“Quinta” is the Portuguese word for a country home or farmhouse.
It’s something I’ve long aspired to, though I’m more likely to end up in a beach hut! This place on Armona would be fine, with bougainvilea tumbling over the walls, and a pot or two of welcoming hibiscus on the doorstep.
Isn’t it wonderfully tropical? Imagine those palms rustling in the breeze.
There’d be a lemon tree and a fig tree. Maybe a lime too, but no oranges. I’ve never liked oranges, though the blossom is very pretty. I have no idea how long it takes to produce a decent vintage of grape, but the notion of a few vines and their dangling temptation is very appealing.
A little grape trampling anyone?
A Portuguese house isn’t a home without an azulejo panel. Maybe even two!
There’s those tempting grapes again!
And a barco rabelo! What more would I need?
This view of the Douro might come at more than I can afford.
Especially with the swimming pool!
And I could live with wooden ceilings and floors! (The Vintage Hotel, Pinhao)
But I’m getting a little carried away now. It easily happens, doesn’t it? You know I’d never want to be too far from my salt marshes.
When I first visited Portugal I read my “Rough Guide” from cover to cover. One of the Algarve recommends was Quinta de Marim – a nature reserve with a tidal mill. It wasn’t far away, just 2kms east of Olhao, but finding it was a different proposition. I seem to have the ability to blatantly disregard directions in a guide book, while still being convinced that I am on the right track!
Eventually we got there, and I loved what I found. Nothing very fancy. A few nature trails. Wild flowers thriving quite happily in the salt air. The gentle lap of the water flowing through the tidal mill, itself just an old quinta. I need to go back, and soon.
Salt marshes at Fuzeta
The tidal mill at Quinta de Marim
This post hasn’t gone quite the way I thought it would, but this is my Personal A-Z Challenge, and I hope you’ve enjoyed it so far. My customary thanks go to Julie Dawn Fox for conceiving the challenge, and to Frizz who daily inspires and entertains me. This week his A-Z has reached QQQ. Follow the links and logos for a little inspiration yourself.
restlessjo 
Some of those pictures are absolutely superb. Those azulejo panels look so quaint. Do they always have to be in Blue?
Shakti
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They are usually blue and yellow on a white background, Shakti, and that is the traditional style, but there are variations and modern ones. Thanks a lot for your comment. 🙂
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I dream too now 🙂 so beautiful place… Thanks and Love, nia
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One day I’d love to visit Istanbul, too, Nia. It was always on my list of magical places. 🙂
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I love the photographs. I’ve never been to Portugal, but the place seems so beautiful
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Well, I wouldn’t try to talk you out of visiting, Peter. I love it 🙂
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Great post, Jo. I love quintas – the image of a quaint cosy farmhouse surrounded by flowers and fruit trees really appeals, doesn’t it? I’ve stayed in several quintas in Portugal and loved every one of them.
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I’ve seen some of yours, Julie, and they’ve all been gorgeous. I would’ve loved to stay at the Vintage in Pinhao, but it wasn’t cheap. 🙂 Many thanks.
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quinta like finca (Spanish)?
I remember sexta quinta quarta
as my school classes …
P.S.:
barco rabelo = I’ve just booked
a short vacancy on a houseboat
– very curious we are…
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Quinta exactly like finca, Frizz 🙂
I would love a houseboat holiday! In fact, I’d be happy to live on one of those. Solve all the problems, wouldn’t it 🙂
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Looks particularly tempting on this cold north east autumn morning.
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It was beautiful along the riverbanks in Durham today, but I don’t think tomorrow holds much promise. You have to grab it while you can 🙂
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You have a wonderful way with words Jo, you had me believing that I was there among those palms, limes, grapes and sunshine 🙂 We have some ourselves today…well the sunshine at least!
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Thanks, David. The imagination is a powerful tool, and it usually needs to be, doesn’t it? Off to Durham this morning to stroll in the sun. (fingers crossed 🙂 )
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I want one too
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Open house, Dallas, once I get there! 🙂
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Unfortunately in Perth, the sea or river views are also out reach, but I already have a lemon tree, fig tree and grape vine…so not that bad! Lovely pictures Joanne.
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Sounds fabulous to me, Sami. I know you get homesick sometimes, but you’ve taken a little piece of home along in your heart. 🙂
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I love it and I would love to visit. I do miss having a lemon tree in my front yard.
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I suspect if I ever acquire it, it’ll be open house, TBM. How’s the promo going? 🙂
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Dreaming of a quinta or two is a nice way to pass a grey day.
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I think I’ve dreamed up some sunshine today, Viv! Not sure how I did it, but it’s very welcome. I’m meeting a friend in Durham so we can go strolling on the riverbanks 🙂
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I’m falling in love with the Quinta! Too beautiful! Thank you, Johanna.
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I think it’d make the dream home for a few of us, Amy 🙂 You can stop by!
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Those grapes look yummy!
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They hang in a beach bar we use, near Tavira, Marcia. It’s so tempting when the waiters aren’t looking! 🙂
Are you blogging somewhere else now? I noticed you followed me on Twitter so I’ll come and check later.
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No time for any other blogs, but I do use Twitter as often as I can as I am trying to make better use of social media. LOL
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It looks serene and peaceful, just what we all need methinks! The azulejo panels are stunning, the colours really catch the eye.
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They were in the Douro at Pinhao, Barb (the azulejos). I absolutely love them 🙂
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Oh, Jo, I so want a quinta. I can’t tell you how much!
By the way, I got an adorable surprise birthday card in the mail today. You are such a sweetheart! It made my day, truly. 🙂 Thanks, Jo, from the bottom of my heart. 🙂
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So glad it got there in time, Cathy! I know you’re away at the weekend and I never know how long U.S post takes. Have a wonderful birthday 🙂
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Thank you so much! You really are so sweet to think of me, Jo! Sadly I have to work on my actual birthday, but I’ll have the whole weekend to celebrate. 🙂
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Wonderful paradise pics, Jo. Love the azulejo panels. So pretty. 🙂
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I’ll let you know when I’ve found it, Ad. We can do exchange visits 🙂
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It’s a deal. 🙂
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What a dream house. I can see why you want to go back. At least you will have the directions down. 🙂 We grew grapes once…the wild turkeys found them and devoured them before we could harvest them. 🙂 So much for the romantic notion of having our our own grapes, but we do grow mangos, bananas, limes and pineapples. Not bad for our Quinta in the city.
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Fresh pineapple sounds divine, Lynne. Might be a tad ambitious for my not very green fingers. How long do they take to produce fruit? 🙂
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It can take 6 months to 24 months depending on the size of the plant when planted. You can even grow them in pots. (I haven’t tried that) 🙂
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I’ll come visit 🙂
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Wait till you’re invited! (ooh, I can be such a witch. Didn’t mean it. Just bring a bottle- or a bed! 🙂 )
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I’ll bring a lilo, so make sure you get the one with the BIG pool 😉
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You’re on!!! 🙂
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mmm, a quinta would suit me too Jo, lovely photos and ramblings 🙂
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Ramblings is the right word, Christine 🙂 Thanks, hon.
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