Manor House in Portugal - Casa dos Vargos

Casa dos Vargos is an eighteenth century manor house in Ribatejo, Portugal. It's private chapel and clock tower is listed as one of the most notable historic buildings in the Torres Novas area. Situated in the centre of Vargos, a delightful hamlet in Portugal , this manor house has provided accommodation for the workers of the substantial Vargos estate in ages gone by. The owner, Pilar Tamagnini, has restored much of this delightful building and her good work continues.

On passing through the entrance gate, one is immediately struck by its beauty and tranquillity.

The more recent buildings are nineteenth century and are subtly finished in soft terracotta limestone wash. The main part of the Portuguese manor house is reached by an elegant staircase leading to a columned balcony with French style windows where guests can relax and enjoy the view.

Amongst the many features are the original "azulejo" tiles and wood panelled ceilings and floors.

Completed in 1726, with "azulejos" specially designed by the acclaimed Valentim de Almeida, renowned for the azulejos within the upper cloister of the cathedral at Porto, the family chapel is an exquisite example of the baroque style. Its charm is completed by the altar and tabernacle, both of which are rich in aged gold leaf gilding.

Accommodation

Guests have access to a comfortable sitting room with easy chairs and facilities are also available so they may enjoy a late night beverage.

A small private library with books and artifacts relating to the house is available to guests at the owner's discretion.

There are three twin bedded rooms and one double bedded room, named, Madressilva, Rosa, Pervinca and Giesta, wild flowers of the region. All with ensuite bathroom and central heating. The bedrooms overlook the courtyard.

Private parking is available.

Location

Casa dos Vargos is conveniently situated between the historic town of Tomar (15km) and the market town of Torres Novas (9km).

Tomar offers the visitor a variety of shopping in a myriad of attractive cobbled and flower-lined streets where everything from antiques to market bargains are available. Overlooking the picturesque town is the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Convento de Cristo. Established in 1162 as the headquarters of Knights Templar, its sixteen-sided chapel is based on the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. There are several beautiful cloisters and the chapter house with its famous "Manuelin" window (16th century).

Torres Novas is best known for its eleventh crenelated hilltop castle, enclosed in flower-filled gardens. This is also a good place for sports - the municipal swimming pool and tennis courts, visit the beautiful new "roses garden" along the river and to dine in its quiet but friendly restaurants.

The Roman Ruins of Villa Cardílio (2km) dated from the 14th century A.D. still preserve wonderful coloured mosaics.

Casa dos Vargos is situated on the edge of the reserve of the Serra de Aire and Candeeiros Natural Park. This protected area has some wonderful deep underground rivers, lakes and caves which are open to the public - Mira de Aire.
On the western flanks of the Serra de Aire lies Fátima, an important Roman Catholic pilgrimage site where in 1917, the Virgin Mary was reputed to have made her first appearance to their children. In the late 1920s, a neoclassical basilica, dedicated to the Virgin, was built on the site of one of the apparitions. On the way to Fátima, 6/7 Km far, are the Dinosaur's Fossilised Footprints, from the Middle Jurassic period, dated about 175 million years.

Golegã (18km) is known by its International Fair and Exhibition of the Lusitano Horse, in November.

You can also visit the Paul and Boquilobo's Natural Reserve; a sanctuary for wild animals (horses, otters) and endemic birds, colonies of herons, ducks (birdwatching) and aquatic-flowers.

Castelo de Bode Dam (20km) where water sports facilities are available, including tour by boat and some restaurants and esplanades overlooking the dam.

In the surroundings also the Almourol Templar Castle (12th century) build in the middle of the Tagus River and the walled town of Ourém and its castle.
Casa dos Vargos is conveniently situated between the historic town of Tomar (15km) and the market town of Torres Novas (9km).

Tomar offers the visitor a variety of shopping in a myriad of attractive cobbled and flower-lined streets where everything from antiques to market bargains are available. Overlooking the picturesque town is the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Convento de Cristo. Established in 1162 as the headquarters of the Knights Templar, its sixteen-sided chapel is based on the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. There are several beautiful cloisters and the chapter house with its famous "Manuelin" window (16th century).

Torres Novas is best known for its eleventh crenellated hill-top castle, enclosed in flower-filled gardens. This is also a good place for sports - the municipal swimming pool and tennis courts, visit the beautiful new "roses garden" along the river and to dine in its quiet but friendly restaurants.
The Roman Ruins of Villa Cardílio (2km) dated from the 14th century A.D. still preserve wonderful coloured mosaics.

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