Rio Zêzere
Lovely, when it's lovely!
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🌿 Holiday accommodations in Central Portugal – nature, community & a touch of adventure
In the green heart of Portugal, where the oft-sung Rio Zêzere flows leisurely towards the Atlantic, lies our property near Pedrógão Grande – with spectacular views over the Cabril reservoir. Here, the world is still quiet, the landscape almost untouched, and the neighbors? Friendly, few and far between, and as relaxed as life itself.
🏡 Living between a mud house and a vintage camper with a fabulous view of the beautiful, vast lake.
Our neighborhood in Pesos Fundeiros is still under construction – but that's precisely what makes it so charming. Here you'll find: an old farmhouse steeped in history, lovingly and alternatively built mud houses, spacious caravans with vintage charm, pitches for RVs, and the company of people who probably share a similar mindset – otherwise, they wouldn't feel at home here.
There's also a shared bathroom, an open "living room" oasis without walls overlooking the lake, which will be transformed into a permanent summer kitchen in 2026, small private cooking areas with a refrigerator, and a shared kitchen with a gas stove, a wood-fired cooker with an oven, and a large terrace with a water lily pond and pizza oven. There's also the legendary giant frying pan next to the "living room without walls" for communal cooking.
🌱 Nature, Permaculture & Serenity
Step by step, a permaculture project is being developed here. The property has a deep well with excellent water quality and three other old wells that also carry water, as well as a spring. The old terraces on the mountainside are being expanded, new places to linger are being created, and in between, nature grows almost as fast as ideas. Those who come here understand: beauty has its price, even if the standard remains deliberately simple.
🐗 For those who truly love nature
We welcome guests who don't panic when a spider rappels down or flee when a family of wild boars strolls through the valley. Instead of consumer expectations, what counts here is a wink, respect, and the joy of simplicity.
🚗 Location: secluded, but not out of this world
The clear waters of the Cabril reservoir are a 5-7-minute drive (depending on your sense of adventure on the gravel road 😉) or a 15-minute walk away. Bathing, swimming, and fishing – all permitted and stunningly beautiful. The Atlantic coast can be reached in about an hour. The beaches there are wonderfully deserted and free from the tourist crowds.
A five-minute drive away are shops in Pedrogao Grande, a regular farmers' market, and also small restaurants serving Portuguese cuisine, and one, popular with Germans, with excellent vegetarian cuisine.
The airports in Porto and Lisbon are roughly the same distance away (about a two-hour drive). For those arriving without a car, a pick-up service can be arranged for approximately €70 (one way), and you can easily call a taxi for around €5 for shopping or a stroll to the town of Pedrogao Grande, 5 km away. We have handcarts on site for transporting everything to the lake, including rental dinghies.
Currently, we can comfortably accommodate six couples, with additional beds per accommodation for a maximum of twelve people (including children).
We are also happy to offer breakfast or group dinners at flat rates!
For those interested, we offer courses in building mud houses in exchange for work hours.
We are happy to arrange everything!
✨ Whether for a few days' break in Portugal, a longer immersion in nature and community, or perhaps even to be inspired as a future neighbor: This is the right place for you if you are looking for peace, space, and like-minded people – and have the courage to embrace a taste of real life.
For all those who, like us, fall in love with this little piece of earth and would like to come back or stay, we are happy to talk. We have plenty of space and are still looking for good neighbors – whether as renters, leaseholders, or simply as supporters in the context of work and travel – just contact us!
🏡 Stay between an Earth House and a Vintage Camper – with stunning views over a magnificent lake
Our place in Pesos Fundeiros is still a work in progress – and that's exactly where its charm lies. You'll find: A historic old farmhouse, lovingly built earth houses with an alternative twist, spacious vintage-style trailers, camper van spots, and people who probably share a similar mindset – otherwise, they wouldn't feel at home here either.
There’s a shared bathroom, an open-air “living room” with a view of the lake (which will become a fully equipped summer kitchen by 2026), small private kitchenettes with fridges, and a communal kitchen with a gas stove, a wood-fired range with oven, plus a large terrace with a lily pond and a pizza oven. Next to the open-air living room you’ll also find our legendary giant pan for shared cooking fun.
🌱 Nature, Permaculture & Simplicity
Step by step, a permaculture project is taking root here. The land has a deep well with excellent water quality, three additional old wells still in use, and a natural spring. We’re restoring the old hillside terraces, creating new spots to relax, and in between it all, nature is growing as fast as the ideas that feed it. You’ll soon realize: beauty comes at a price – even if we intentionally keep things simple.
🐗 For those who really love nature
We welcome guests who don’t panic when a spider descends from the ceiling or flees at the sight of a wild boar family strolling through the valley. Rather than consumer expectations, we value a good sense of humor, mutual respect, and joy in the simple life.
🚗 Location: remote, but not off the map
You can reach the crystal-clear waters of the Cabril Reservoir in just 5–7 minutes by car (depending on your sense of adventure on the gravel road 😉) or about 15 minutes on foot. Swimming, bathing, fishing – all allowed, and simply breathtaking.
The Atlantic coast is about an hour away – with blissfully empty beaches far from the tourist crowds.
A 5-minute drive brings you to Pedrógão Grande with shops, a regular farmer’s market, small local restaurants, and even a German-run vegetarian place with excellent food.
Airports in Porto and Lisbon are about equidistant – roughly a 2-hour drive. If you’re arriving without a car, we can arrange an airport pickup for around €70 (one way), and local taxis to Pedrógão Grande (5 km away) are just about €5. On-site we provide handcarts so you can transport everything to the lake – even inflatable boats available to rent.
At the moment, we can comfortably host six couples, with space for up to twelve guests in total (including children).
We’re happy to offer breakfast or group dinners at flat rates upon request!
For those interested, we also offer hands-on earth house building workshops in exchange for work hours.
✨ Whether you're looking for a short getaway in Portugal, a deeper dive into nature and community, or maybe even inspiration for becoming a future neighbor – this is the right place if you're seeking peace, space, and like-minded people – and have the courage to embrace a slice of real life.
And for those who, like us, fall in love with this little piece of Earth and want to return or even stay longer – we’re open to conversations. We have plenty of space and are always looking for great neighbors – whether as renters, tenants, or supporters within a Work & Travel context. Just reach out – we’d love to hear from you!
Subsequently, the accommodation could request a deposit. Here you can have a look at its payment and cancellation terms.
Make your travel greener by booking with Ecobnb.
No prepayment needed
- Your contact request is sent to the host for availability and price
- You will receive an answer from the host with availability and price, you can also ask for more information
- You can confirm the booking or cancel the request
Payment and Cancellation Terms
Payment: Receipt of the 50% deposit via bank transfer constitutes a reservation for the period previously agreed upon via email and confirmed by us. At the same time, all services on our part are provided during this period, including airport pickup, shopping or guided tours, as well as any other agreed-upon extras. The remaining balance, plus a €250 security deposit, is due directly to the landlord upon arrival. Cancellations are free of charge up to 14 days before check-in. After that, standard compensation conditions apply.
Ecosustainability
- Supporting the local economy
- Promoting "eco" activities
Service
- Kitchenette
- Electric Vehicles Charging
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Make your travel greener by booking with Ecobnb.
No prepayment needed
What happens after contact?
- Your contact request is sent to the host for availability and price
- You will receive an answer from the host with availability and price, you can also ask for more information
- You can confirm the booking or cancel the request
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