Entire home
Spacious luxury country house. Shared pool. Fully wheelchair accessible
Photo gallery for Spacious luxury country house. Shared pool. Fully wheelchair accessible





Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms 0+ bathrooms Sleeps 8
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Ourique, Beja
- Place, Porto Covo Beach
- Place, Vila Nova de Milfontes Beach
- Place, Barragem de Santa Clara53 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 8)
Bedroom 1
1 King Bed
Bedroom 2
2 Single Beds
Lounge area sofa bed
1 Double Futon
2 half bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 2
Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Spacious luxury country house. Shared pool. Fully wheelchair accessible
Vale da Cegonha offers country living of the highest standards in 2 beautifully presented country houses.
The houses are adjoining, yet totally self contained. Each has its own front door and private barbeque terrace.
There is also a large swimming pool with both a sun terrace and shady pergola beside, which is shared between all guests. There is ample room around the pool area for all guests to enjoy their own space. The pool itself measures 10x5 metres and is 1.2m at the shallow end and 2m at the deep end.
Both of the houses and all the terraces enjoy spectacular uninterrupted views across the valley toward the distant hills.
Casa Coruja has an exceptionally large open plan lounge/kitchen/diner. Within the lounge area is a full size sofa bed which will accommodate 2 adults, plus further comfortable seating. The dining area includes an extending table and 4 chairs. Two further folding chairs are also available, if required. The kitchen is fully fitted and has solid wood units with granite worktops. It includes a hob, oven, microwave, fridge freezer, toaster and electric hand blender.
A further dining table and chairs is outside on the barbeque terrace.
Both bedrooms have zip and link beds which can be made up as either a large double or 2 singles, whichever you would prefer. A small childs bed or cot can be added to either bedroom.
Both bedrooms also have spacious 'wetroom' style shower rooms ensuite, which include an adjustable height shower, washbasin and WC.
What makes Casa Coruja so special is that when we designed it we wanted to ensure that it was not only spacious and elegant, but also completely wheelchair friendly. To this end, subtle features were included - wider doors, level thresholds, no steps to negotiate. There is ample space to turn around in all rooms including the shower rooms. These also have open spaces under the washbasins, 1m spaces beside the WC's and grabrails beside the WC's and in the shower areas. The kitchen is also wheelchair friendly as it includes an extra lowered work surface and hob both with spaces beneath plus a further space beneath the sink. Most crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils are kept in large pull out drawers with space to the side. The oven is set at 50cm from the floor.
We can either provide or hire a number of mobility aids if required.
All areas around both the house and the pool terraces are fully wheelchair accessible.
Paths lead around the grounds from where fabulous views of the Monte da Rocha lake can be enjoyed.
Vale da Cegonha is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty. There is simply nothing better than sitting on the terrace in the evening, with family or friends, sharing good food and a glass of excellent local wine, as the sun sets over the hills and valley. Afterwards you will be treated to a dazzling display of starlight, thanks to our clean, clear air.
It is truly magical and an experience that we'd like to invite you to share.
Round and About Vale da Cegonha:
Beside the pool we have our own 'beach' which is an ideal place for young children to play or for a game of boules. We have 2 sets available.
There are also many old cartways crossing the landscape giving endless opportunities to birdwatchers, botanists, artists and photographers as well as those who just love the outdoors. Whether you are on foot, or maybe horseback there is always something to enliven the senses- the smell of wild mint, rosemary and eucalyptus; watching 2 hares chasing round a field or brightly coloured birds such as bee-eaters, hoopoes and blue magpies, while majestic birds of prey and elegant storks soar high over head. A meeting with a local shepherd quietly tending his sheep is reminiscent of life in a bygone age, as is a visit to a local bar where everyone seems to have time for a friendly chat.
Ourique is a typical Alentejo whitewashed town perched on the top of a hill, with lovely views over the local countryside. As the county town it has supermarkets, shops, restaurants, cafes and bars as well as banks, a cinema, library and a health centre, 2 chemists and a fuel station, which provide for all daily needs. Many local restaurants have their speciality dishes -if it is chicken you fancy then head for the local lakeside bar/restaurant. For the best local pork head for the Adega Velha restaurant in Ourique. If it is steak that you fancy, so tender that you can cut it with a fork, yes a fork!, then there is a restaurant just outside Ourique where you can find that too.
Typical local fairs and festivals occur throughout the year beginning with Carnival on Shrove Tuesday and ending with the festival of Sao Martinho on 12 November where chestnuts are roasted and the new wine flows freely. All promise a truly Portuguese experience.
The Algarve, Lisbon and beautiful west coast are also within easy reach.
We are resident proprietors. Our cottage is also located within the grounds of Vale da Cegonha. As such we are here if you need us for help, advice or just a chat, but in the background, if you don't.
Vale da Cegonha is a fully registered tourism business within the category of 'Alojamento Local' Our licence number is 3346/AL.
The houses are adjoining, yet totally self contained. Each has its own front door and private barbeque terrace.
There is also a large swimming pool with both a sun terrace and shady pergola beside, which is shared between all guests. There is ample room around the pool area for all guests to enjoy their own space. The pool itself measures 10x5 metres and is 1.2m at the shallow end and 2m at the deep end.
Both of the houses and all the terraces enjoy spectacular uninterrupted views across the valley toward the distant hills.
Casa Coruja has an exceptionally large open plan lounge/kitchen/diner. Within the lounge area is a full size sofa bed which will accommodate 2 adults, plus further comfortable seating. The dining area includes an extending table and 4 chairs. Two further folding chairs are also available, if required. The kitchen is fully fitted and has solid wood units with granite worktops. It includes a hob, oven, microwave, fridge freezer, toaster and electric hand blender.
A further dining table and chairs is outside on the barbeque terrace.
Both bedrooms have zip and link beds which can be made up as either a large double or 2 singles, whichever you would prefer. A small childs bed or cot can be added to either bedroom.
Both bedrooms also have spacious 'wetroom' style shower rooms ensuite, which include an adjustable height shower, washbasin and WC.
What makes Casa Coruja so special is that when we designed it we wanted to ensure that it was not only spacious and elegant, but also completely wheelchair friendly. To this end, subtle features were included - wider doors, level thresholds, no steps to negotiate. There is ample space to turn around in all rooms including the shower rooms. These also have open spaces under the washbasins, 1m spaces beside the WC's and grabrails beside the WC's and in the shower areas. The kitchen is also wheelchair friendly as it includes an extra lowered work surface and hob both with spaces beneath plus a further space beneath the sink. Most crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils are kept in large pull out drawers with space to the side. The oven is set at 50cm from the floor.
We can either provide or hire a number of mobility aids if required.
All areas around both the house and the pool terraces are fully wheelchair accessible.
Paths lead around the grounds from where fabulous views of the Monte da Rocha lake can be enjoyed.
Vale da Cegonha is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty. There is simply nothing better than sitting on the terrace in the evening, with family or friends, sharing good food and a glass of excellent local wine, as the sun sets over the hills and valley. Afterwards you will be treated to a dazzling display of starlight, thanks to our clean, clear air.
It is truly magical and an experience that we'd like to invite you to share.
Round and About Vale da Cegonha:
Beside the pool we have our own 'beach' which is an ideal place for young children to play or for a game of boules. We have 2 sets available.
There are also many old cartways crossing the landscape giving endless opportunities to birdwatchers, botanists, artists and photographers as well as those who just love the outdoors. Whether you are on foot, or maybe horseback there is always something to enliven the senses- the smell of wild mint, rosemary and eucalyptus; watching 2 hares chasing round a field or brightly coloured birds such as bee-eaters, hoopoes and blue magpies, while majestic birds of prey and elegant storks soar high over head. A meeting with a local shepherd quietly tending his sheep is reminiscent of life in a bygone age, as is a visit to a local bar where everyone seems to have time for a friendly chat.
Ourique is a typical Alentejo whitewashed town perched on the top of a hill, with lovely views over the local countryside. As the county town it has supermarkets, shops, restaurants, cafes and bars as well as banks, a cinema, library and a health centre, 2 chemists and a fuel station, which provide for all daily needs. Many local restaurants have their speciality dishes -if it is chicken you fancy then head for the local lakeside bar/restaurant. For the best local pork head for the Adega Velha restaurant in Ourique. If it is steak that you fancy, so tender that you can cut it with a fork, yes a fork!, then there is a restaurant just outside Ourique where you can find that too.
Typical local fairs and festivals occur throughout the year beginning with Carnival on Shrove Tuesday and ending with the festival of Sao Martinho on 12 November where chestnuts are roasted and the new wine flows freely. All promise a truly Portuguese experience.
The Algarve, Lisbon and beautiful west coast are also within easy reach.
We are resident proprietors. Our cottage is also located within the grounds of Vale da Cegonha. As such we are here if you need us for help, advice or just a chat, but in the background, if you don't.
Vale da Cegonha is a fully registered tourism business within the category of 'Alojamento Local' Our licence number is 3346/AL.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Pool
Kitchen
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue
Have a question?
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties

Secluded 2 Bedroomed Country Cottage with Private Pool north of the Algarve
Secluded 2 Bedroomed Country Cottage with Private Pool north of the Algarve
- Pool
- Kitchen
- Washer
- Free WiFi
9.2 out of 10, (45 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Adults only
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number 3346/AL
About the area
Ourique
Located in Ourique, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a lake. Royal Basilica of Castro Verde and Barragem de Santa Clara are local landmarks, and if an activity is on the agenda, check out Municipal Swimming Pools. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Ourique, Beja
What's nearby
- Maralhas Mill - 46 min drive - 46.9 km
- Nossa Senhora do Castelo Chapel - 47 min drive - 47.3 km
- Junta de Freguesia de Cercal Do Alentejo - 50 min drive - 50.3 km
- Church of Sao Luis - 50 min drive - 51.7 km
- Barragem de Santa Clara - 53 min drive - 54.9 km
Restaurants
- restaurante Palma - 10 min drive
- A Toca - 9 min drive
- Restaurante Mundial - 9 min drive
- Café Pastelaria Coração da Vila - 9 min drive
- Pastelaria Ruby - 9 min drive
Frequently asked questions
About the host
Hosted by Penny Chapman

I started out as a school music teacher but then gave it up to go into business with my Mom and Dad, though I continued to give private piano and keyboard lessons.
We bought a large Victorian house in Warwick and converted it into a small hotel. Mom and I ran it, my Dad kept on his own job as an accountant, so he did all the bookwork and also helped run the bar in the evening.
When Dad retired we moved to Cornwall and bought a bit bigger hotel.
By 2000, sadly, I’d previously lost both Mom and Dad so I was running the hotel alone. Unsure whether I wanted to continue, I booked myself on a package holiday to Malta. I needed to spend some time alone and think.
On the last evening I met Greg. My first words to him were “Will you please tell your friend John to leave me alone, I’m not interested”
“Nothing to do with me” he said, “but we can go elsewhere if you like”.
Why not, I thought, I was going home the next day, anyway and he seemed pleasant enough.
Six hours later we were still chatting and drinking coffee!
The following day we met up for breakfast, swapped addresses and phone numbers (as you do) and went our separate ways - me back to Birmingham to see some friends, before returning to Cornwall and Greg back to Essex.
Well, once back home I made that call and the rest as they say, is history.
We were married in February 2002 and Greg joined me in running the hotel.
Eventually we both decided that we wanted to move to Portugal, so we sold the hotel in 2006 and bought our land which is now Vale da Cegonha.
We arrived to an empty field with a motor home, a caravan, 2 cars, 2 dogs and a container full of furniture. Water had to be collected from the next village until we had our own supply.
We then set about designing and building Casa Aguia, Casa Coruja, the swimming pool and our own cottage, Casa Andorinha, which is nearby.
It is an ongoing adventure; sometimes a bit of a bumpy ride, but we certainly have no regrets.
We bought a large Victorian house in Warwick and converted it into a small hotel. Mom and I ran it, my Dad kept on his own job as an accountant, so he did all the bookwork and also helped run the bar in the evening.
When Dad retired we moved to Cornwall and bought a bit bigger hotel.
By 2000, sadly, I’d previously lost both Mom and Dad so I was running the hotel alone. Unsure whether I wanted to continue, I booked myself on a package holiday to Malta. I needed to spend some time alone and think.
On the last evening I met Greg. My first words to him were “Will you please tell your friend John to leave me alone, I’m not interested”
“Nothing to do with me” he said, “but we can go elsewhere if you like”.
Why not, I thought, I was going home the next day, anyway and he seemed pleasant enough.
Six hours later we were still chatting and drinking coffee!
The following day we met up for breakfast, swapped addresses and phone numbers (as you do) and went our separate ways - me back to Birmingham to see some friends, before returning to Cornwall and Greg back to Essex.
Well, once back home I made that call and the rest as they say, is history.
We were married in February 2002 and Greg joined me in running the hotel.
Eventually we both decided that we wanted to move to Portugal, so we sold the hotel in 2006 and bought our land which is now Vale da Cegonha.
We arrived to an empty field with a motor home, a caravan, 2 cars, 2 dogs and a container full of furniture. Water had to be collected from the next village until we had our own supply.
We then set about designing and building Casa Aguia, Casa Coruja, the swimming pool and our own cottage, Casa Andorinha, which is nearby.
It is an ongoing adventure; sometimes a bit of a bumpy ride, but we certainly have no regrets.
Why they chose this property
When we decided that we wanted to move to Portugal, we started, as many others do, looking at land in the Algarve.
But we soon discovered that generally it was far too commercialised for us, particularly near to the coast.
So we decided to move in land to the Lower Alentejo and discovered a whole different world.
It was vast, wild, untouched and stunningly beautiful. This was more like it!
This was the 'real' Portugal, as far as we were concerned. It totally got under our skin and has stayed there ever since.
But we soon discovered that generally it was far too commercialised for us, particularly near to the coast.
So we decided to move in land to the Lower Alentejo and discovered a whole different world.
It was vast, wild, untouched and stunningly beautiful. This was more like it!
This was the 'real' Portugal, as far as we were concerned. It totally got under our skin and has stayed there ever since.
What makes this property unique
We looked at many plots of land before we bought Vale da Cegonha. It ticked all our boxes. It was sizeable - almost 7 hectares and it had wonderful views down the valley to the hills in the distance where the sun sets. From the top of the hill there are also fabulous views of the nearby Monte da Rocha Lake. Much of the land at Vale da Cegonha falls within the nature reserve that surrounds the lake. We can't build on it, nor will anyone else ever be able to either. Our views are protected.
Starting with an empty field and a blank sheet of paper, meant that we could design the houses just as we wanted them to be.
Drawing on our previous experience as hoteliers in Cornwall, we knew just how difficult it could be for disabled travelers to find accommodation that was truly wheelchair friendly. Certainly, if a group of friends happened to include more than one wheelchair user, then it was almost impossible.
We were able to solve all that by simple subtle design features such as wider doorways, level thresholds, no steps, spacious rooms and shower rooms and wheelchair friendly kitchens.
What we have created are two spacious, elegant country houses that everyone can enjoy.
Starting with an empty field and a blank sheet of paper, meant that we could design the houses just as we wanted them to be.
Drawing on our previous experience as hoteliers in Cornwall, we knew just how difficult it could be for disabled travelers to find accommodation that was truly wheelchair friendly. Certainly, if a group of friends happened to include more than one wheelchair user, then it was almost impossible.
We were able to solve all that by simple subtle design features such as wider doorways, level thresholds, no steps, spacious rooms and shower rooms and wheelchair friendly kitchens.
What we have created are two spacious, elegant country houses that everyone can enjoy.
Languages:
English, French, Spanish, Portuguese
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback