2 Rural Apartments near Valencia de Alcantara on the Spain / Portugal Border in Extemadura, Spain
- Mountainous
- Village / Rural
- Baby Equipment
- Internet Access
- Log Fire
- Cycling
- Fishing
- Horse Riding
- Walking
Casa Salto del Caballo sits directly in the Spanish/ Portuguese border, with stunning views, nature and fantastic hiking opportunities. The house dates back to the 19th century and was a former smugglers headquarters. The front entrance is in Spain; the back door opens onto Portugal! The property has been split into two self catering apartments, each of which can sleep up to five people. There is a shared pool, garden and terraces. There is also a small cafe on site, which opens to the public in the evenings, predominantly during the summer. Click here to read the wonderful review in the Guardian from 2021.
Casa Salto del Caballo, situated in the small village of La Fontañera, a few kilometres from Valencia de Alcantara. It is the last house in Spain as it is right on the border with Portugal. The front entrance is in Spain, and if you walk out of the back doors, you're walking into the magnificent Sao Mamede National Park in Portugal. The house has stunning views both to the national park and to Marvao castle in the Alto Alentejo. The building dates back to the late 19th century and its strategic position means it was heavily connected to the smuggling trade. Up until 1992, when the borders opened, mainly coffee and leather boots, but also bread, garlic or whatever else was wanted on the other side was smuggled. As the front entrance is in Spain and the backdoor opens onto Portugal, it was a “casa de la duda” – a house in no-man’s land. Ultimately the Spanish ended the confusion by officially incorporating the entire property into Spain.
Discover Portugal’s unknown Extremadura! Locally, there are three UNESCO world heritage sites to visit: Evora in Portugal and historic towns of Caceres and Merida in Spain. Sign-posted walks from the doorstep, lovely romantic villages, bird-watching or just pure relaxation! You look out onto stunning views towards Marvao Castle and surrounding rolling hills, cork oaks and olive groves, stone walls and old chestnut trees, in between huge granite bolders and gentle paths. Hearing tinkling goat-bells and the gentle babbling of a stream and simply nothing else. The owners of the house have a donkey and are very happy to arrange donkey trekking - particularly useful for the children's tired legs if you are out walking!
Getting There:
Directions provided on booking.
Nearest Airport:
Lisbon (2.5 hours drive)
Nearest Train Station:
Valencia de Alcantara (Spain)
Nearest Shop:
Valencia de Alcantara (Spain) or Castelo de Vide (Portugal)
Nearest Restaurant:
Valencia de Alcantara (Spain) or Castelo de Vide (Portugal)
Interior Details
This casa rural is made up of two apartments, each of which sleeps up to five people in two bedrooms. From the back patio, an external staircase takes you up one floor to the entrance of apartment “España”. This is a self-catering apartment with two double bedrooms with French balconies, two bathrooms, a large kitchen with dining area and living room with a wood burner. The kitchen is fully-equipped with a ceramic hob, oven, kettle, toaster, fridge with freezer and a washing machine. Air conditioning and a small TV are located in the lounge. Additionally, a single bed can be set up in one of the bedrooms, so that the apartment can accommodate up to five guests comfortably. There are several seating areas on the patio for relaxing or dining. Apartment “Portugal” is located in a second building on the premises and spans over two floors. The upstairs is home to a large double bedroom and a large bathroom, complete with washing machine. The downstairs is comprised of a second bedroom with a double and a single bed, en suite bathroom, kitchen and a small living/dining area. The kitchen is fully-equipped with a ceramic hob, oven, kettle, toaster and a small fridge with freezer. A wood burner and a small TV are located in the lounge; the air conditioning unit is upstairs. The apartment can accommodate up to five guests comfortably, and due to its layout, is ideal for a family with children. An outdoor dining table is located on the patio in front of the apartment. Free Wi-Fi is available on the premises.
Exterior Details
The patio is formed by the two main buildings, the pool and several shady or sunny sitting areas. There are sun loungers around the pool and a barbecue (only in spring and autumn) is available.
Conditions of Rental
The casa rural is family-run, family-friendly and open year-round. Since we already have numerous rescued cats, pets cannot be accommodated.