Cass Amarela is a lovely house. It can easily sleep 4-5 couples while the loft space is paradise for children (when we stayed all 5 children slept up there but it could easily have handled another 2-3). Our host, Paulo, was very responsive with all our queries and super flexible with our requests. We also had a baby in the group so the onsite provision of beds (I counted three cots) and high chairs was much appreciated.
The best feature of the house is the outdoor space. When the sun shines, the backdrop of the yellow house, against a blue sky and enormous trees is beautiful. It really lends itself to BBQs and socialising while the pool and the table tennis meant all ages and tastes were catered for.
Paulo did everything to ensure our arrival was smooth and comfortable, arranging groceries in advance and organising a local cook to prepare a meal for the first night - a godsend when no one had energy to cook. The cleaner changed bath towels midweek (great) but we definitely would have taken pool towels had we known these were not included for guests.
The house is well situated in terms of proximity to Sintra, Lisbon and a number of beaches though it appeared to sit within a peculiar micro climate which meant that half of the time we were there was beset with cloud and wind while a short drive up the road would be the complete opposite. Not sure if this was typical of the area, the time of year (end of Aug) or just bad luck. But there is enough to do and see in the area for this not to be a major issue.
We would definitely consider Casa Amarela again if we return to the area and would highly recommend to groups of 3 or more families.