Solares
de Portugal Many Manor Houses have played host to the same family
for hundreds of years and often date back to the 16th and 17th Centuries.
Embracing Portugal’s finest antiques, fine art and furniture, they
represent Centuries of Portuguese history and culture. Visitors will note
several African, Indian and Brazilian influences, bearing witness to
Portugal’s ex-colonies. On arrival at your chosen home you will be greeted by a
warm welcome from your host family. Owners eagerly share their inside
knowledge about local places of interest to visit, festivals, local
gastronomy and traditions. Guests at Manor Houses will find a range of
leisure opportunities at their disposal, such as fishing, hunting, golf,
swimming, rambling, tennis, horseback riding, cycling and wine tasting. Generally, we have retained much of the house owner’s
original description of their houses - the language conveys some of the
charm of their properties! All rooms have a private
bath or shower room, apartments are equipped for simple self catering.
Suites consist of bedroom, separate sitting room and bathroom. The pictures below are a random
selection of interiors and exteriors from the Solares group
Our Manor Houses have been
arranged into three distinct groups: "Quintas" (Category A) ,
"Casas Antigas" (Category B) and "Casas Rusticas"
(Category C). They are family homes as opposed to hotels, offering a very
different kind of holiday experience with that `personal touch’. Just a
decade ago many of these houses were facing decay, but with government
support they have been painstakingly restored to their former glory and
have now opened their doors to receive guests. They have since been
individually inspected to ensure the highest standards of quality and
hospitality.
It is a requirement that the minimum
stay in each Manor House is 3 nights.
Quintas
Category A houses "Quintas"
are the finest manors and palaces, luxuriously furnished with antiques and
family heirlooms, often surrounded by beautiful gardens. Many of their
names are preceded by the word ‘Paço’, a term used to indicate that a
King has stayed there.
Casas Antigas
Category B incorporates "Casas
Antigas" our country houses and smaller manors, many of which date
from the 17th and 18th century and carry on the farming traditions of
their owners ancestors. In many cases their architecture is of great
heritage significance, the various styles reflecting the distinct chapters
in the history of Portugal. Casas
Antigas often have period furniture, family heirlooms and sometimes valued
works of art. Guests may stay in the main house with the host family: some
houses have adjacent cottages where visitors may still enjoy the family
atmosphere in rooms or small apartments.
Casas Rusticas
Category C establishments "Casas
Rusticas" are largely rustic cottages and farmhouses, which have been
converted into comfortable rooms or apartments.
Booking and General Terms
All prices shown are in Sterling
pounds based on per room/apartment per night, including breakfast unless otherwise
stated.
Minimum stay of 3 nights per property is required.
No charge for an infants up to 2 years of age occupying a cot.
Extra bed is available only for children up to 12 years of age - please ask for price details.
Prices for single occupancy are available on request.
Bed linen and towels are provided in each house or apartment.
General maid service includes making the beds
and changing towels when required.
Note - Towels that are provided are not to be used at the swimming pool,
beach or river.
The swimming pools available at several houses are open air and not heated. Weather permitting pools are open between the 1st May through to the 1st October.
Generally all the rooms have a private bath or shower room and the apartments are equipped with utensils for simple self-catering. Suites consist of a bedroom, bathroom and separate sitting room.
An evening meal can be arranged at some houses providing you advise the owner 24 hours before. Payment is made directly to the owner and in some instances dinner will be taken with the owner and their family.