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| Properties in Portugal, Rustic Houses in Portugal, Ruins Lands in Portugal, Farms in Portugal, Renovation properties renovation in Portugal |
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Location » Serra da Estrela - Portugal, Rustic Houses, Land, Ruins, Farms
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We are located at Central Portugal, Serra da Estrela (Star Mountains) region.
Serra da Estrela cities are: Trancoso, Pinhel, Fornos de Algodres, Gouveia, Celorico da Beira, Guarda, Seia, Manteigas, Belmonte, Oliveira do Hospital, Covilhã and Penamacor.
Overview
The Serra da Estrela form the highest mountain range in Portugal. The peaks are often snow-covered and there is skiing in the winter. The resort town of Gouveia is situated at the foothills, where the weather is mild, and although winters are cold, they are much sunnier and milder than northern Europe. The town is pretty and charming, has a vibrant cafe culture and all the amenities of a small town.
The countryside around Gouveia is hilly and typically alpine; there are large areas of pine forest, clear streams and springs, and impressive views over the surrounding farms and villages. The water is of such good quality, it is bottled just outside Gouveia, to be sold across the country.
The land falls away down to the Mondego River valley, and the climate becomes more Mediterranean. This area is extensively farmed, where the fertile and well-watered soil produces olives and all sorts of fruit and vegetables. Lilacs and wildflowers thrive untended.
North of the Mondego the landscape becomes wilder and rocky. The terrain is composed mostly of granite, and tree cover becomes more sparse. Cultivation is still possible, as the soil between rocky outcrops is good, and there is an abundance of natural streams.
Properties for sale
The Beiras region is generally poor and sparsely populated, and there are very few large-scale commercial farmers. Historically, the region was remote and the people were subsistence farmers. This has led to an exodus of young people, and old houses and smallholdings have been abandoned. These are mostly the type of properties that are advertised for sale on this website.
As the infrastructure has improved, many of these properties will be located on good tarmac roads, but a lot will be found along dirt tracks, sometimes only passable by 4-wheel drive. Some will be in fairly good condition, while others will have only the original stone walls still standing. Mostly, the buildings are constructed of large granite blocks, hewn by the villagers themselves a long time ago, and are very rustic. There is a lot on offer, and you only have to give us your requirements to enable us to find the right property for you.
The area will appeal to those who seek to escape from the pressures of modern life, to a quieter, more rural existence. Those keen on self-sufficiency will find it particularly attractive. The Portuguese people are very polite and helpful, but a phrasebook will certainly be required!
Viewings
Access to the region is good. There are new EU-funded motorways, and regional roads are good quality and generally quiet. Driving from Porto or Lisbon airports is easy, but may take about 4-5 hours travelling.
The Portuguese railway is efficient, comfortable and very reasonably priced. It's a pleasant journey through the country, and a good way to visit for first-timers. However, note that the train stations are sited outside of the towns.
There are many good hotels, and car hire is available in the bigger towns; Guarda is the biggest city in the region, and a good place to stay as it's only about 40mins drive from Gouveia, and has all the requirements to cater for the foreign traveller.
Flights, car-hire, hotels and rail tickets can all be booked online. Check the internet for best deals.
Text by: Colin Miller
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Central Portugal - Renovation Properties in Portugal - Rustic Houses - Land - Ruins - Farms in Portugal
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