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Property |
Location |
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Mongolian Yurt |
Arganil, Central Portugal, Portugal |
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One-off feature |
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This romantic Mongolian yurt is nestled in the mountains of central Portugal. It is set in a smallholding of terraced land, which is managed organically. Whether you are looking for a lazy rural retreat, or an active holiday in the hills, there is no better way to get back to nature. |
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Property Info |
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Accommodation Type:
| Yurt |
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Property Setting:
| Mountainous / Riverside / Romantic / Rural / Village setting |
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Holiday Type:
| Relaxing / Family / Sports & activity / Culture |
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Bedrooms:
| 2 |
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Guests:
| 6 |
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Catering:
| Meals Available |
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General Info |
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A yurt is a large circular tent on a wooden frame, originally used by Mongolian nomads. This one is a spacious 5 metres in diameter. The yurt is fully furnished and self contained. Olives, vines and fruit trees surround the yurt; the owners’ own spring provides the water and energy is solar powered. A substantial continental breakfast is included, using local produce wherever possible. It is served next to your yurt under a chestnut tree. The owners live just a few minutes walk away if you need them for anything. They have lived in Portugal since 2001 and enjoy their hectare of terraced land with their two children, Theo and Ella, as well as the chickens, the dog and the cat. |
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Details on the area surrounding the property/accommodation |
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The nearest village is ten minutes walk away, and has a café and a very small shop. The two closest towns, Arganil and Gois, are a twenty-minute drive away, and each has a supermarket, a weekly market and several cafés and restaurants. There are several natural river beaches close by, perfect for swimming and relaxing. You can walk into the hills, or drive a short way to access fine mountain walks, abandoned hill villages, country restaurants, lakes and reservoirs. The owners can put you in touch with local operators offering horse-riding, mountain-biking, water sports and other activities. Alternatively there are many cultural and historic destinations within a one hour drive, from Roman ruins to medieval castles. |
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Getting there & away/local amenities |
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Getting There:
| The closest airport is Porto, two and a half hours’ drive from here. There is train station in Coimbra about one hour from here which we can pick you up from. |
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Nearest airports:
| Porto 170km |
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Nearest train station:
| Serpins 25km |
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Nearest bus stop:
| Pracerias |
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Car Hire:
| Advised |
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Nearest restaurant:
| 20 minutes away |
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Nearest beach:
| One and half hours drive away |
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Nearest shop:
| 20 mins drive |
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Nearest market:
| 20 mins drive |
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More Info |
Owner Info |
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Name |
Hannah McDonnell |
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Contact Phone No. |
00351235208562 |
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Accommodation details |
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Activities Nearby |
Birdwatching / Canoeing / Cycling / Fishing / Horse Riding / Therapies / Walking / Watersports
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Interior Facilities |
Cot / Linen provided
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Interior Details |
The yurt sleeps two – there’s a double bed – children’s beds can also be arranged within the yurt or hire our spacious bell tent for older children.
There’s plenty of space to hang your clothes, rugs on the floor and a chaise longue for relaxing.
A welcoming bottle of wine is on chill for you on your arrival and a selection of cooled drinks are always available in the yurt. Derek mixes a fantastic Caiparinha (a delicious Brazilian rum cocktail)!
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Exterior Facilities |
Garden / Garden Furniture / Parking / Terrace
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Exterior Details |
Outside the yurt is your own private bathroom, with hot shower, sink, and ecological loo. The yurt has reading lights and a power point sufficient for a laptop. The yurt stands on a wooden platform beside a chestnut tree, providing all-day shade (hammocks and loungers provided).
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Further Details |
After a number of happy couples spent their honeymoon with us, we started to understand better what a green honeymoon couple are looking for. All couples needs are different and we aim to create the trip you want. Just let us know what is important to you. For those who really want to sit back, the full package includes breakfasts, suppers (three courses with wine) and packed lunches for one week. Also champagne on arrival, welcome pack and romantic extras. Alternatively you can go for the half package with breakfast and suppers included (but no lunches).
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Conditions of Rental |
Bell tent hire £50 per week Children under 3: free. Children aged 3-12: extra £10 each. Yurt available April to September. A non refundable deposit of 50% of the price is payable upon confirmation of booking when an invoice/receipt will be issued. The remainder is payable 28 days before the start of the holiday.
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Other Information |
Child Friendly / Cook available / Short breaks available
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What visitors have said about Mongolian Yurt |
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What a wonderful place you have here!
Dustin has really njoyed his birthday here it was everything we had expected
and so nice to stay in the mountains, the stars are amazing this certainly won't
be our last stay in Portugal. We love the yurt and can´t wait to see if you expand
so our friends can join us too.
Ali and Dusti Williams
2.8.09
Ali and Dusti Williams,
Yurt Holiday Portugal,
Aug 2009 
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It is our final morning of our stay in our fairie dell.
Reluctantly we have to say farewell to our delightful hosts.
Two very short days and nights, but we feel rested and energised
to continue our journey through France, Spain and Portugal.
We have visited some places but I have a feeling that when we get back to Blighty
to share with our friends this gorgeous spot will be at the top of our list.
In the immortal words of Arnold Sworzenegger
"we will be back"
Malcolm and Yvonne Oldham
June 2009
Malcolm and Yvonne Oldham,
Yurt Holiday Portugal,
Jun 2009
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While surfing on the internet
Looking for somewhere new to jet
We came upon a lovely yurt
A differant hol that was cert
We end our week now in this tranquil place
Respite from our usual rat race
After discovering many valleys and hills
Unspoilt landscapes and old olive mills
Friendly locals, clear flowing rivers
Nature that often gives you the shivers
So if P and Q is your main desire
the yurt has everything you will require
Hannah and Derek; as hosts the best
they can't do enough for their paying guest
Theo, Ella, Mercy and Balu,
complete the family that welcome you.
So if you're looking for a hol like this
and would like to experience some of the bliss
Look no further than this yurt for two
and don't be put off by the compost loo!
Jane and Pete
May 2009
Jane and Pete,
Yurt Holiday Portugal,
May 2009
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This is the perfect place to get away from it all- waking up to the sound of the babbling brook and the breeze through
the trees is the perfect antedote to city living...who knew that getting back to nature could be so decadent.
Jo and Guy 7.06.09
Jo and Guy,
Yurt Holiday Portugal,
Jun 2009
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When we arrived two weeks ago we felt we landed in a fairytale, such a great place. A wonderful yurt and thousands of fireflies wow what a show they gave....
You've been really inspiring to us starting your life here in Portugal and building your house and business here in portugal. Great to hear! And the cooking mmmm maybe you should design your own cook book!
Roxane, Cees and Laura
4.7.09
Roxane, Cees and Laura,
Yurt Holiday Portugal,
Jul 2009
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Honeymoon
Thankyou for a wonderful second week of our honeymoon. What a beautiful little nest in valley. We have felt so well looked after with delicious food,
recommendations for stunning cool swimming holes, help with arranging riding and surfing and a very warm welcome. It has been a delight.
Alex and Charlotte
15.8.09
Alex and Charlotte,
Yurt Holiday Portugal,
Aug 2009
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Honeymoon
What a fantastic honeymoon you gave us! A welcome card and bottle of sparkling wine to begin and the yurt!
The yurt is certainly the most decandent and comfortableaccomodation we have stayed in; so relaxing and peaceful.
The countryside around about is beautiful and although we did little walking ourselves we can vouch for the great swimming holes
and spectacular scenery. All of this was brilliant.
What made our stay so relaxing however was your wonderful hospitality and the fantastic food and drink...
Should anyone be asking us to recomend a destination for a romantic idyl for their honeymoon we will be recomending
the yurt.
Love and best wishes
Raymond and Janet
4.10.09
Raymond and Janet,
Yurt Holiday Portugal,
Oct 2009
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We really enjoyed the adventures of eco-living as you have managed to blend in perfectly
with the untouched nature here.
We loved your lemon tree and vegetable garden and the Yoga session "a la nature"
Peaceful, picturesque and enlightening experience.
Muna and Tareq
20.9.09
Muna and Tareq,
Yurt Holiday Portugal,
Sep 2009
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I´m not sure either of us knew what to expect on arrival, just getting here seemed remarkable
considering the tiny road here. It has been an amazing week-our expectations have been blown away-
the food has been astonishing- the prunes and pork loin and chicken tagine as well as the cakes have been
spanking. I think we both thought it wold be a week of healthy eating but I am very glad it has not been!
Thanks for making our holiday so good it has been nigh on perfect.
Simon and Maddy
19.07.09
Simon and Maddy,
Yurt Holiday Portugal,
Jul 2009
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Honeymooners Dan and Hannah August 2008
When Dan first suggested honeymooning in a yurt I was somewhat skeptical. However, during our journey here and upon arrival my reservations were blown away. The yurt and its surroundings are incredibly beautiful and the perfect place to recuperate after a stressful year of planning a wedding! Add to this the best hosts one could wish for, some delicious food and a compost loo(!) and this week was perfect.
Dan and Hannah,
Yurt Holiday Portugal,
Jan 2008
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Not since I first clapped eyes on Dr Who's tardis have I stepped into such a magical and wonderous world as this yurt. And whilst, unlike the tardis, the yurt is unable to move through time and space, who would rather be anywhere else than this pine scented Portuguese paradise.....All of you have served us well and when your time comes to leave this paradise, God will invite you into his, but you will wonder, will you not , whether the version you tested on earth was not indeed better.
Mike August 2008
Mike,
Yurt Holiday Portugal,
Jan 1900
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We have had a fantastic time and have fallen in love with the countryside and surroundings. We loved swimming in the rivers, doing our yoga facing the sun and attempting a few walks in the hills. One thing is for sure we will be back!
Polly,
Yurt Holiday Portugal,
Sep 2009
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This really is a wonderfully relaxing and beautiful spot...The bird song, the running water near by, the tranquility and of course the yurt. I shall miss the stars. Thank you so much for making us so at home and comfortable.
Dan and Emma,
Yurt Holiday Portugal,
May 2009
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I can't imagine a more romantic place to stay. I went to sleep looking up at the stars above me. And when I say stars I mean stars. This little valley is enchanted - with running streams - kitchen garden - and chestnut tree - I felt like I was in a fairy tale. There can't be many places in Europe as undisturbed by commercialization as this corner of Portugal. A real treasure. The perfect place to come for a holiday that is both environmentally sound and classy!
Coll,
Yurt,
Sep 2007
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Having spent a party filled weekend in Porto it was a total contrast to drive into the hills and the stunning scenery of central Portugal. Hannah and Derek have created a special retreat in the most beautiful setting. It really is in the middle of nowhere but they have provided everything one could wish for and went out of their way to ensure my stay in the yurt was extremely comfortable. After a hot shower the goose-down duvet and sumptious bed were a joy after a long day exploring. The yurt is a fantastic base from which to walk off into the hills or find remote villages and beautiful swimming spots where fish are your only company. Breakfasts were a banquet including pancakes, boiled eggs, toast and delicious fresh coffee which set me up for the day. Thank you Hannah and Derek (and your lovely children!) for such a fantastic experience
Sophie,
Yurt,
Jul 2007
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I have travelled in many parts of the world, and frequently slept in tents, sometimes in very extreme conditions, so when I came to Derek and Hannah's yurt I had thought I would find myself once again confronting the rigours of the simple life. How wrong I was! Instead of hard earth I found myself walking on a beautiful wooden floor covered in Moroccan rugs, instead of a sleeping bag a delightful brass bed awaited, with welcoming fresh sheets and soft pillows. There were lights to read by and books to read, chests of drawers and tables, water and all mod cons, as well as the sheer delights of feeling that the yurt is so much part of the natural environment. You lie in bed, smelling the scent of herbs and fruit and the trees, the splash of water in the little brook acts as a lullaby, and you can see the sky through the light above you. I could wish for no other lodging, anywhere.
Hector,
Yurt,
May 2007
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