safe shaded parking for eight cars in the 14 hectare property, which is fully fenced.

Cleaning twice a week is included in the price.

Amenities for Casa da Foz – Main house (maximum 10 people)

4-5 Bedrooms – sleeping arrangements:
1 master suite with double bed and en-suite bathroom and kitchenette, with a private study with sofa bed and mezzanine floor with canopy bed
1 bedroom with 2 single beds, which can be joined to form double bed
1 bedroom with double bed
1 bedroom with double bed and en-suite bathroom, next to second living room with kitchenette
Most bedrooms open onto gardens and boast beautiful green views
Baby cot on request

4 Bathrooms:
2 bathrooms with bath, shower head and bidet
1 en-suite shower room
1 guest toilet room

Living Areas:
Very large living room with separate seating and dining areas and working fireplace, fitted with beautiful pieces of fine art
Smaller living rooms off the two suites
2 Satellite TVs, DVD player

Kitchen:
Fully equipped spacious kitchen
2 fully equipped kitchenettes off the two suites
Dish washer, laundry machine, cooking stove, oven, microwave, fridge freezer, coffee maker, toaster, kettle, vacuum cleaner.

Outside:
14 hectare pine woods estate
Large terrace with outside furniture facing the spectacular sea view
Very large panoramic roof terrace
Different private patios, the largest one with eating area (barbecue and stone table for up to 18)
Lake in front of the house
Secluded private swimming pool, landscaped in the pine forest 7m x 3.5m – 1.2m deep
Shaded car parking area

Other:
Iron, ironing board, hairdrier
Internet access
In order to encourage responsible usage of energy and water, energy consumption above € 10 per day will be charged at cost

Services:
Bed linen and towels included in price
Twice weekly cleaning included in price

Location
The property is located near the Natural Park of Arrábida, a paradise of Mediterranean vegetation near the Atlantic Ocean. With pleasant weather all year round, this is a well known region for nature lovers and peaceful holidays. The unique microclimate, which incites the coexistence of diverse and rare species of flora and fauna, allows one to fully enjoy nature.

History and the passing of time have left a remarkable trail of Medieval castles, Renaissance palaces, splendid manors, churches, chapels, convents and sanctuaries that allow a meeting with the past. The castles of Sesimbra, Palmela and Setúbal were, in the Middle Ages, part of the defensive line for the Setúbal peninsula; these monumental fortresses are worthy of a visit. Isolated in the middle of Cape Espichel, rises the awe-inspiring pilgrimage sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do Cabo built in the 17th century and classified as a national heritage site.

You can walk through the woods and reach the sandy beach “Praia da Foz”, 1.5km away from the house, in 20 minutes; or you can drive and be there in 2 minutes!

A few km further along this long stretch of coast, is the fashionable sandy beach, Praia do Meco. Relax in a bar on wooden decking and enjoy the sunset whilst looking at the fishermen in their traditional coloured boats on beaches further afield or simply enjoy the magnificent spectacle of everchanging scenery.

Enjoy the private swimming pool beautifully enclosed by pine trees. Casa do Lago is the dream setting for a truly perfect holiday.

The house is set in 14 hectares of pine woods. Its spectacular views of the coast are ever-changing with light and natural scenery surrounding you. Silence is only interrupted by nature; a bird, the sound of a storm or the waves breaking closer to the sea. The estate is so large with so many private patios and corners that even when it is rented to two separate groups privacy is never an issue. Many walks can be taken from the villa; the most spectacular being along the cliffs, going for a swim as a refreshing break from time to time.

The owners’ love of nature and animals is visible throughout the estate; in the way it is kept and ordered, the way the house flows into the gardens and, most notably, in the personal touches, such as the voluminous aviary housing exotic birds which joins on to the bedroom hall in a well of glass, while ponies and donkeys at one end of the estate and fish in the lake will delight young and old alike.
The estate produces delicious pine nuts from its trees.

Witness the most magical sunsets with many different shades of red and pink clutching a refreshing drink… The large terrace flowing from the living room is the perfect place to watch the multiple shades of the red sunset reflect magically on the lake’s placid surface.

Beaches
“Praia da Foz”, 1.5km away, is a fine sandy beach, after which the estate was named; it is a beautiful unspoilt beach surrounded by cliffs, prolonged by a vast rocky platform used by fishermen. Further along, you can find the beach “Praia das Bicas”, popular for surfing. To the north you’ll discover the largest and main beach, “Praia do Meco”, with three miles of white sand and beautiful cliffs. This is the most uninhibited and naturist beach in Portugal. Praia do Meco is so long that if you walk long enough you will always find an uncrowded spot. At the base of the Arrábida mountains you can find various beaches with crystal water and a backdrop of green hills. Most of these are small coves with fine white sand, tranquil waters and a unique microclimate.

Watersports
Surfing is popular at nearby “Praia das Bicas”. For diving, Portinho de Arrabida beach has some of the most interesting diving in Portugal with its grottos and abundant marine life. Sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and rowing can all be enjoyed in the safe bay.

Gastronomy and wine tasting
In a country that has such an extensive coastline, it is not surprising that the sea should be one of the main sources of its cuisine. In the many restaurants of Meco, Sesimbra or Setubal, you can find all types of fresh and delicious grilled fish and also the best shellfish, such as clams, mussels or shrimps. Portugal’s climate and soil, its excellent varieties of traditional grapes and the wisdom and accumulated experience of its wine growers have all helped to make Portuguese wines amongst the most appreciated in the world. The region of Setúbal, which has given its name to a sweet fortified wine, made from the muscadet grape, also produces robust reds and light white wines.

Arrabida National Park
The mountains are ideal for walks, and organized excursions can be arranged with the local nature tour companies. In the National Park, mountain biking, fauna tours, and bird watching are organised. Orienteering, cycling tours, riding and aerial sports are available and provide new experiences for beginners and experienced alike.

Golf Information
Portugal is a paradise where the golfer can play almost every day of the year. Quinta do Peru Golf is a short drive away and other courses are nearby.

Getting there and around
Two hours flight from most European cities and 7 hours from New York, the Villa is reached by car from Lisbon Airport in 1 hour. Faro airport is 2.5 hours.
Apart from Lisbon, 40km away, Azeitão, Arrabida, Alcacer do Sal, Setubal, Palmela and Sesimbra are easily reached, making the self-catering villa an ideal base for unforgettable daily excursions. This is if you manage to leave the estate!
A car is essential for this holiday as there is no public transport.

Prices are quoted for up to 8 people. Add €100/week per additional person. Maximum 10 people (or 22 in the whole estate in 2 more houses).
During peak season: normal turnover day is Saturday and surcharge may apply for rentals of less than 2 weeks.
Booking conditions: 20% minimum paid at time of booking, further 40% two months before arrival, and balance on arrival in cash.
Security Deposit: €750, refundable at end of stay.