My family, including grandparents and our young children, stayed at this beautiful home in June 2010. We didn't see other reviews, so were not sure what to expect, though the photos seemed beautiful, and the size was right. I started to get a very good feeling about our choice in interacting with the owner, o sr Manuel, who provided lots of tips on what to see and do locally, and even offered to have a neighbor stock the fridge with basics, since we were arriving late. The house is amazing and far exceeds the photos on the site--a true country estate and river with lovely gardens, including a lac, a hidden away play structure, and outdoor tables and verandas for enjoying the sunshine and quiet. The house itself is immaculate and tastefully furnished. We cooked for the whole family every night (after biking to the charming villages nearby for supplies) and ate at the cozy wooden dining nook, or in the large formal dining room. We enjoyed the quiet spaces to curl up with a book, such as the sunny study. We also used the clock house, which also has a living room and kitchenette, though we didn't need it. The area is surrounded by large farms, pool river,many off-road bike routes, a castle a kilometer away with a nice restaurant and gardens, and routes to villages and the seaside. The house was so relaxing that we would have been happy simply spending more time enjoying its comforts and gardens. What an unusual way to see Portugal and to enjoy our family vacation! In all, we were blown away by this rental and the hospitality of the owner and neighbors.