Single storey-renovated barn-quiet rural village

Escape the noise of life at Burke's Barn, in rural Alcobaça, Portugal. Tastefully renovated, this spacious, single storey, former barn is fully furnished and has all you need for a comfortable, peaceful stay in the countryside. Nestled within 6 acres of private land for you to explore. Only 7km from Alcobaça town centre, with restaurants, supermarkets and heritage sites. Some of the regions' best beaches only 25 minutes' drive away. The Candeeiros national park is within view of the property. The space Entering the barn brings you into a large open plan living, dining, kitchen area. This generous room comfortably accommodates 5 people, whether cooking, watching TV, sitting at the dining table or lounging by the fireplace. Several of the high quality, wooden accessories and furnishings throughout the barn were hand crafted by your hosts, which add to its bespoke charm. The kitchen is very well appointed, making it suitable for guests who are cooking enthusiasts. There is a 4 ring electric stove top, fan oven/grill with a rotisserie feature, microwave, toaster, kettle, filter coffee machine, fridge freezer and a dishwasher. For food preparation there are pans, baking dishes and trays, mixing bowls, measuring jugs, hand blender, weighing scales, cheese grater, several chopping boards and sharp knives. Leaving the living area, you enter a hallway - featuring one of the original animal feeding troughs - you first arrive at the single bedroom, with a 90cm wide bed. This room can alternatively be used as an office space or relaxation area. Next door is the master bedroom, with a 150cm wide king size bed. At the end of the hallway is the bunk bedroom, with a sturdy, 90cm wide, 2 level bunk bed, suitable for adults or children. The top bed is easily accessed by an angled step ladder. Each bedroom has a black out blind, wardrobe with hangers, bedside reading lights and a driftwood wall light (crafted by your hosts). All the beds have hotel quality, thick mattresses. The hallway has a motion sensor light, ideal for night time trips to the bathroom, without needing to find a lightswitch! The bathroom is a generous size, with a large shower area, toilet, wash basin, vanity unit, heated towel rail and wall mounted shelves for storing toiletries. Environmentally friendly shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and toothpaste are provided. Stepping back outside the barn, directly in front of the door is a 9m² wooden deck with space for a couple of chairs, sun loungers or even a yoga mat, making the most of the fabulous views across the property. Turning to the right, the terrace extends to a 35m² patio area, with a built-in charcoal BBQ (charcoal is provided October to June), dining table with chairs, 2 sun loungers (April to September) outdoor light and power point. During the high rural fire risk period (July to September) a gas BBQ is provided, which is to be used instead of the charcoal grill, to minimise the risk of accidental fires. The patio provides privacy for relaxing, while still offering fabulous views across the land and surrounding countryside and is an excellent location to watch the sunset. Additional useful information about the barn: ▪️A supply of ground coffee, teas, oil, vinegar, salt and pepper are provided ▪️The tap water is mains supplied and excellent quality, with no limescale, so there is no need to bring bottled drinking water, unless it is a personal preference ▪️The TV does not have connection to terrestrial channels, but a Google Chromecast and an HDMI lead are provided, so you can watch any streaming services you are subscribed to ▪️Use of the washing machine, environmentally friendly detergent and fabric softener are included in the booking price ▪️Bed linens, blankets and bathroom towels are provided for each guest. A complimentary change of linens and towels is offered for guests staying more than 7 nights ▪️Environmentally friendly household cleaning products and dishwasher tablets are provided ▪️All the barn windows and the entrance door are fitted with flyscreens ▪️Two pedestal fans are provided during warmer months ▪️From late June to August, a portable air conditioning unit is installed to cool the main living area. If you find it too hot beyond these dates, the unit can be provided on request ▪️From October to April, plenty of fuel for the woodfire is provided ▪️From December to February, in addition to firewood, a portable gas fire is provided. If you are particularly susceptible to the cold, the gas fire can be provided, on request, for stays outside this period For reservations of two adults, the double bedroom is prepared as standard, with the relevant bedding and towels provided. There is no extra charge for two guests occupying separate bedrooms, but please advise us of your requirements, so that if necessary the single bedroom can also be prepared. When guests plan to occupy the master and single bedrooms, the bunk room will remain locked. For those travelling with an infant or toddler, a 120x60cm travel cot is available on request, with bedding (pictures in 'additional photos') this can be put up in the single bedroom. A high chair, with table, footrest, 5 point harness, suitable for children 6 months to 3 years, maximum 15kg is available on request. There are also children's BPA free plates, bowls, cups, tippy beakers, cutlery and silcone plug socket covers. Please advise us if you will require any of these items. A few words of caution if you are travelling with young children: ▪️The crockery cupboards are low level, with either no door or easily opening doors ▪️There is no fire screen in front of the woodfire ▪️The bedroom blinds have pull cords ▪️Outside there are various trip hazards and the walkway terrace, deck and patio have no guard rails Guest access Guests have exclusive access to the barn, deck and BBQ terrace. Depending on the number of guests staying, the bunk bedroom may remain locked. All 6 acres of the property are available for guests to explore. Your hosts, their family and friends may spend time socialising or working on the land occasionally. Your hosts live onsite, in an adjacent building, with a separate entrance and private courtyard garden. They don't have a view into the barn or share any of the indoor or outdoor barn spaces. They will be available to answer questions or provide any assistance during your stay. In terms of social interaction, your hosts follow the guests' lead, if you want to chat or socialise that's great, equally if you want to be left to enjoy the place in peace, that is fine too. Other things to note The barn is well located in a quiet rural vilage, while still offering easy access to amenities and places of interest. During your stay you can do as much or as little as you like. If you plan to relax at home, the barn is large enough for you to comfortably do so. If you want some outdoor time, while still at base, the property's 6 acres of private land offers numerous areas to explore and several seating areas. You could start the day with coffee on the terrace, stroll through the woodlands to find your perfect relaxation space, read while lounging on a hammock (May to September), cook on the terrace BBQ, enjoy sunset drinks on the threshing circle, get cozy by a campfire in the stone firepit (October to May). From spring to late autumn a selection of lawn games are provided, for those who want to enjoy some outdoor sporting activities. Due to the nature of the terrain - clay on top of limestone - during the dry months of summer and early autumn, the ground vegetation dies off, but the trees and shrubs stay green, meaning the land remains a pleasant space to explore and relax, with plenty of shaded areas. For time away from the barn, only 10 minutes' drive, is the nearest town Alcobaça. Here you will find numerous large supermarkets, dozens of restaurants and cafés, pharmacies, retail and souvenir shops, a UNESCO monastery and a large park. For beach days there are several excellent beaches in the region. The closest is a 25 minute drive away at world famous Nazaré. For calmer waters, more suitable for swimming, there is São Martinho do Porto, 35 minutes away. If outdoor adventures appeal to you there are hiking and biking opportunities in the Candeeiros national park, just 10 minutes away. There are dozens of way marked trails suitable for various abilities. The national park also has several cave systems, some of which are open to the public. If history is your thing there are plenty of sites to visit. Another UNESCO monastery at Batalha, the site of a historic battle in Aljubarrota, dinosaur footprints can be spotted in several locations, there are Roman mosaics at Rio Maior and castles can be visited at Leiria, Óbidos, Alcobaça and Porto de Mós. For golf enthusiasts there are several excellent courses within an hour's drive of the barn. These offer fabulous coastal views from the fairways. Registration details 160258/AL