Introduction

Casas da Cerca/Country Cottages are a Tourism in a rural environment that evolved from the reconstruction of ancient buildings which because of their own specificities, either on the way they are constructed, with natural materials, either because of the place where they are located, deserved to be reconstructed and adapted to the modern times for every body’s enjoyment.

The Houses exist for approximately sixty years, in the property of Herdade de S. Nuno, by the River Mira, in the “Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park”, in one of its most protected areas making part of a rural and natural environmental of excellence.

Casas da Cerca/Country Cottages are constituted by three Houses, Casa da Adega, Casa do Tanque and Casa do Pomar.

Are located in a confined and paradisiacal spot of the property, and are surrounded by nature where one can find among other, the arbutus tree, the cork tree (the typical tree of the Alentejo), the olive tree, etc. in the best panoplies of habitats that nature can give you.

In this place where silence speaks at the sounds of the birds, is still possible sometimes hear the fox and sense the wild boar. From the Houses to the River Mira it’s no more than a step (15 to 20 minutes by foot), in a unique walk overflowed with beauty. At the river one can be delighted with a bathe in salty waters.

Note: The river even usually safe and with a week current, should be used in a responsible way. The children should always be accompanied by adults who know how to swim.

My name is Graça Jalles, I'm Portuguese and in 1998 returning home after a long period living abroad, in Macau, south of China, I've chosen to live in the Alentejo (South of Portugal). I’ve always loved the country side and particularly this part of Portugal. Here I run a Rural Tourism, Casas da Cerca, which evolved from the reconstruction of ruins that existed in the property.

Being myself an Architect it was also a challenge and an opportunity to be able to do the reconstruction projects myself, especially because I’ve chosen to do it in the traditional way of building in this part of the world, the earth construction.

I’m very fond of music too having travelled around Asia in a Portuguese Folk Group.

Last, but not least, I love to meet people that really share my love for nature and the Tourism have given me that chance which I’m very grateful.