Situated by the Barragem of Cabril (dammed river), in the Zêzere Basin fed by the Portuguese Serra (Peak), on the Schist route of Central Portugal, in a teeny village surrounded by Sobreiro (Cork Oak) and Heather, the little cottage of Pedrinha is one of a handful of rural alojamentos (rooms to stay) in the area. She lies on a quiet inner road in the valley hamlet of Vale de Gois, easy walking distance to the reservoir. The village campsite provides visitors with the rest of the accomodation during the warmer seasons.
Although there are no shops or eateries in the village itself there are pop-ups to accomodate the visitors attracted to the Barragem's cooling freshwater during Spring and Summer months which provide the local area with light bite options and cafes. Towns Pedrógão Grande and Pedrógão Pequeno are a 5min drive and provide all services needed for a short or lengthy rural holiday. Nearby we have fluvial praias (river beaches), cycle routes (BTT), hiking trails & schist village routes, mercados (food markets), places of cultural interest and traditional Portuguese restaurants and cafes.
Day: Jump on the BTT-2 cycle route, fill your water bottle with cristaline spring waters in Troviscais Fonte and take a swim in the gorgeous Mosteiro natural pool.Day: Visit P. Pequeno market on a Sunday for your mid morning snack of Bica & Pastel de Nata, book your kayak at Trilhos de Zêzere and follow the water for a wild swim and float in the beautiful setting of Moinho de Freiras.Day: The ocean beaches near Leiria are 1hr away or your kids have access to an AquaParque in Castenheira de Pera if needed.Lunch: Walk up the hill to pay respects to Our Lady of Trust and have a bite to eat at the hotel with a most gorgeous view.Evening: Visit Pachamamas vegetarian international restaurant on a Friday evening for cocktails and live music.Evening: Book your Saturday table at the popular Portuguese Taberna do Ferrador in P. Grande.Sunday Lunch: Try the cheap and cheerful Sabores Do Zêzere or authentic and tasty Minhoto Altardo in Graça.
Disclaimer - unsurprisingly there are flies and mosquitos....dogs bark, cats fight and the nights can get hot. Pedrinha will try her best to hold you in a calm way.
The home is a restored ruin of local stone and wood, thick walls help to keep it cool in the hotter months. It is cute, cosy and tastefully decorated with plenty of light. The neighbours are welcoming and loving if you offer respect and gratitude to this South European way of life.
Your host Adrianna is an ecologist, therapist, carer and gardener. With determination and commitment she lives her life putting mother nature first - she requests that clients are either of a similar disposition or at the least open to learning and adapting. For this reason the household is fed on solar hot water and caldeira (wood stove) heating, so although hot water is readily available in Spring and Summer months Adrianna urges guests to be mindful of water usage in general - the Iberian Peninsula is struggling as drought and fire change the natural landscape. Cosmetic products are also provided in the accomodation to reduce Portugal's tourist waste but also to reduce the impact on the local water system that leaves the house. Natural cosmetics provided in the suites for guests include Toothpaste, Shampoo, Conditioner, Soaps and Moisturisers. Portuguese herbs are provided for infusions and Adrianna has provided guest rooms with local fresh spring water to remove the need for filters or plastic.
Disclaimer - Pedrinha does not have ar-condicionado (air conditioning) & wifi is limited to 10am-10pm.
Cortiça (Cork) - is a large self contained bedroom with its own entrance, it accomodates a double bed for a couple, has an ensuite bathroom with shower facilties and it's own kitchenette with fridge, toaster and coffee/tea facilties. A small vegetarian food hamper is offered on arrival using local or organic ingredients with a bottle of Português vinho (wine) and some famous Ginja liquor. Cortiça rates at €70/night (dry season May-Oct), €50/night (wet season Nov-Apr) - there is a minimum charge of x2 nights. A third young visitor can be added at €10/pn.
Pedra (Stone) - is a small bedroom for 2 people as a non couple in twin beds and has an ensuite bathroom with shower facilties. This room forms part of Adrianna's main house. She will be discreet to ensure a peaceful stay for guests and requests clients do the same. There are no kitchen facilites in this room but Adrianna can provide herbal infusions or coffee if required. A bottle of Português vinho (wine) is offerred for free on arrival with Ginja liquor if desired. Pedra rates at €50/night (May-Oct), €40/night (Nov-Apr) - there is a minimum charge of x2 nights.
Reserve: adriannaclearwing@gmail.com
- A light hamper is provided with each booking including wine and a few breakfast foods to start you off. Tea and fresh coffee is provided in the room.
- Adrianna herself includes a daily tidying and replenishing service (between 10am-midday) to help guests feel cared for.
- She provides pre-booked therapies and massage treatments at €40 (www.corehealingtherapy.com).
- Midday (12:00pm) brunch can be prepared when pre-requested at €15/pp.
- Guests have acces to high spec adult bicycles. Enquire about them at the booking stage as a €100 per bike cash deposit is required to cover any technical damages.
- If needed a child can be added to the booking at a price of €10/pn as the sofa is a trundle bed. The room is not equipped for young children, nor are there any safety features for any children, nevertheless Adrianna welcomes a child of 6-12 years who is bringing sensible parents.....
Disclaimer - Any damage in the room must be taken responsibility for by the client. A donation for repairs or replacements is requested in the 'Gratitude Pot'. Thank you for respecting Adrianna's space and her source of income!
