In the center of nature, a few kilometers from the ocean, nestled deep in a valley, this antique farm with colorful walls has the atmosphere of a house in the Chilean countryside. At Herdade da Matinha, one discovers the benefits of living as the Portuguese, between surfing, horseback riding, slow-cooked comfort food, and leisure time. The children are pampered by the staff and one returns from a stay at this intimate and personal hotel with a strong feeling of freedom…
The location
This is the story of a couple, Mónica and Alfredo, who always wanted to pack up and leave Portugal for Australia. A few weeks before the big move, they went to a wedding two hours south of Lisbon and came across an old, abandoned farm, lost amongst pine trees and olive trees. It was love at first sight, Australia had been forgotten and the project Herdade da Matinha was established. Twenty years later, the small, deteriorating farmhouse became an incredibly charming and chic address, where each piece of furniture had been carefully chosen from antique stores by the couple. Their ranch houses about ten horses and everything has been well thought out in order to offer a peaceful atmosphere for families who come to put their daily lives on hold.
Le décor
The rooms are comfortable and practical and each detail has been thoroughly considered: lights above the bed, the private terrace for resting in the shade in the late afternoon, the common spaces where one finds cozy lounges, a play room for the kids, or a bar with a fireplace for a night fireside… The restaurant is particularly enjoyable with its large patio overlooking a pond, and it stays open all day. An abundant buffet is served for breakfast (each morning the chef prepares a delicious cake, which is always served straight from the oven, irresistible), one can eat savory toasts or sandwiches for a snack in the afternoon or even order a picnic for the beach; at night, the lights are dimmed for a gourmet diner.
For kids
This hotel is a genuine paradise for families and everything has been organized for the kids, from the family rooms with bunkbeds and cribs available, to activities that are not to be missed (horse-back riding, surfing, mountain biking, hiking, cooking classes…). The surroundings themselves are perfect: a beautiful pool for cooling off, 110 hectares of land for going on a walk, the goats to pet in the nearby fields and endless outings to see the sublime scenery in the region.
We love meeting with Rica, who welcomes the children with a smile and helps them discover the ranch. This experienced horseback rider, a regular at international competitions, is a friend of the manager and moved to Herdade da Matinha a few months ago in order to give some life to the ranch. She takes care of the ten horses every day and offers horseback riding classes to the visitors. Even the youngest children can approach the animals with her: they will learn to pet them, brush them, and could go for a walk amongst the nature in the arms of their parents, the older children could take some horseback riding lessons.
Information
Herdade da Matinha
Cercal do Alentejo, 7555-231
Portugal
Checklist: air conditioning, cribs, bunkbeds, kids menu, highchairs, pool, surfing or horseback riding classes.
For the adults: the option to schedule a cooking class, a yoga class, or a massage…
www.herdadedamatinha.com
View on Google Maps
Prices & Reservations
Family rooms starting from 159 € a night, suites starting from 179 € a night.
+351 933 739 245
reservas@herdadedamatinha.com
Traduction: Scout Sabo
