Quinta da Coruja Monchique, “Farm of the Owl”, is a rural property that we are developing with the aim to provide sustainable tourism and forestry and to preserve and propagate the natural environment; this will include a guest retreat with a variety of accommodation options and an activities hub. Our offerings are aligned with the rural tourism guidelines of the Portuguese Institute of Ecology, which is to attract visitors who are interested in nature and health, and who are likely to stay in the area for three or more days at a time, using local shops and benefitting our community. These tourists would be looking for activities such as walking, swimming, cycling, motorcycling, angling, horse and donkey riding, art, cultural and heritage tours, natural history study and sustainable development tours - and also peace, quiet and rest.
Our quinta is just over 2ha mostly planted with native flora including ancient Cork oaks, (Quercus Suber) and Arbutus trees (Arbutus Unedo, The Wild Strawberry tree, Medronho); our plan is to preserve, propagate and extend this native flora which in turn will sustain and attract more of the native fauna and protect the natural habitats.
The native fauna includes a vast array of bird life, along with the native Corujas (Coruja do mato); who are rather elusive yet beautifully vocal in the evenings.
We have a small olive grove (Olea Europaea) which has been neglected for many years which we will also be preserving and extending. There are also a number of unplanted terraces on the property which will support our subsistence agricultural farming with organically grown fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers. We are in the midst of researching the most suitable, ideally native, plants and trees to grow on these terraces which will also help to achieve our native flora aim but will also provide produce that will be utilised by ourselves, our guests and to support local activity, e.g. Production of honey, olive oil and medronho (local firewater), various fruit and medronho based liquors, jams, chutneys and other products.
We are hoping to be adventurous and experimental with some of our new tree and commercial type plantings and are currently considering planting nuts, avocado, pineapples, possibly also a boutique vineyard; but further research in soil tests and investigating varieties and planting locations best suited for our soil conditions and climate is required before we embark on this venture.
The lowest lying area of the property has three large terraces with a natural stream running through it, this we plan to make into a large "natural" swimming lake with cascades and natural pool areas to attract water life and to support the native fauna.
From time to time we will be inviting guests who are interested in providing a helping hand and learning more about sustainable building, forestry, agriculture and helping to preserve the natural environment.
Buildings and accommodation
Villa 1
The newly renovated villa, which is now available to book for holiday home rental from July 2019, has been completed to a high standard and will accommodate 6 to 8 guests. It features 3 spacious double bedrooms, two bathrooms, utility/laundry room, large fully equipped kitchen with breakfast bar, opens out to the open plan dining room and lounge; 8 seater dining room and comfortable lounge with large wood burning fireplace. An additional living room, the snug, can be used for extra accommodation or for a private TV or reading room away from the main living areas.
This villa includes barbecue facilities, al fresco dining area, a garden and a sun terrace surrounded by ancient cork oaks and overlooking the giant twin palm trees with a tranquil waterfall cascade alongside.
Includes flat screen satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, and ample parking
Villa 2
This second villa is still in the planning stages and is a similar size to Villa 1 and should be a similar specification of accommodation. This building will initially house the quinta's main kitchen, hosting culinary activities, including cookery courses and regional and fine dining experiences.
Some of the nearby activities and tours that we can host or pre-book, by prior arrangement, on your behalf, include:
Adventure motorbike riding
Enduro motorbike riding
Mountain bike riding
Quad biking
Road cycling
Horse and donkey riding
Hiking
Skydiving
Segway
Jeep safaris
Canoeing and kayaking
Abseiling
Rock climbing
Boat tours
Health, wellness and yoga retreats
Future Developments
*Future developments will be prioritised according to guest demand.
Glamping / Camping area
The riverbed area has elevated terraces that are situated all around the lake site, which have been landscaped to accommodate 5 to 6 glamping and/or camping sites. Initially we may develop three of the sites and at a later stage add further locations with camping, glamping or a more permanent type of dwelling - one of our ideas for this is "rondawel" (circular African hut) style accommodation, but further discussion with local authorities is required to ascertain the most suitable building materials for this construction, in order for this project to be approved.
The Barn - activities and events hub (future development)
The 45m long barn ruin is ready to commence renovation. These plans have been ever changing but the first phase will be to convert half of the barn into the equivalent of 4 double garages, to be used as an activities and events hub with a warehouse area, kitchen, bar, lounge, BBQ and dining area and bathroom facilities; with the potential to offer mezzanine level dormitory type accommodation. This area will be used to host and support various sporting events including adventure and enduro motorbike tours, mountain bike tours and other events.
The warehouse area will include a secure area for motorbikes, bicycles and sports equipment storage, including workshop area; with outside space and facilities to accommodate race trucks, campervans, motorhomes and support vehicles.
The hub will also be a rendezvous area for tours, can include café type stops for breakfast, lunch, BBQ, refreshments (initially by prior arrangement)
Activities and hosted events can include:
Adventure motorbike groups, events and tours
Enduro motorbike groups, events and tours
Mountain bike groups, events and tours
Hiking
Swimming lake
Health, wellness and yoga retreats
Gastronomic events
Mediterranean diet cooking workshops and retreats
Eco and rural education
Subsistence agricultural and sustainable development activities and workshops
Camping and glamping
Photography and painting
Birdwatching
Celebratory events
Outdoor gymnasium (and obstacle course)
Location and nearby
The Quinta is situated in the tranquil rural outskirts of Monchique, in the valley south of Picota in the Serra de Monchique mountain range.
It is situated approximately 4.5km from the centre of Monchique; giving access to local supermarkets, ATMs, fresh produce market, traditional restaurants, crafts, swimming baths and 7km from the Monchique thermal spa. The Autódromo Internacional do Algarve (the Algarve International Circuit) and the beaches to the south and to the west coasts are within a scenic 30 minutes drive away. Within walking distance is Fonte Santa, whose warm waters are reputed to have healing properties. The closest international airport is at Faro, offering flights throughout the year, the drive between Faro and Monchique is approximately 50 minutes. As the location is rural it is recommended that guests have a vehicle should they wish to do some further afield exploring, beach visits and sightseeing during their stay.
Monchique is a unique area of the Algarve, located inland and referring to the towns, villages and countryside of the largest mountain of the Algarve.
Monchique is situated in the Serra de Monchique mountain range that separates the Algarve from the neighbouring northern region of the Alentejo, this lush landscape of rolling hills, leafy woods, fragrant orchards, natural springs and flowing streams is aptly referred to as the ‘garden of the Algarve’. Monchique invites you to appreciate the beauty and tranquility of rural Algarve which due to its altitude and location, gives it a unique micro climate, crystal clear water and excellent air quality.
Monchique’s breath-taking scenery and peaceful ways are proving to be irresistible charms to the many visitors who now venture inland to explore it. It is a charming hillside town of steep, cobbled streets and whitewashed houses and is a perfect base from which to visit the springs and discover the mountains.
The area invites nature treks, with trails leading you past cork oak, chestnut and pine trees. The pace of life in Monchique is far removed from that of the busy coastal resorts. Small hamlets nestle between the hills, home to artisans who uphold age-old traditions and farm labourers who tend to their terraced vegetable plots or citrus groves as their cattle graze peacefully in the meadows. The fruits of their labours are reflected in the region’s mouth-watering gastronomy, which continues to be produced using traditional methods. Black pork sausages and cured hams, the unique honey that comes from the region’s scented wild flowers and the powerful medronho liqueur, made from the fruit of the wild strawberry trees, all contribute to the gastronomic fame that the area enjoys.
