Farm Holidays | Eco Holiday Cottage & Horses

Sally`s Bio

Fascinated from childhood with the natural world and animals I was lucky enough to grow up in several countries, USA, Hong Kong and the UK. Experiencing many different landscapes, people and cultures.

Life takes us on many twists and turns and I have happily found myself here in Portugal. I found this wonderful setting – Portugal by Horse – through a friend, whilst filming and producing a documentary about horses. Fate had it’s way and here I am. This venue provides such beauty and tranquility along with enchanting accommodation, plus it is a haven for native birds and wildlife. It is a privilege to be part of it and share it with likeminded people who wish to stay here.

“Whatever it is that pulls the pin, that hurls you past your own boundaries, for a brief moment of total beauty, it is enough”. Jeanette Winterson

For more info about Sally visit: www.lovewithbeing.com

Farm Holidays Portugal by Horse

Holiday farm-Quinta da Alegria

The best of Farm Holidays are the little things, the simple pleasures that always remain linked to our memories. The things we share with our friends and family. When we discover some of these things for the first time, we are taken to another dimension of our life… the dimension of pure joy.

The Joy of finding eggs and enjoying them for breakfast, picking fruit from the trees, being surprised by the animals running around the farm and helping to feed them. Watch the horses run across the field when you look out the window.

Farm stays bring you the Joy of pushing your children in a wheelbarrow and having a picnic in the shade at a hidden place in the valley. Meet Laurinda, the lady with the goats, on her way.

The joy of feeling the sweet summer breeze on your skin. Watching the sunset with all it´s colors and see millions of stars for the first time in your life by the campfire, while listening to all the mysterious sounds of the night you have never heard before.

Holiday farm Quinta da Alegria has the ideal setting for families. At Quinta da Alegria parents can enjoy their holidays, while children have a safe haven to play. Also for couples, we have the perfect place to enjoy your privacy and peace in nature around our social animals or close to the beautiful salt water pool that is available to all our guests.

History of our holiday farm

Quinta da Alegria was originally Quinta da Regada, as this place is abundant in water springs, it is located south of Midões in central Portugal.

It was last inhabited by pastor António Pereira who lived here with his family. He had a large sheep herd and many people came to this place to buy or exchange sheep and goats.
One day, while holding a rocket at the village party, he had an accident and ended up losing his hand. The treatment did not go very well and ended up creating an infection and died. The Quinta was abandoned, full of brambles and bushes, the fruit trees became wild and others disappeared.

It was in this situation that we found Regada in 1998. The roof of the house almost fell, the wine in the barrels transformed into vinegar, the house and its furniture covered with a layer of 12-year old dust.

What started out as just 3 hectares is now about 8 hectares of meadows and fertile land and Quinta da Alegria is very different…

Our Village Midões

Our little village Midões has quite a lot of history. This you can see from the buildings around such as the palace, the church, the houses of the Portuguese nobility and the Celtic graves.

Many of the paths around the accommodation are following the trail that João Brandão took to escape from his prosecutors. This Portuguese Robin Hood lived in the 19th century and fought for the rights of the poor. Only 130 years ago there was terror and poverty in this region.

Also you will notice the cultural impact left by the Romans with their roads, bridges and buildings which we sometimes cross on our rides. There used to be a real hippodrome in Midões they say.

This means, our guests will have unforgettable days of nothing but dazzling nature. Lots of culture, relaxation for the body and mind on a trip to never forget.

Salt water Swimming pool Quinta da Alegria Portugal Biodesign

Holiday cottage Portugal gypsy wagon terrace

Salt water Swimming pool jacuzzi Portugal Biodesign

Adam`s Bio

Adam grew up in the countryside and has always felt connected and protected by animals and nature. Years ago, his professional career began on Sandringham Estate where he trained the gun dogs for the Royal Family.

His affinity with animals continued and a passion for horses ignited. He realised a deep passion for connecting and communicating with them and has spent the last twenty-five years teaching and training both horses and humans. In the past Adam has taught many groups at Portugal by horse because of the incredibly scenic location and fantastic facilities and now resides there over seeing the operations.

Over the years he has developed an interest in writing and film making. Publishing his autobiography in 2012, writing a feature film trilogy and Directed and Produced his first film in 2021. He is currently in post production of a documentary film based on his extraordinary life.

For more info visit: www.adamshereston.com