02 Art & Activities

Sala de Prova

Our new wine tasting area ( Sala de Prova) in the old Wine Adega is now completed. Here we offer to our house guests but also to outside visitors at selected times wine tastings. You are welcomed at the entrance of the Sala de Prova by Bacchus, the god of wine. This nearly 2 m high sculpture has been created already around the year 1650.

From time to time we use the wine tasting area also for exhibitions of smaller sculptures while the larger ones are mainly concentrated in the nearby Sculpture Garden.

Ancient Well

Our large and ancient property has many historically interesting places. One of the most interesting is the 40 m deep ancient well, accessible by a staircase which was carved by our ancestors by hand through soil and stone. Around 80 steep steps lead down to the water level. As the old people say, it well may have been discovered by the invading Moors.

In the historic machine room, approximately 15 m above groundwater level, we find pumps which were built in the beginning of the last century. Before this our ancestors still had to pump the water up manually, hard work in the Algarvian sun!

We are proud to be able to offer occasional excursions into the cool tranquility of the handmade cave deep below the ground for tasting of the estates delicious Rose or White (only for the fittest of you!).

Should you wish you may also privately book our small spa area with Sauna and separate shower in the historic well area which can be combined with a massage, by appointment. The massage may also be taken in your own quarters.

Moors / History

Not far away we have another deep well. Stories are told about it. The nearby town Estombar has a long history, dating back long before the Moors occupied the Algarve. In the 11th Century it was home of the famous poet Ibn Ammar.

From this well as well as from other places in Estombar legends are saying that deep subterranean tunnels are going up to 12 km to the ancient Moorish capital of Silves.

Fruits

The year starts with the harvest of oranges and lemons which normally lasts until March. These trees blossom and produce fruit at the same time and the fabulous scent fills the air for much of the early part of the year. February until the end of spring is the best time to enjoy the flowering of the almond trees. 

In some areas of the Algarve its white and pink blossom shines like snow. In May the first figs are becoming delicious and plums and apricots can be enjoyed from June to September. You are welcome to pick some of these fruits for yourselves. If you would like to take some of them home what better than our delicious marmalade or chutney? See what we have available in our small farm shop.

Grape picking is carried out by hand and normally starting in the middle of August and lasting for 3-4 weeks. At selected times we allow our house guests to participate in the harvesting and to view the entire winemaking process.

Barbeque

Outdoor cooking enthusiasts will be delighted with our rustic barbeque area. Close enough to the large pool to allow to jump into the cool water when the barbeque gets too hot but far enough away to guarantee a quite atmosphere for our peace loving guests.

At very special occasions we might even be able to offer some organic meat originating from our farm. A pizza oven has been built for your added enjoyment.

 
Animals

The term unspoiled nature is the best description for the nearly 100.000 sqm where we allow the animals to live without interference from us. Large groups of deer and many other type of wildlife use this area peaceful together. From time to time we even have unwelcome guests like wild boars which escape from more dangerous hunting grounds.

For those who wish to combine relaxation with some activity or adventure, we can offer a wide variety of outstanding experiences. 

Whatever holiday experience you are looking for, be it thrilling and exiting or just simply to relax and enjoy the peaceful tranquillity of our big farm we look forward to welcoming you.