SOLD

Cottage in Vinho, Coimbra, Portugal

Mountain paradise in central Portugal

If you are looking to move to a self-sufficient lifestyle, or just want to get back to nature for some peace and quiet then this property is for you. Walk straight into a rural, ecologically sound lifestyle surrounded by mountains and nature but with all the modern conveniences. It is a delightful off-grid farm consisting of a renovated, tastefully decorated stone cottage with a hectare of terraces and gardens in the foothills of the Serra Acor mountains in central Portugal. It has its own solar and wind power supply, 5+ private water springs, its own sewage system and lots of fruit trees and vegetable patches. It also has room for outbuildings for an extended family or business.

SPECIAL LOCKDOWN OFFER:
Due to travel for viewings being difficult at the moment I am reducing the asking price to 85000 for buyers willing to pay a deposit and commit to buy without viewing in person, solely from photos and videos. Contact me if this is a possibility for you.

The House:
The 150 year old stone cottage has been recently renovated in a country style. It is a traditional one-up one-down Portuguese dwelling with 2-foot thick, rendered walls and measures approximately 5m x 5m on each of the two stories, with a total floor space of approx. 50m2. It is nestled into a south-facing hillside looking out across the valley onto beautiful rolling countryside. The house comes complete with furniture, electric appliances, art, hangings, rugs and lighting. It is powered by an expandable 3Kw solar/wind system, making it ideal for a holiday home, artist's studio, retirement cottage or self-sufficiency project. It has at least 5 water mines for year-round drinking water and irrigation, and is bordered on one side by a small mountain stream which traverses a number of natural waterfalls.

Upstairs is a large bedroom with leather sofa, chair, double bed, writing desk, sound system and storage units in pine and chestnut. Original art and hangings adorn the walls and pine floorboards peep out through the oriental rugs. Balinese lighting gives a cozy glow. Double patio doors lead onto a beautiful rustic wooden veranda that looks out over the valley.

Downstairs is a modern fitted kitchen, a large wood-burning stove, a sofa and dining table and chairs. A fridge-freezer and microwave sit in the corner and the washing machine is tucked under the stairs. Spots complement the conventional lighting, and more art and hangings complete the decor. An interior door leads to the shower room / W.C. which is fully tiled and serviced by an electric immersion heater.

The property is double-glazed with an insulated roof, and is plumbed into one of the year-round water springs. The water has been tested and certified for human consumption. It is sweet and delicious.

The inverter supplies 4Kw to the house and is supplied by 2.2Kw of solar panels and a 1kw wind turbine going into 4 large gel batteries totalling 800Ah of storage. This is enough to supply power through the greyest of winters, although more panels, batteries and even hydro-power from the stream can easily be added.

Outside there is a slate stone patio with an outside tap and a seating area. Next to this are stone stairs leading up to the driveway. Adjacent to the house is a small shed for the solar equipment and tools, and this leads onto the large garden terrace/orchard.

The Land:
The land is very fertile, having rich, deep loamy soil which has never been intensively farmed or sprayed with chemicals. It comprises approximately 1 hectare of irrigated farmable terraces interspersed with natural areas.

The upper area east of the house has 3 large vegetable terraces bordered by apricot, persimmon, pear trees and a banana, plus a tropical fruit terrace with about fifteen trees. All these are naturally irrigated and need little maintenance.

A further terrace is given over to wildlife, and another is used to grow grass for mulching and soil improvement.

The area to the west of the house has a large, newly planted plateau of citrus trees with a few loquat and pomegranates amongst many mature olives. Lower down on another terrace are more olives with a dozen newly-planted almond trees plus exotics such as guavas and lychee.

The garden orchard closer to the house has pear, peach and plum trees with a few more olives. The areas inbetween the trees constitute another vegetable patch, and are currently given over to turnips, potatoes and asparagus.

The lower terraces are planted with about 60 early and late season chestnuts plus some plums and sugar-cane along with a few walnuts. The access road has been planted with more than 20 olives. You will never have to shop for fruit again!

Down towards where the land meets the road there is an almost sunken, secluded corner-garden which is naturally separated from the rest of the property, and the stream runs through the middle of this, creating a micro-climate. It has terraces either side which have native trees and it has been planted with additional chestnuts to create shade, although most of it could be used for vegetable planting if required. There are a few spots in the corner garden deal for tables, seating and a barbecue, or perhaps outbuildings.

Throughout the whole property native oaks and other wild trees are scattered, giving shade and variation. Gardeners will love the creative opportunities the land offers them. With the use of battery-powered tools in conjunction with the solar panels, the land can be maintained cost-free.

Bills:
This romantic yet practical smallholding is fully off-grid, with electricity being generated on-site, sewage going to a sink-away septic tank and with enough land to grow your own vegetables. Drinking water is provided by one of the many natural springs which has been plumbed into the house. In winter heat and cooking is provided by the wood-burning stove. Due to all these benefits there are no utility bills to pay.

The only outgoing is a small yearly property tax (about 30 euros) which new buyers are exempt from for 7 years, and which does not apply to those on lower incomes.

Business potential:
There is potential to earn income from this property in a number of ways if desired. The spring water could be bottled and sold - the land generates approximately 6 million litres of top-quality spring water per year. Any bottling process could be powered by the existing power system, which could be upgraded if needed. Also, there are three or four well-spaced plots where cabins or yurts could be placed on the land to make it into an eco-retreat, glamping destination or live-in recording studio etc.

Location:
The area is quiet and secluded, being situated 7 kilometers from the bustling, cobbled market-town of Coja with its cafes, bank, shops, restaurants, school and medical centre, thus providing for both privacy and local amenities. The nearest grocery store is about 3 kilometers away. The entire area is one of outstanding natural beauty, being mountainous and forested with numerous little villages dotted upon the hillsides. There are many tracks winding their way throughout the region, and these can be accessed by car, bike or foot from the property. It's a great holiday destination, and an even better place to live.

The cottage is approached via a 2km forest track which can get muddy in wet weather and has a couple of steep gradients, so it is advised that buyers contemplate a 4x4 or 100cc+ bike/scooter if they are interested. A private track goes right up to the front door, and the lower terrace opens onto the public track. There is hardly any passing traffic on the public track, a couple of farmers per day at most.

The property has all the necessary documentation and is up-to-date with property taxes.