My adult family and I enjoyed an extraordinary stay at this lovely home in the charming town of Praia das Maças. The home is large, and securely gated, in a very nice area of the small town and is ringed with a lovely garden. The swimming pool was a welcome treat, and although the weather wasn't super hot ( May is shoulder season ) it offered a refreshing break after all the hikes and long walks we enjoyed in the area. The house feels very much like a family home: spotlessly clean, decorated nicely with a very personal collection of interesting vintage posters, wonderful framed needlepoint scenes and many little fascinating curios to give the large space interest and a feeling of 'home'. We rented a car, which we felt was essential, and used it to explore the historic coastal towns, incredibly stunning beaches and the intriguing hills, castles and museums of nearby Sintra ( this area deserves much more than a quick day trip from Lisbon!! ) . We shopped everyday at the nearby vegetable and fish market ( what a selection! ), bought the freshest of Portuguese breads , easily fashioning lovely meals in the well-appointed kitchen. The home's host, Ana, is extraordinarily welcoming and friendly, available and ready to assist in any way she could. The house and it's location in the Sintra area is wonderful, but truthfully, Ana's warm hospitality added the magic touch!! All in all, we're so glad we did our homework and wisely chose this house: this is a holiday our family will hold close to our hearts and never forget...thank you, Ana..xo