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Charming, elegant, historic Casa Alta
Listing #10756
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Summary:

2500 sq. ft. Countryside Estate
3 bedrooms, 0.5 bathroom, sleeps 7
Luxury, Country

Rates (in EUR):

€209 - €229 per night (weekdays)
€418 - €458 per night (weekends)
€1399 - €1999 per week
€4899 - €6999 per month
Contact Info:

John G. Mariani
351 249 543 515
351 916 550 221
(GMT) Western Europe Time, London, Lisbon, Casablanca
Local Time
Description & Photos : Vacation Rental Estate in Portugal

Award-winning, charming, elegant, historic Casa Alta Royal Lodge is a former royal lodge located high within the precincts of Ourem Castle, just minutes by car from the many must-see cultural, religious and historic sites, Unsurpassed for its comfort, decoration, intimacy, attention to detail and service, it includes a private pool and garden.

Built in 1286 by Queen St. Isabel, half way between Porto and Lisbon, the interior of this very special place has the look and feel of a small, intimate chateau. Tapestries, carved sculpture, antique tile art, paintings, engravings, antique furniture, Russian chandeliers, gilt candlesticks and silver and porcelain objects enrich the restored interiors. The three storey lodge features three deluxe bedrooms, exuding old world charm, one of which is a suite. Daily maid service and turndown service is complimentary. Each bedroom has stunning views, a private bathroom with beautiful tile-work, a writing desk and comfortable seating, embroidered sheets and superior duvets, antiques, fresh flowers, complimentary artesian water, and the cosy atmosphere of a wood-burning fireplace.

There is a library, with a cable TV, an entertainment system with a CD and video collection, and a wide selection of books. There is wireless access throughout the house, and guests have access to the computer, scanner, printer and telephone in the office.

Valentina, the chef, prepares to order regional and international meals made from fresh produce from the lodge’s own kitchen garden as well as featuring local, fresh fruits, fish, meats, fowl, and game. Guests report that that lunching on the garden terrace in the fresh country air and having candlelight dinners with Sterling silver service and beautiful linens is a rare treat, not found in the usual rental experience.  Hand-finished laundry is available at a nominal charge.

Your congenial host, Fr. John Guilbert Mariani, Chaplain to the Royal House of Portugal, is dedicated to providing the most enjoyable and rewarding experience possible Casa Alta guests.  He restored Casa Alta to its original ambiance, recapturing its first purpose to provide an elegant, intimate oasis of peace and reflection. Whether you are passing through or staying longer, Casa Alta Royal Lodge is truly one of the great, hidden, gems of Portugal.

Casa Alta Royal Lodge Pool
Front Facade
Casa Alta Royal Lodge Pool
Front Facade
Casa Alta Sign
Salon
Casa Alta Sign
Salon
Ourean Room
Oureana Room Fireplace
Ourean Room
Oureana Room Fireplace
Private bathroom
Duchess of Braganza Suite
Private bathroom
Duchess of Braganza Suite
Candlelight Dinner
Terrace Dining
Candlelight Dinner
Terrace Dining
Pool Terrace Seating
House Terrace Tea Table
Pool Terrace Seating
House Terrace Tea Table
Casa Alta is on the ramparts of this Castle
Antique carved sun beds at Pool
Casa Alta is on the ramparts of this Castle
Antique carved sun beds at Pool
Medieval Village in the Castle of Ourem
Alcobaca Royal Monastery
Medieval Village in the Castle of Ourem
Alcobaca Royal Monastery
Nearby Fatima Shrine
Nearby Knights Templar Castle
Nearby Fatima Shrine
Nearby Knights Templar Castle
Location & Attractions : Vacation Rental Estate in Portugal
Europe
Portugal

Location Info:

Distance From Countryside: Cabs / Taxis: By Phone Only

Nearest Airport: Lisbon - 10+ miles away
Nearest Bus Station: Ourem - 2 miles away
Nearest Subway Station: Lisbon - 10+ miles away


Nearby Attractions:

Castle of Ourem - < 1 mile away
Fatima Shrine - 10+ miles away
Knights Templar Castle - 10+ miles away
Batalha Royal Monastery - 10+ miles away
Rate Details : Vacation Rental Estate in Portugal

Rates in EUR:
€209 - €229 per night (weekdays)
€418 - €458 per night (weekends)
€1399 - €1999 per week
€4899 - €6999 per month

Check-In: 1:00 PM
Check-Out: 10:30 AM
Required Stay: 2 Nights
Accepted: PayPal, Check

:DAMAGE/RESERVATION DEPOSIT- A damage/reservation deposit of 250 euros is required. This must be received within ten days after you have communicated that you wish to book the reservation. The deposit automatically converts to a security/damage deposit upon arrival. The deposit is NOT applied toward rent; however, it is fully refundable within (14) days of departure, provided the following provisions are met:
a. No damage is done to Lodge or its contents, beyond normal wear and tear.
b. No charges are incurred due to contraband, collection of rents or services rendered during the stay.
c. All charges accrued during the stay are paid prior to departure.
d. The renter is not evicted by Fr. Mariani or local law enforcement.
FEES
In addition to rates there is a 10% fee which will be added to the total bill which covers service, taxes, and amenity fees.
CANCELLATION POLICY
For rental of the whole lodge and grounds, a sixty (60) day notice is required for cancellation. Cancellations that are made more than sixty (60) days prior to the arrival date will incur no penalty. Cancellations or changes that result in a shortened stay, that are made within 60 days of the arrival date, forfeit the full advance payment and damage/reservation deposit. Cancellation after that or early departure does not warrant any refund of rent or deposit.  We suggest insurance for this.

Availability Calendar : Vacation Rental Estate in Portugal
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Amenities & Accommodations : Vacation Rental Estate in Portugal
Beds:
King
Queen
Double
Twin
Sleep Sofa
Bathrooms:
Full
Shower/Tub Combo
Kitchen:
Full
Galley
Gas Stove
Oven
Grill
Refrigerator
Freezer
Dishwasher
Microwave
Toaster
Dishes
Glasses
Kitchen Utensils
Cooking Utensils
Blender
Coffee Maker
Coffee Grinder
Spices
Napkins
Paper Towels
Living Room:
Tile
Fireplace
Dining Room:
Tile
Dining Table Seats:
8 people
Entertainment:
TV
DVD
VCR
Radio
CD
Satellite
Cable
Internet
Books
Internet:
Wireless
Dial-up
Computers:
PC Desktop
Communication:
Phone
Fax
General:
Alarm Clock
Central Heat
Daily Maid Service
Local Maps
Safe
Restaurant Guide
Check-Out Cleaning
Firewood
Concierge
Washer/Dryer:
Detergent
Swimming Pools:
Outdoor
Private
Fresh Water
Appropriate For:
Couples
Singles
Elderly
Non-Smoking
Parties
antiques, library, chapel, smoking in designated areas
Outside:
Car
Street Parking
Driveway Parking
Balcony
Deck
Garden
Barbecue
Music Festivals
sweeping views, outdoor dining, outdoor furniture and sun beds
Reviews (2)
Write a review
Reviewed by casa.alta@gmail.com
August 12, 2010
54321
Rating: Excellent

Charm and Elegance With a Panoramic View

I have just returned from a vacation in Portugal with friends and we all agree that our stay at Casa Alta was a magical part of our trip. For those travelers who read the comments by the disgruntled reviewer who was disappointed that their accommodations were not in a castle, do not be put off. If they had done any research they would have known that this is a " guest house". The castle at Ourem is a RUIN. By contrast, Casa (house, get it?) Alta is a painstakingly restored and elegantly appointed inn. Father John Mariani has furnished the rooms with his vast collection of antiques and an impressive array of fine linens. The rooms are are very cozy, and charming and while not enormous, there is plenty of room. Outside, several separate patio areas afford a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside. You are at the TOP of the highest hill in the area so you can see everything from this vantage point. The patios are beautifully landscaped and they frame the pool area which has its own set of two four poster beds which provide an ideal spot to luxuriate in the sun or take a siesta. The service at Casa Alta is splendid. Igor, the valet, did a wonderful job of seeing to all our needs and Valentina, the cook and femme de menage is a jewel. In our short visit we were able to sample a breakfast, lunch and dinner. The meals were absolutely fabulous. Lunch was served on the terrace with gleaming china and silver. The composed salad we ate was made with fresh herbs from the garden and was bright and flavorful. Dinner, served in the dining room, after cocktails in front of the fire looking out on the twinkling lights of Ourem, was a masterpiece. Consomme with house made meat-stuffed pillows of pasta began the meal. Succulent pork roast with buttery velvet mashed potatoes was followed by crepes with ice cream and drizzles of cassis. Very good local wine was served throughout. At breakfast, if you wish to have eggs, they are cooked according to your liking. Rolls and toast are accompanied by butter and assorted jams. The culinary experience here is second to none. All in all, my experience at Casa Alta was wonderful. It is an aerie haven for travelers in Portugal.

Cheese Mouse
Reviewed by casa.alta@gmail.com
August 8, 2010
54321
Rating: Excellent

An enchanting guest house in a stunning environment.

We arrived rather tired after a long day in Lisbon. Although I had been to Ourém before, Father Mariani's driving instructions proved to be very useful; the last few miles are always quite tricky. What a wonderful sight it was to see Casa Alta again ... and what a grand reception we had. Father Mariani, Valentina (the cook), Igor (the house man) and Price, a delightful Samoyed (dog), were there to greet us. The luggage disappeared upstairs and Igor attended to the car. Duchess of Braganza Suite was waiting for us; a freshly lit fire crackling in the fire place. The room was immaculate and it radiated comfort and peace. We unpacked, refreshed ourselves and then met Father Mariani in the drawing room (again a cozy fire in the fire place) for drinks. We enjoyed a delicious dinner with very pleasant red wine and then retired to our room. We spent the next several days at Casa Alta, relishing the tranquillity and taking a delight in the breath taking views from the terrace. The early March sunshine was pleasant and we had lunch outside. Even thought this was, horticulturally speaking, not the best time of the year, the garden was already impressive. Father Mariani was, as always, a most interesting, charming and very attentive host. The only caveat about Casa Alta: this is not a place for noisy parties. Young people that want loud music and lots of beer will definitely not enjoy Casa Alta. Not recommended for children. The house is full of beautiful and fragile decorative items. It is not the sort of place where you can leave a child unattended for more than 10 nanoseconds. An enchanting guest house in a stunning environment. Discreet and attentive service. An excellent and unpretentious cuisine. The atmosphere of a real retreat. An ideal starting point for many interesting excursions. Highly recommended to anybody who wants to relax, meditate, think, read or just listen to sound of a gentle breeze. Father Mariani, thank you for creating this very special place. We hope to be back soon.

Cheese Mouse
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John G. Mariani

Telephone: 351 249 543 515
Secondary Phone: 351 916 550 221
(GMT) Western Europe Time, London, Lisbon, Casablanca
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