Luxury 15th Century Castle With Sea Views

Ideally located 2 hours’ drive from Lisbon and 90 km from Algarve, Vila Nova de Milfontes is cornered between the Mira River and the Atlantic Ocean.

This unique location enables to enjoy both the extended sand and famous for surfing Atlantic beaches and the quiet waters for canoe, jet ski, water ski, sailing etc This site existed as a stronghold in Carthaginian times, and when the Romans occupied the Iberian Peninsula they turned it into a Castro or Fort. When the Romans left, it was taken from the Arabs by Bishop D. Soeiro with the help of the crusaders, who gave it to the order of St. James (S. Tiago). However little by little it fell into ruins and the village was prey to Algerian pirates who ransacked the place several times. The Castro was completely rebuilt during the early part of the Spanish occupation in 1590; indeed the walls you can see today are of that period. When the pirates no longer threaten the coast, there was no more reason to keep the defence up and time did its job-it became a ruin. The government sold it at auction in 1906. There were three owners before 1939, when Dom Luis de Castro e Almeida bought it in a complete state of ruin and restored it in its present shape. From 1959 on, he began to receive paying guests with whom he shared his motto: Life without friends is not life”. The heirs of Dom Luis motto continue the unique atmosphere of friendship, at the “Castelo” entirely refurbished in 1998.

The entrance to the castle is through the drawbridge stepping over a landscaped dry moat.

In the Principal living quarters there is 7 double bedrooms with private bathroom, 1 dining room with table for up to 18 guests, 1 double living room with walk-in fireplace and 1 boudoir/ game room/ smoking room.

Outside the Castle living areas with breath taking views over the river Mira and the Atlantic Ocean with, 1 inside open courtyard and 1 roof terrace.

This property also has staff quarters that includes 3 bedrooms, one living area and 2 bathrooms of which one en- suite. Ideal for live-in maids or housekeepers, 1 double kitchen fully equipped with 2 kitchen stoves and adjoining pantry.

In addition, stock rooms, 1 office, and 1 laundry room, fully equipped with sink, washing machine and tumble dryer, there is also a "Annex" located approximately 50 meters from the front door of the "Castle" with space for two cars, 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, 2 patios and a terrace with views over the sea.

Features

• Garden
• Furnished
• Heating
• Garage
• Parking
• Conservatory
• Reception room
• Terrace/Balcony
• Covered dining area
• Laundry room
• Storage room
• Spacious
• Character property
• Luxury property
• Features great views
• Sea view
• On the waterfront
• Morning sun
• Evening sun
• Near bars / restaurants
• Near school(s)
• Near shops
• Near a golf course
• Near the beach