The Honey Jar

A unique home in a stunning location, on the very top of a hill in Mafra, this restored windmill is a dream come true. One for escapists, dreamers and lovers of the outdoors, it's an eco-tourism offering like no other in our collection. Using renewable energy, it's a place to switch off your screens and soak up the simply unbelievable views.

Set in an ecological reserve, you'll be head and shoulders above everything else for miles in your very own windmill. Rescued by its current owners from a state of disrepair, they've cleverly converted it into a stylish home with 120 years of history. It even has a small but perfectly formed plunge pool.

On the ground floor you'll find a little kitchen, with all you'll really need to cook light meals at home, and a bathroom where – somehow – the owners have managed to plumb the tap into part of the building's exposed rock wall itself. Floating stairs carry you up to the living room level, where a third guest could sleep on a comfy sofa bed. And then it's up to the star of the show – the bedroom. With the top of the windmill and all its internal beams as a ceiling, this magical room feels as though its floating on top of the building. And it is, kind of. A narrow window goes right round the whole room, allowing you to see out from every angle.

By day pad around your terrace, sit on the swing, read in the shade or paddle in the pool. There's really no need to do anything more adventurous, but Lisbon is only fifty minutes away should you fancy a day trip.


Home truths:
*A third guest would be sleeping on the sofa bed – this would be best suited to a child
*There's currently no oven in the kitchen here but there is a hob and a microwave
*This home isn't suitable for tall people as the ceiling is 191cm high
*Off-grid, electricity is supplied by solar energy and a generator so it's a precious commodity
*There's hot water but again, try to save as much as possible
*You'll definitely need a car to get around – there's private parking here
*The stairs might be a bit of a challenge for some people
*Light sleepers may want to bring a sleep mask as the bedroom features a thin 360-degree window
*The area can be quite humid and there's no air conditioning in this home