Castelo de Ourem Guest house - Rural tourisim home in Central Portugal

Take a journey back in time… Walk the narrow, cobblestone streets past medieval, whitewashed houses, and discover Casa Alta Royal Lodge on its own, cresting the ramparts of the ruined castle. Unsurpassed in the region for its comfort, decoration, intimacy, attention to detail and service, Casa Alta Royal Lodge was voted Best 2010 Rural Guesthouse out of 8500 properties internationally. Guests enjoy the best of two worlds... access to all the famous sites, and at the same time, peace and quiet away from all the crowds and commercialization. Sweeping views of the valley below, and the scent of roses and lavender above, both surprise and delight. Surrounded by the king's forest, it was here that timber came to build the ships that discovered the New World. This is the historic walled village of the Castle of Ourém, known as the jewel in the Portuguese crown. Located in the heart of Portugal, in the center of many must-see cultural and historic sites and just 12 minutes from the famous Shrine of Fatima, little of the modern world intrudes here. Queen Teresa remodelled it in 1180, and Queen Saint Elizabeth added a small hermitage for royal retreats shortly after. In the seventeenth century it served as a lodge for the Portuguese royal family, members of the royal court, and visiting nobles of Europe. Catherine of Braganza spent her last night in Portugal at the lodge before embarking for England to become the Queen Consort to Charles II. After the fall of the monarchy in the twentieth century, the lodge passed through several hands, expanding the small manor and bringing modern improvements. Its views of the former royal palace and its unique watchtowers are an ever-present reminder of its historic past. Completely renovated in 2003, Fr. Mariani installed all new plumbing, electricity, and insulation, five bathrooms, five wood-burning fireplaces, a new kitchen, all new floors, windows and a new roof. The garden terrace was expanded to include a lovely pool.

Views:The rural property, located on a castle hill has the advantage of views farther up the hill toward the castle, and views of the valley below.

The house and gardens are so quiet and peaceful, it is hard to pry yourself away. However once done, there are many marvelous things to see in the area. To the west is the nearby International Shrine of Fatima that draws 6 million people a year, plus the magnificent royal monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaça and the charming fishing village of Nazaré. To the north is Porto and the famous River Douro and port wine country, the famous university town of Coimbra and it legendary library, and to the north are the gigantic specimen woods of the Hunting Palace of Bussaco, now a hotel and restaurant serving wild game. To the east is the last Templar Castle (Tomar) and the fairytale Almoural Castle. There are also nearby Roman Ruins. To the south is the romatic city of castles and royal palaces in Sintra, and of course, the capital city of Lisbon, rich in many sights. Casa Alta is centrally located to tour the best sights that Portugal has to offer.

Rental notes: This property is a self-catering rental with the option of served meals at extra cost per person. The property comes with on-site management and staff for cooking, if needed, and daily cleaning. The price includes breakfast, as well as all taxes, surcharges and fees with the exception of service fees which can be satisfied in the form of a tip at the end of your stay, based on a suggested guide of 5 euros per person per day to be given to the maid/cook. We require a deposit of half the rental at the time of reservation in order to receive a final confirmation. The balance to be paid 21 days before arrival. Cancellation within 21 days prior to arrival does not merit a deposit refund. We require a signed contract and policy aggreement, which will be sent to you when the reservation is made. We also function as a guesthouse, renting individual rooms to private parties from 75 euros to 120 per night when the property is not being rented as a whole. Please see our website for making room reservations: www.casaaltaroyallodge.com

Casa Alta was built in the I2th Century for Kings, Queens, and Saints. It was used as a hermitage for monks to pray for the Royal House, then in more peaceful times as an over-night accommodation when there was no desire to open the vast castle, itself. The royal tradition continues today in the stately elegance, its gilt and velvets, and charming atmosphere of a bygone age. This is expressed in many antiques, tapestries, paintings, ceramics, silver, and decorative tile works at Casa Alta. The proportions of the interiors reflect the smaller stature of people living in the Middle Ages, so there is a certain cosy comfort to the elegance, giving the interiors a charming, easy, and warm ambiance. Adding to the informal quality is that the dining space is in the main living space and enjoys the ambiance of a fireplace at the end of the room. There are only three double bedrooms, exuding old world charm, one of which is a suite. They have stunning views, private bathrooms, wood-burning fireplaces, embroidered sheets and superior duvets, down pillows (something of a rarity in Portugal) antiques, fresh flowers, and complimentary artesian water. Each room has an easy chair, a well stocked writing desk, and books.

Outside Area:Outside, double doors open onto an ancient rock terrace overlooking the breathtaking Ourém Valley. Here, under the spreading branches of a large palm tree, summer lunches and dinners and afternoon teas are laid out. Surrounded by Hydrangea, Cosmos, delphinium, marguerites and gladioli, it is only a few steps to the upper terrace and the pool and with its secluded seating groups, sunning beds, and a rose arbor. Beyong the pool enclosure is open land which runs up to the walls of the castle advance towers.