Marília Monteiro and Luís Barros, residents of Batalha, district of Leiria, were won over by the natural beauty of Montargil, especially by the imposing dam that resembles a vast reflecting pool. This village, located in the district of Portalegre and with around four thousand inhabitants, has become the couple’s holiday retreat whenever they have the opportunity. The connection with the region was so strong that, in 2022, they decided to open a local accommodation, Lake View House. What initially appeared to be just an isolated project ended up being the first of several. Two years later, they launched a new venture, this time with a different concept.
“A colleague of ours, who knew of our interest in Montargil, told us that there was a mill for sale. We soon started to imagine how we could transform it into a tourism project”, shares Marília Monteiro, 41 years old, speaking to our source, .
The privileged location of the mill was another factor that captivated the couple. Located at the highest point of the village, close to the geodesic landmark, it provides a 360-degree view over Montargil. “Residents say that, on specific days, it is possible to see Serra da Estrela from afar”, adds Marília to the same source, who also dedicated herself to exploring the history of the building, built at the beginning of the 20th century.
For several decades, the mill was used to transform wheat into flour, but it became inactive from the 1940s onwards. “The owner offered it to his son, who did not use it. It was later sold and adapted as a warehouse for agricultural products in the 1950s”, he explains.
The building passed through different owners until it was acquired by Marília and Luís about a year and a half ago. “It was completely empty, without machines or any internal structure. We decided to rebuild it and make it as beautiful as possible”, he reveals. Outside, they chose to paint the walls white and blue, evoking the traditional colors of Alentejo. After six months of construction, the Montargil Dam Mill was ready in November to welcome its first guests.
The interior of the accommodation is spread over three floors. On the ground floor there is a kitchenette equipped with a table and chairs, as well as a small living room. On the middle floor is one of the bedrooms, while the top floor, the “ex-libris” of the mill, offers a bedroom with a panoramic view of the mountains and the dam, thanks to its four windows. The decor combines modern and rustic elements.
The old threshing floor was transformed into a swimming pool, surrounded by a wooden deck with sun loungers. In addition to the two internal bathrooms, there is another outside, designed to support the pool.
The land, measuring around five thousand square meters, includes several leisure and rest areas. “We planted a vineyard so that, in the future, we can offer experiences such as harvesting and making wine. We also transplant olive trees to harvest the olives”, shares Marília.
Another highlight of the accommodation is the large-scale inscription with the word “Mill”, placed at the entrance. “We were inspired by the letters that exist in cities and decided to include a heart, because this is, in fact, a mill full of love”, he says.
With capacity for four guests, accommodation costs around €200 per night, including breakfast. Reservations can be made online.
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