REDUCED FROM € 650,000

A grouping of three fully restored rustic houses in excellent decorative order, with very realistic and substantial income potential - six bedrooms, 12-metre spring-fed swimming pool, standing in large grounds in an outstandingly beautiful location and with gorgeous views.

Detailed information

Set in one of the most privileged locations in the region, and benefiting from a warm microclimate, the houses stand entirely on their own at the end of a cobbled street, tranquil and not overlooked, approx 100 mtrs from the village of Carvalhinhos. The village is obscured by a bend in the road. Beyond the houses is forest track, so there is almost no passing traffic.

All three enjoy a sunny, south-facing aspect.

The view from all of the houses is quite breathtaking, down a

wooded valley to the hills beyond.

The property stands in the Serra da Lousa, PortugalÂ's ‘TuscanyÂ'- one of the countryÂ's loveliest and most diverse regions, noted for its lush countryside and warm, clear lakes and rivers (great for swimming).

Only forty minutes by car or train from the houses, Coimbra is the regional capital and PortugalÂ's third city. Fast, reliable and cheap trains link the city to Lisbon and Porto.

For everyday needs, the town of Miranda do Corvo is only ten minutesÂ' drive from the houses.

The Main House

Lots of character. Massively thick solid stone construction under tiled roof, fully insulated, exceptionally warm and cosy. Double-glazed throughout. Diesel-fired central heating. Mains water (drinkable), electricity, bottled gas, drainage to septic tank. Floors are tiled throughout, except for bedrooms, which have wooden floors.

Entrance hall (4.6 x 3.5) High-ceilinged and spacious. Telephone point. Doors to utility room (3.1 x 2.6), which also has exterior door, plumbing for washing machine, central heating boiler; and fully tiled shower room ( 3.1 x 1.9), with two-person shower, toilet, bidet, washbasin.

Steps up from the hall lead along a wide corridor (with seating area) to: Bedroom 1 (4.3 x 4.2), built-in double wardrobes, south-facing balcony with stunning views, TV point; Bedroom 2 (3.7 x 4.6), built-in double wardrobes, south-facing balcony with stunning views, TV point, en-suite bathroom (3.5 x 2.7), with giant spa bath, toilet, bidet, washbasin built into mirrored wooden marble-top vanitory unit with lights; Bedroom 3/Study (3.4 x 3.1), built-in wardrobe plus large storage cupboard, telephone and TV point.

Steps down from the entrance hall lead to: inner hall (2.7 x 2.0), with lovely old stone wall and door to walk-in under-stairs cupboard with shelving and light; door to kitchen (3.6 x 4.2), fully fitted with lots of built-in cupboards, long red-granite worktop, oven and hob, double sink, plumbing for dishwasher, feature stone wall on one side, exterior door to covered terrace.

The inner hall also leads to the tranquil sitting/dining room (7.3 x 5.7). The original stone walls have been retained on three sides. Feature fireplace with fan-assisted log fire. Massive ancient chestnut ceiling beam. Feature tiled ‘carpetÂ' in dining area. TV point with satellite connection. French doors to covered terrace. Connecting interior door to Nut House (blocked by free-standing book-shelving).

Outside is a large partially covered terrace (14.0 x 3.5) with toilet, barbecue, power point, feature lights, gorgeous views.

Nut House

Brick construction under tiled roof, insulated. Thick walls with cavity. Double-glazed throughout. Mains water and electricity. Bottled gas. Drainage to septic tank. Electric oil-filled radiators in every room. Floors tiled throughout, except for bedroom, which has wooden floor, suitable for letting, guest accommodation or ‘granny flatÂ'.

The front door opens directly onto the open plan kitchen/dining/sitting room (6.1 x 5.1) with fitted cupboards, granite worktop, oven and hob, double sink, wood-burning stove, under-stairs storage with electric cylinder, feature stone wall, TV point with satellite connection, connecting door to main house (blocked by free-standing cupboard).

Wide, shallow steps lead up to a landing (2.5 x 2.0), with doors to fully tiled shower-room (2.6 x 2.0) with shower cabin, toilet, bidet and washbasin with mirrored cabinet; and to bedroom (4.7 x 4.3), with built-in wardrobe, two south-facing windows and recess suitable for sofa or childÂ's bed.

Outside is a south-facing terrace (3.5 x 5.0) with barbecue. Lovely views.

The Cottage

Very charming and cosy, standing higher than and separately from the main house across a large terrace. Solid stone construction under tiled roof, insulated. Double glazing throughout. Mains water, electricity, bottled gas. Drainage to septic tank. Oil-filled electric radiators in every room. Floors tiled throughout, except for two bedrooms and staircase, which are wooden - suitable for letting, guest accommodation or ‘granny flatÂ'.

The front door opens straight onto large open plan sitting/dining room/kitchen (5.2 x 5.1). Feature beamed ceiling. Shuttered window. Large log fire with glass door. Fitted cupboards, oven and hob. Double sink. TV point with satellite connection. Under-stairs storage cupboard. Door to Bedroom 1 (5.6 x 2.3), shuttered window, curved wall, telephone point (inactive).

From the sitting room stairs lead up to landing with fitted cupboard which houses electric cylinder. Door leads to Bedroom 2 (4.2 x 3.4), with built-in wardrobe, vaulted wooden ceiling, south-facing balcony with heart-stopping views. Other door from landing leads to fully tiled shower room (3.7 x 1.6) with brick-built shower, bidet, toilet, washbasin with mirrored cabinet.

Outside is a very large terrace (c. 6.6 x 6.3) with barbecue, wood storage and wonderful views. Partial shade from spectacular tangerine tree.

The Grounds

There is covered parking for two cars, plus space for three more.

The total plot is c. 5,000 sq mtrs (1.25 acres), terraced, south-facing, bordered by a lively stream with enchanting cascades. It is a maze of winding paths, little terraces, giant rocks and moving water. There are several mature trees, a number of fruit trees, as well as unusual and exotic plants.

Below the cottage is a lawn and rose garden with water tap, and below that a 12 x 3.5 mtrs swimming pool. This is very special, in that it simulates a local river. Fresh water is drawn from the stream (which is spring-fed) through 600 mtrs of black piping in the sun. The water is delightfully warm in summer and chlorine and salt free.

By the swimming pool is a small wooden pagoda with straw roof, table and chairs and a portable barbecue.

Immediately below the main house is a lawn, across which runs a little stream.

To the side of Nut House is a brick-built shed (3.1 x 4.7), used for the storage of firewood and tools, with electric light, power point, water tap and gas water-heater.

Below Nut House is a pretty little walled garden with sunken Japanese-style soaking tub for two adults, with hot and cold running water. Soft lighting makes this an especially romantic way to pass a summer evening!

A little further down is a fish pond into which water falls from around 4.5 mtrs above. Below this is a small vegetable garden.

On a crag in the middle of the garden stands a little red Chinese pagoda with wooden seating and electric light.

The automatic irrigation system (drawing water from the stream) is also included in the sale.

For all its size and great beauty, this is a low maintenance garden, which with a little care will bring immense pleasure to the buyer in the years to come.