Location: Ourem, Lisbon Region, Portugal, Europe (12 mts to Fatima, 90 mts. to Lisbon, and 25mts to Tomar,) View Map
Accommodations: Estate, 3 Bedrooms + Office, 4 Baths (Sleeps 5-7)
Keywords: Portuguese Manor House
** 30% off February, March, and April **
Voted Best 2010 Rural B&B out of 8500 properties internationally, Casa Alta Royal Lodge, an hour and a half from Lisbon, is located within the precincts of the atmospheric Castle of Ourém, a small medieval village high above the rich Ourem Valley. The castle, itself, is a charming ruin, and still fun to explore. There is a single ring road with the walls of the castle and Casa Alta is nearest the castle itself (hence its name), and shares the castle's panoramic views.
Casa Alta was built in the I2th Century for Kings, Queens, and Saints. The royal tradition continues today in the stately elegance, its gilt and velvets, and charming atmosphere of a bygone age. This is expressed in many antiques, tapestries, paintings, ceramics, silver, and decorative tile works at Casa Alta. Casa Alta comes with a cook/housemaid.
Deluxe towels, draped beds, and embroidered sheets, down pillows (a rarity in Portugal) and fluffy duvets add to the caressing touch of luxury. You can imagine being Princess Catherine of Braganza, who stayed at Casa Alta with her court the night before she sailed to England to become the Queen Consort to King Charles II, except that it will be more comfortable!
Outside, double doors open onto an ancient rock terrace overlooking the breathtaking Ourém Valley. Here lunches and dinners and afternoon teas are laid out. Surrounded by Hydrangea, Cosmos, delphinium, marguerites and gladioli from the upper terrace it is only a few steps to the pool, secluded seating groups, sunning beds, and a rose arbor.
In addition to the summer savings, a complimentary chef and cleaning woman will make your stay as effortless as possible. No need to spend valuable days sweating it out in markets and trying to make yourself understood. Just give your list to the chef and lunch or dinner will be on the table! You will have a delicious meal and a clean kitchen at night. If you enjoy cooking yourself, you will be shown where everything is in our fully stocked kitchen. Bedding and towels will be changed regularly . You will have the best of two worlds: the intimacy of an elegant small manor with all the amenties of a hotel without the cost! The price of the rental includes the cost of a housemaid/cook. As a package it is very good value.
The house and gardens are so quiet and peaceful, it is hard to pry yourself away. However once done, there are many marvelous things to see in the area. To the west is the nearby International Shrine of Fatima that draws 6 million people a year, plus the magnificent royal monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaça and the charming fishing village of Nazaré. To the north is Porto and the famous River Douro and port wine country, the famous university town of Coimbra and it legendary library, and to the north are the gigantic specimen woods of the Hunting Palace of Bussaco, now a hotel and restaurant serving wild game. To the east is the last Templar Castle (Tomar) and the fairytale Almoural Castle. There are also nearby Roman Ruins. To the south is the romatic city of castles and royal palaces in Sintra, and of course, the capital city of Lisbon, rich in many sights. Casa Alta is centrally located to tour the best sights that Portugal has to offer.
Whether you are staying a month or passing through, Casa Alta Royal Lodge is one of the great little gems of Portugal.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Covered Parking
- Off Street Parking
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Wood Fireplace
- Beds
- King Bed : We make up our twin beds as one king, but they can be made up singly as well.
- Double Bed : Our European sized beds are in between queen and a double, coming in at 1.43 meters in width. Ours is an intricately carved four poster with a high carved headboard.
- Twin/Single Bed : beautiful carved bed with Rococo headboard.
- Convertible Bed : The sofa bed is really confortable for one person, and it is located by the fire in the Duchess of Braganza Suite. I deal for a small child or elderly guest.
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- TV (No Cable/Satellite)
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library
- Private Pool
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : This is a fully equipped kitchen, including food staples, spices, baking goods. Fresh vegestables are brought in from the garden: onions, carrots, French onions, tomatoes, zuchini, and spices and herbs.
- Cooking Utensils Provided : Sterling silver flatwear, tea set, pitchers, salt/peppers Linen napkins laundered daily for the table.
- Refrigerator : Each side-b-side refigerator has a freezing section.
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Catering Available : Complimentary Chef on premises who will cook and shop for you.
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- Balcony
- View/Location
- Mountain View
- Communications
- Telephone
- Free Long Distance
- Computer
- Computer w/ Dial-up Internet
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- Espresso Coffee Machine, Two Deep Frying Machines, Two Refrigerator/Freezers
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly : If the child is over 6, yes
- Not Suitable for Children : If the child is under 6 yrs old
- Smoking Not Allowed : Smoking only in designated areas
- Activities
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Restaurants
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- World Famous Fatima Shrine with Masses, confessions, and candlelight processions
Rate Details (In Euros)
2nd Jan. 2011-26th March 2011:1200 Euros/week
27th March 2011-10th May 2011:1500 Euros/week
11th May 2010-3rd October.2011:1999 Euros/week
4th Oct.2011-1st January 2012:1100 Euros/week
Deposit 50% required by PayPal or bank transfer.
Balance 3 weeks before arrival.
Damage Deposit - €200 cash required on arrival after check-in inspection
Refunded on date of departure following check-out inspection
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2002
Why the Owner Chose Ourem
Location! Location! Location! Casa Alta Royal Lodge is centrally located to visit many of the great must-see sites of Portugal: the royal Monastery of Batalha, the royal Monastery of Alcobaça, the charming walled city of Obidos, the last castle and convento of the Knights Templar, the spectacular escavations of the nearby Roman Ruins, the amazing forest of Bussaco and former royal hunting lodge, now a fascinating hotel,the fishing village and resort of Nazaré, the ancient university town of Coimbra, and of course the world famous religious shrine of Fatima, just 12 minutes away. We even have dinasaur prints a short distance away! The location of Casa Alta itself, high above the Ourém Valley in the Medieval walled village of the Castle of Ourém with its cobblestoned streets, charm, and breathtaking views, is enough as a destination of its own!
The Unique Benefits at this Estate
Casa Alta Royal Lodge is not for everybody. You will not find shopping malls, video arcades,or night clubs. It is for the desciminating traveler who seeks peace and tranquility, history, and inspiring sites within easy touring visits. It is for the person who likes to come home to a crackling fire in his/her room, tea from a silver service in the garden, genial drinks in the manor's salon, elegant lunches and candelight dinners, with attentive uniformed staff anticipating needs and desires. (Laundry and pressing is free!) And at last, a comfortable bed awaits with hand ironed quality linens, down pillows and duvets and decorated throughout in the English-style manor house tradition.
This unusually preserved magnificent flamboyant Gothic church, cloister, dormitories, and refectory is a World Heritage site.
This is unique in the world as the last Templar Castle, later to be named the Convento de Christo. Henry the Navigator was Grand Master. It is World Heritage Site
This ancient site has a university library that could challenge any palace in Europe for it soaring dimmensions, artistry and elegance
Built on the site of 16th Century Carmelite Monastery, enriched by species of fabulous trees and plants from the Age of Discovery, a royal hunting lodge was built in a fantastic form of neo-Manuelan s
World Heritage site of the early Cistercian Monastery with soaring heights in the purest architectural forms in Portugal The famous, enormous kitchens and gigantic chimneys has a fish trap which ensna
This magnificent escavation allows you to the better part of an entire Roman town.
Medieval, walled, Castle with Roman foundations, Moorish Keep and 17th Century Palace and Watchtowers. Within its walls are the picturesque village and the site of Casa Alta Royal Lodge
Owner's Map of Ourem
I am a Catholic Priest and originally started Casa Alta as a retreat house serving discerning pilgrims to Fatima. Now, Casa Alta Royal Lodge is available for the first time to the general public as a luxury B&B or as vacation house rental, and I am very happy that more people can experience and appreciate this very special place.
I was born and brought up in a large family in the Santa Clara Valley (California) where my family were pioneers in the dried fruit industry. I have always enjoyed horticulture, and I get a great deal of pleasure working in the garden. I preside over a perfect little jewel, in and outside of the house, and my aim is to provide the warmth, comfort and elegance that one so often seeks and rarely finds in a rental. I very much enjoy the company of diverse groups and peoples, and I am involved in many Portuguese organizations. I can't wait to share this precious find with you and welcome you as friends. Casa Alta welcomes people of all faiths or none
Property Photos
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- Pool view toward manor
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- wall fountain on terrace
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- Ourean Room
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- Oureana Room Fireplace
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- Duchess of Braganza Suite bed
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- Braganza Suite fireplace seating
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- Jacinta Room
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- Candlelight dinner
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- Igor the Houseman
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- Casa Alta living room
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- Dining buffet
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- Terrace seating overlooking Ourém Valley
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- Garden Urn on Upper Terrace
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- Library and TV Room
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- Garden Terrace
Traveler Reviews (20)
Lovely hill top inn, reminiscent of the south of France
Guest: Peter and Cynthia
(Berkeley, CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 06/27/11
Review Submitted: 08/14/11
We arrived to Casa Alta the last week of June, when the hydrangeas were in full bloom and the garden was breathtaking. I agree with other postings about the beauty of the place, the warmth and hospitality of Fr John and his assistant, Valentina, and the fresh and delicious meals. I want to add a few more observations. Although this is a “mom and pop” operation, the service and attention to details were exquisite: for example, wine and orange juice brought to the garden while we swam, a choice of indoor or outdoor dining. We spent a relaxing day walking the castle town of Ourem – views of the surrounding valleys and hills from the castle ruins, brightly white-washed houses, flowers blooming (even in three inch patches of soil next to the road) and tourist-free (the biggest group we saw was a van -load of elderly locals brought up to church). When we returned from the heat of the market in Ourem or sightseeing in Tomar, there always was a cooling breeze in the garden and in our room (Braganca suite) whose windows on opposite sides of the house provided cross-ventilation. My husband was reminded of the Cote d’Azur, without the expensive, touristy trappings and crowds. We looked forward to dinner each night both for the delicious food and local wines and for the lively conversation with Fr John. Next time we travel to Portugal, we definitely will be returning to Casa Alta!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway.
heaven is a place on earth
Guest: anna b
(manila)
Date of Stay: 12/26/10
Review Submitted: 01/06/11
Casa Alta is a real gem, how do I even begin to describe it. We were picked up from the bus station by our most gracious host, Fr. Mariani himself. After a 15 minute scenic drive we arrived at the lodge high up on the hill just below historic Ourem Castle. The moment I stepped into the house i felt transported into another time where everything was more genteel & gracious. Aaaaah, the gardens with a view to the castle above and the village in the valley below. The Duchess of Braganza room was exquisite with windows on both side, soft fragrant sheets, own fireplace, live orchids on the bedside tables, interesting books. Truly, love is in the details. Dinner was an event in itself prepared to perfection by Valentina. She does serve big though, so be warned! Spent 4 glorious days in Casa Alta wandering in the quaint village nearby, going up the castle, visiting Fatima, daytrip to Alcobaca & Batalha, and taking lots of pictures from every angle you can imagine. I left with a prayer in my heart that i can go back to casa alta with all my loved ones. And please God, in Spring so i can enjoy the garden in full bloom!:-))
Owner response:Anna and her companion were delightful guests. I can't wait for the whole family to come! We are truly blessed by having the most interesting people from all over the world to visit us. We aspire to return this blessing with personal attention and service beyond what is expected. It is part of the personal satisfaction I have in operating Casa Alta Royal Lodge.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway.
lives up to the toughest expectations
Guest: john mac
(thredbo,australia)
Date of Stay: 10/20/10
Review Submitted: 12/05/10
we recently spent 3 weeks in Portugal and Madiera and stayed in a wide range of accommodation,some we chose and some organised for us by others. while Casa Alta Lodge was not the most luxurious ,neither was it the most expensive.what it was was the most unique and the most enjoyable. Father John and his delightful housekeeper/cook Valentina are wonderful hosts and go out of their way to please.we had several evening meals and the cooking was superb,exceeded only by the good company.Father even held mass for us.while it may seem unusual to stay in an establishment run by a priest ,Father John is very worldly and is happy to engage in debate and conversation on a wide range of subjects. at Casa Alta Lodge you get excellent accommodation with hospitality and mental and spiritual stimulation if you seek it,
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+.
A Wonderful Experience
Guest: George
(Maryland, USA)
Date of Stay: 11/08/10
Review Submitted: 11/30/10
Dear Fr. Mariani, We want to thank you for the wonderful experience of being guests at "Casa Alta" in November 2010. The accommodations' were magnificent and the meals were superb, achieving the pinnacle of culinary excellence. You and your staff were extremely gracious and hospitable. We are grateful for the spiritual guidance and our minni retreat in Fatima and Ourem. The exposure to such scared places as the Church of the Holy Miracle in Santarem as well as many other churches, monasteries, castles and historic sights were all very inspiring and beautiful. We sincerely hope and pray that you and those of Casa Alta will continue with your work and spiritual hospitality well into the future. Most Sincerely, Dr. & Mrs. George Miller
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway.
We'll be back!
Guest: Christine & Wilfred
(Youngstown, NY)
Date of Stay: 10/12/10
Review Submitted: 11/29/10
The Casa Alta Royal Lodge had been recommended to us by a relative. What we found far exceeded our expectations. We were met at Lisbon airport six hours late due to a flight cancelation. We arrived at the Royal Lodge at two o’clock in the morning and were most graciously received by our host in spite of the hour. From the moment that we stepped into this charming house, situated against the background of a flood lit Ourem Castle (circa.1200), it was as if we had stepped into a bygone era. The décor was exquisite, each room distinct with commanding views of the castle and the valley below. The accommodation was most comfortable and we stayed four nights. We gave a dinner party for some friends from Fatima. The meal was superb and included an excellent inexpensive local wine. It was beautifully served in the lovely intimate dining room. We would also like to mention the secluded garden with swimming pool and spectacular views. We recommend this gem of a place to anyone seeking something different from the stereotyped hotel fare. A visit to Fatima is easily achieved by taxi taking about 15 minutes. Also available is a dependable, privately owned, car service to the airport or for touring. We would also suggest a walk around Ourem Castle.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+, girls getaway.
Unique retreat, spectacular views, old world charm
Guest: Patrick
(San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 11/18/10
Review Submitted: 11/27/10
Casa Alta is a restored former royal spiritual retreat house built in the 13th Century by the Queen Saint Isabel of Portugal. The proprietor is an American priest of the Order of Malta, Fr. John Mariani. Your first step inside is back into another century. Set like a white pearl on the edge of the narrow ring road leading to the Castle of Ourem, atop the most prominent mountain near Fatima, this bread and breakfast is exquisitely appointed with glowing fireplaces, works of art, religious artifacts, and period furniture, providing an intimate, peaceful experience. The four bedrooms upstairs are all gracefully decorated and exude a warm and comfortable stillness intended to restore tranquility for visiting Portuguese nobility. Fr. Marini’s renovations have brought Casa Alta into the 21st century with modern bathrooms, and wireless internet access. A natural stone slab patio garden extends the experience outside, with alcoves, shrines, fountains, flowers and shrubs arrayed around a refreshing dipping pool. A table built into the stonewall fortifications that support the garden atop the mountain creates one of the most breathtaking and peaceful picnic scenes in Portugal. Cocktails and meals, included in the price, are served in the Great Room overlooking the valley below with vineyards, forests, with the sacred shrine of Fatima looming in the distance. There are great scenic walks around the remains of the Castle of Ourem and into the narrow cobblestone roads of the village hanging just below. A private guided walking tour of the shrine and grounds in Fatima where, in 1917, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to three poor shepherd children, can be arranged with the leading English speaking author on the subject, Mr. Leo Madigan. A great bargain for a completely unique get-away back to another time when the world didn’t move so fast. I highly recommend the Casa Alta to pilgrims, the curious, or just weary travelers to Portugal.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+.
Royal Spiritual Retreat House now restful B&B atop mountain near Fatima, Portugal
Guest: Patrick
(San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 11/18/10
Review Submitted: 11/25/10
Just outside of Fatima, Portugal. Casa Alta is a restored former royal spiritual retreat house built in the 13th Century by the Queen Saint Isabel of Portugal. The proprietor is an American priest of the Order of Malta, Fr. John Mariani. Your first step inside is back into another century. Set like a white pearl on the edge of the narrow ring road leading to the Castle of Ourem, atop the most prominent mountain near Fatima, this bread and breakfast is exquisitely appointed with glowing fireplaces, works of art, religious artifacts, and period furniture, providing an intimate, peaceful experience. Modern bathrooms, central heat, and wireless internet access. Outside is a natural stone slab patio garden into outdoor living space, with alcoves, shrines, fountains, flowers and shrubs arrayed around a refreshing dipping pool. A table built into the stonewall fortifications that support the garden atop the mountain creates one of the most breathtaking and peaceful picnic scenes in Europe. Cocktails and meals are served in the Great Room overlooking vineyards and forests, with the sacred shrine of Fatima looming in the distance. There are great scenic walks around the remains of the Castle of Ourem and into the narrow cobblestone roads of the village hanging just below. A private guided walking tour of the shrine and grounds in Fatima where, in 1917, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to three poor shepherd children, can be arranged with the leading English speaking author on the subject, Mr. Leo Madigan. I highly recommend the Casa Alta to pilgrims, the curious, or just weary travelers to Portugal.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+.
A castle in the clouds
Guest: Colonel
(Galveston, Texas)
Date of Stay: 09/29/10
Review Submitted: 10/11/10
Casa Alta is an exceptional experience for anyone, even the experienced traveler. The Casa is a true castle in the clouds that most people can only dream about. Father Mariani has created a place where one can relax, wander around the garden or castle grounds or simply sit by the pool and enjoy a glass of wine. The Casa is centrally located to many exciting tourist attractions nearby and after a day of sight-seeing nothing can be more pleasant than to retire to the sanctuary of Casa Alta and a world class dinner prepared by Valentina. No words can adequately describe the beauty of Casa Alta, one must simply go and enjoy.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+.
Magnificent experience with fabulous views and entertaining host.
Guest: Dr Jan
(Melbourne, Victoria, Australia)
Date of Stay: 07/15/10
Review Submitted: 10/10/10
Casa Alta is a white Lodge which sits on the hill just below the ruined Castle of Ourem. After driving up the steepest switchback hill and getting momentarily lost in the tightest fit of a lane wherein cars should never venture, we pulled in around a white chapel and outside the green door to unload our cases and be welcomed by Father John and his maid/cook, Valentina. Our room was all white and filled with lovely things and the view from the window was breathtaking. We put on our bathing suits and went out the French doors to the patio where the pool was and were able to capture more of that beautiful view. After a swim, John collapsed on the day-bed in the sun like a big porpoise and Father John waited on us with a carafe of white wine and beer. At 8pm it was time for dinner and we were served by Alex, a young man dressed in black pants and white jacket. Valentina had prepared an exquisite meal of walnut and blue cheese salad, chicken fricasee and the most amazing pancake stack of kiwi-fruit glace. Father John had transformed from the day Tshirt –black with the word SECURITY across the middle to his ecclesiastical robes and cross. I have never eaten dinner with a priest before and it was a real success. He regaled us with many rich stories of his life and the time went much too fast. Next morning Valentina was back in the kitchen to make us eggs and toast and really good coffee.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, age 55+.
Perfect stay on excellent location
Guest: Carlos
(The Hague Netherlands)
Date of Stay: 10/02/10
Review Submitted: 10/07/10
We felt very welcome in this beautifully restored old lodge on a superb and quiet location.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+.
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