Carole's place was the perfect launching off point for seeing Sintra. We were able to hike a back path up to the Moorish Castle and then on to Pena Palace (no having to deal with driving/parking) and Carole also recommended the Quintara castle which may have been our favorite part of our entire 6 days in Portugal.
Driving down the narrow streets was a challenge, as you're getting close just make sure tom give Carole a call and she'll talk you through the directions. We had great souvenir shopping, take out and eat-in restaurants around the neighborhood too.