Quite simply this is a beautiful vacation rental, the house was very clean, decorated in a lovely portugese way, comfortable and well appointed. Kitchen had pretty much everything you could need and more, bedrooms were all a good size, living area was massive and had big window doors that looked out over pool and towards the ocean. There isnt air conditioning but the house never felt too warm, even on the warmest days. at night you can open the windows and lower the storm shutters and it will let air in. Quite likely the nicest ive rented on airbnb. Ana was so helpful before my arrival, she helped me with her experienced suggestions for the many things we wanted to do, she responded very quickly before and during our stay. Loved the barbecue area out back and plenty of room to hang our laundry. The grounds are so pretty, with flowers and creeping ivy everywhere, well maintained by a gardener that comes by.
The area - its about a 10 minute walk to Prais das Macas beach, but we really liked Praia Grande beach. We loved exploring all the beaches and cliffs within a few miles of the house. The ocean is quite rough here and cold so swimming wasn't always possible but we still loved it. The evenings get cool here so bring sweaters. the weather wasnt always beach worthy but it didnt matter as theres so much to see and do. We toured sintra (get up early to go to palace of Pena and have a plan we learned hard way :), we went to cascais a few times, busy town but very pretty, rented a boat and jet skis down there. Also cascais is not at the high elevation like Colares so it was always sunny and bit warmer there. Knowing what i know now i would plan a beach day in cascais if weather cloudy in colares, as it was never like that there and also little waves in cascais. Gets very busy on the weekends in cascais, weekdays better there.
Loved this place, house is so peaceful and relaxing and the area is more beautiful than one can describe in words.
One last side note - ask Ana about private chef that can be booked to come in and cook a portugese meal for your group. Wow! Chef Sebastiao and his wife were delightful, they made a traditional meal of meats and cheeses, clams, fish and portugese dessert that was the bomb. They were somewhat flexible with a couple of picky eaters also. We got to enjoy it on the veranda at sunset. You wont regret this experience. He is a chef in lisbon, its something he does on the side when he can, so don't wait to book them.