Farm T3 in Mértola with virtual tour

Alentejo Retreat: 7-Acre Farm with Water Self-Sufficiency

Unique Opportunity between Sergipe and Mértola

Discover the essence of the Lower Alentejo in this typical farmhouse, where the serenity of the plains meets functionality. With almost 7 acres of land, this farmhouse combines the charm of traditional architecture with essential resources for country life.

Property Highlights

Traditional 3-Bedroom House: Immaculate Alentejo-style house (white and blue), with spacious rooms and a welcoming atmosphere.

Independent Water System: The property has a well and borehole.

Traditional Windmill: Equipped with a windmill dedicated exclusively to pumping water, ensuring efficiency and an authentic rustic touch to the landscape.

Infrastructure: Already connected to the electricity and water grid.

Strategic Access: Located just 100m from National Road 265, with direct access to Serpa and Mértola.

Location and Leisure:

Convenience: Just 1km from the village of Vale do Poço.

Nature: 11km from the Minas de São Domingos River Beach, one of the Alentejo's best-kept secrets for swimming and leisure.

Land: Panoramic views over the plain, ideal for agricultural or leisure projects.

Project Data (Monte Sarilhos):

Area: Approximately 70,000 m².

This is the perfect retreat for those who value self-sufficiency and the profound peace of the Alentejo.

The history of the São Domingos Mine is one of the most fascinating in Portuguese industrial heritage, marked by the transition between the ancient world and industrial modernity.

A Millennial Heritage

The exploitation of minerals in the area dates back to Antiquity, having been a site of intense extraction during the time of the Phoenicians, Carthaginians and, above all, Romans. These latter operated the mine's "iron cap" to obtain gold, silver, and copper. After the Romans left, the mine was abandoned for centuries, leaving only traces of spoil heaps (remnants of ore).

The Mason & Barry Cycle (1858–1966)

The modern era began in 1858, when the British company Mason & Barry, led by Francis Tress Barry, obtained the concession to exploit cuprous pyrite.

Technological Revolution: It was here that the first railway line in the Alentejo was installed, connecting the mine to the Pomarão shipping port on the Guadiana River.

"England" in the Alentejo: The company created a true British "enclave." They built the Manager's Palace, English gardens, a hospital, a school, and even a tennis court and a cricket club, while the workers' village followed a rigid and hierarchical structure.

Social Impact: At its peak, the mine employed thousands of miners, transforming an isolated area into the economic center of the region.

The Decline and Abandonment

In 1966, due to the depletion of economically lucrative ore and the fall in international prices, the mine closed. What remained was a scene of impressive industrial archaeology, but also a heavy environmental liability (acidic waters and contaminated soils).

From Industrial Past to Leisure Tourism

Today, the São Domingos Mine is experiencing a new cycle, transforming itself into a prime tourist destination:

Tapada Grande River Beach: What once served as a reservoir to support the mine is now one of the most awarded river beaches in Europe.

Heritage: The village of Vale do Poço and its surroundings maintain the memory of this era, with the ruins of the workshops and the old railway line serving as a unique photographic backdrop.

Proximity: This rich historical and leisure area is located just 11km from the Sarilhos hill, making the property an ideal starting point for exploring this legacy.

The area is now a silent testament to a time when the deep Alentejo was at the forefront of the European industrial revolution.