Villa Rimula

Most of the interior decor and furnishings are hand picked for their extraordinary material qualities, and are cleverly used to enhance and highlight the furniture and details throughout. 

The main entrance is charming and leads to the living area which boasts high ceilings and breathtaking views. The large open plan hall and dining room, connect to the enormous outdoor L shaped terrace through all-glass doors.   The terrace has a living area with a beautiful al fresco dining table, seating up to 14. The main living room has an impressive library, typically large fireplace and of course, the wonderful views of the Melides Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean.

There is a unique craved stone restroom which leads on to the three ensuite rooms and this completes the ground floor.

The main suite is situated exclusively on the upper floor.

There is a second living or TV room  on the lower ground floor, and its glass door windows open on to the gardens.  The path leads to the infinity pool surrounded by lawns and spectacular views.

Villa Rimula is located in Serra de Grândola, 10 km from the sea and 5 km from Melides village, which is half way between Lisbon and the Algarve.  Only a short hour drive from Lisbon, and a one hour drive to the Algarve (Via do Infante).  Nestled between mountains and valleys, with 6 hectares of cork and pine trees,  a picturesque little river by its feet and a magnificent view of the Atlantic Ocean and Melides Lagoon, Villa Rimula is truly stunning.

The region:

Surrounded by historic towns, this region has been influenced over the centuries by many.  The Phoenicians were the first, followed by the Romans, then the Moors, and later by the Catholic Reconquista, from the 13th century.  Traces of forts and settlements remain from as early as the 6th century BC.

In Roman times the region came to prominence due to its culture of salt.  Many Roman ruins and monuments are scattered between Troia in the North, and to Santiago do Cacém in the South, which are worth a visit. Just to the south is the town of Sines, which is known for its geographically important port. It has a beautifully preserved small Castle overlooking the narrow streets of the pleasant old centre. It has several small beautiful sandy beaches usually with great panoramic views of the west coast. The southern town of Santiago do Cacém isa lovely town, full of character, definately worth a visit.

Heading north from the Villa, a short 25 minutes drive, is Comporta.  This area is very popular among artists and trendsetters who are attracted by its understated stylish atmosphere and fantastic weather.  It boasts of the longest sandy beach in Europe. The area is still untouched by the real estate boom, which makes it one of the most desirable holiday locations in Europe.

Lisbon is only an hour away on the motorway (100km), which is convenient for an easy day trip option.

Beaches:

The Aberta Nova Beach:

Only 14km away from the Villa is nature at its purest. Indeed, the large expanse of this Beach has survived broadly untouched by human activity with the exception of a lifeguard and a café.

Considered one of the best beaches in the region, the Aberta Nova Beach gives way to dunes and a pine forest, the original natural habitat of this region.

São Torpes Beach (25 minute drive):

With its strong and regular waves, it is one of the best for surfing to be found along the entire extent of the Portuguese coastline with a number of schools available for those wishing to learn this sport.  Located right in the extreme north of the Sudoeste Alentejano and Costa Vicentina Natural Park, São Torpes Beach covers a long stretch of sand occasionally punctuated by rocks with its sea a noticeable couple of degrees warmer than its neighbouring beaches.

Praia Grande de Porto Covo:

Part of the Sudoeste Alentejano and Costa Vicentina Natural Park, Porto Covo was a small fishing village that prospered during the 20th century while holding onto all the quiet charm of its rows of immaculately white washed houses against which the sea provides a pleasing contrast.

Right by the village, Praia Grande Beach has all the characteristics of an urban beach with both good means of access and services and facilities. Surrounded by rocky cliffs, the sheltered sands are bathed in clean waters that on occasion throw up waves capable of attracting the surfing community.

Beaches in Comporta:

Praia do Pego is 25 minutes away from the house and offers all the amenities expected of a high quality beach. It won the prize of "best beach facilities" in Portugal. The "Restaurante Sal", is a restaurant literally on the sand and won several awards for its refined cuisine.

Carvalhal beach is situated in the limits of the wonderful Sado Estuary Nature Reserve, which allows the region to preserve all its astonishing natural beauty. Comporta combines the charm of its dunes, the extensive pine tree area and the refreshing ocean.

With quite an extensive sandy area, the beach provides good conditions for surfing and kite surfing. Comporta beach is the longest sandy beach in the whole of Europe (stretching over 60km). It has well deserved fame. Parking facilites are good, and being so large it is never too crowded. The beach offers good amenities and several great restaurants.

Water sports:

Sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and rowing can all be practiced in the safe bay of the Sado estuary, and as previously mentioned surfing and kite surfing are practiced at Porto Covo, São Tropes and Comporta beach.

Social Events in Comporta:

From June to September local hip beach clubs host regularly trendy night beach parties with international DJs. The special (hippy chic) atmosphere is both casual and refined.

Gastronomy and wine tasting:

The region is famed for its gastronomy, with its fresh grilled fish being an inexpensive delight. Five formal wine routes have been devised in the Setubal peninsula by the 'Rota de Vinhos' association, combining wine tasting with sightseeing, arts and nature.
Excellent fresh fish and seafood restaurants are easy to find and inexpensive.

Troia Golf:

The unique Troia Championship golf course is a 30 minute drive.

Getting there and around:

2 hours flight from most European cities and 7 hours from New York, the Villa is reached by car from Lisbon airport in under 1h15. Faro airport is less than 2 hours away.

A car is recommended to fully enjoy the many delights of the area.

Within a 5 minute drive, there is a charming little village called Melides, where there are small supermarkets and shops, selling fresh fish and products.

For bigger shopping trips, the town of Grandola is 10 minutes away.