Serra da Açor, Central Portugal

Introduction

I love my life in Central Portugal living in the Serra da Açor. I also love to travel and visit my children, grandchildren and friends in the UK. Having retired in 2017 I now have time to simply be and explore my creativity. I have two medium sized dogs Merry and Mopey. Merry came into my care after her previous owner’s Quinta (smallholding) burned in the wildfires 2017. Merry saved herself by getting in the river. I absolutely love her. She is very friendly. Mopey came to live with us after his Portuguese owner died, he was a stray for many years and then lived in a woodpile. I started feeding Mopey and once trust was built he came to live with us. Merry and Mopey look very similar and are very sweet with one another. I am looking for someone who will take very good care of these good natured dogs and enjoy everything my home and the area has to offer.

Home & location

My home is situated on the edge of the village Portela da Cerdeira, 10 mins drive from the small town of Coja and 25 mins from larger town, Arganil. The property is a small Quinta with a fully enclosed garden, edged by vines with an orchard, a large area for parking and outdoor seating area on a roof terrace with a great view. The farmhouse built in 1950, has been renovated and is double glazed. Upstairs there are three bedrooms with air conditioning and heating, a bathroom with walk in shower, a laundry room and a music room. Downstairs is the living area converted from the farm rooms and garages, with kitchen, bathroom, dining and lounge spaces with a log burner and large windows looking out onto the garden. Internet, TV, mains water and electricity, bottled gas and firewood make for a comfortable stay. There is a friendly cafe bar 5 mins walk from the house and numerous bars and restaurants in the picturesque towns of Coja and Arganil. The highest point of Portugal is just an hour away with a ski resort and spectacular views. Closer to home just 15 mins is Fraga da Pena a beautiful waterfall. In summer their are many festivals to enjoy and the river beaches are great for outdoor swimming. The house is 2 hours from Porto airport or 2.5 hours from Lisbon.

Responsibilities

Merry and Mopey have a large, well fenced garden to run around in and play. They are fed morning and evening. Merry and Mopey like lots of tickles, tummy rubs and Mopey really enjoys a good chat. They can be left at home while you go off to explore for a few hours a day. They will bark at dogs, goats and people passing by but will respond to ‘enough’ if they get a bit carried away. Merry is spayed, Mopey is in tact, they are both regularly treated for all preventable diseases and parasites. I am grateful for sitters keeping the house clean and tidy, watering my house plants and grass cutting and weeding as needed.