Pomar
Velho (The Old Orchard) is a farmhouse built 200 years ago,
converted and completely restored to offer a high quality
self-catering holiday destination for groups of between 4 and 15
people. Surrounded by stunning countryside and sitting in 5
acres of private grounds with a 5m X 10m swimming pool,
sunbathing deck, and both sunny or shaded slate terrace al
fresco dining areas dotted with fragrant lemon and orange trees.
It even has its own natural spring which flows into a burbling
brook below.
Pomar Velho is owned and run by Carole and Ken. The house with
its 500 sq. mts. of living space comprises 6 double bedrooms all
en suite, and one inter-connecting single room. It has a large
dining-room containing an old stone traditional bread oven used
as an open fire and an ancient stone wine press. There is an
equally large family room with satellite TV, video and DVD
facilities and a wood burning stove to boost the central heating
for those chilly winter nights. Downstairs is a second
living-room, also with TV and wood burning stove. The kitchen is
large and very well-equipped with all mod cons. There is a 7th
complete bathroom for general use and a library area with
shelves stacked with reading materials, reference books, board
games and jigsaws. The house has many interesting features with
stone lintels, original beams and locally crafted chestnut doors
and window frames – all double glazed. The thick stone walls
keep the winter chills and the summer heat out. Outside there
are large terraces back and front and a 10 metre swimming pool
with accompanying patio; all of these areas are flood-lit. From
the swimming pool terraces you have a stunning view of the São
Mamede mountain range. Guests may also wish to stroll around the
5 acre grounds or walk 500 metres to the Portuguese village of
Galegos or the Spanish village of Fonteneira.
Pomar Velho is in the picturesque natural
park of Sao Mamede. Beautiful scenery, river pools, canoeing and
seeking out megalithic monuments or medieval castles and
fortresses are some of the activities. Local festivals give a
taste of Portuguese culture or you can walk into Spain and
experience an entirely different approach to life! Tours of
vineyards and wine tasting are easily available and the local
restaurants offer good value, traditional gastronomy. An 18 hole
golf course is only 5 kms away. Spa treatments are also on hand
for extra pampering.
Local activities:
fishing, golf, horse riding, mountain biking, paragliding,
swimming, tennis, walking, dirt bike riding, balloon rides and
karting.
A few kilometres away is the recently
discovered Roman village of Ammaia, not to mention dolmens,
standing stones and ancient castles. Visit in Spring when the
myriads of wild flowers bloom; in Summer to bathe, not only in
your private pool but at the 4 local river pools, relax and
enjoy leisurely meals; Autumn to enjoy the walking trails and
Winter to visit the chestnut fair and curl up in front of the
log burning stove in the evening having enjoyed the brilliant
blue of the Iberian sky by day.
