Casa Do Limoeiro 2

The practical setup was convenient: the house was easy to find, and the key box made check-in and check-out independent, with clear instructions in advance. The hosts were friendly, available, and quick to respond from booking through the stay. It's set high up, though, with several steps to climb, and the entrance is narrow if you have bulky suitcases. The living room is pleasant, but the TV is tiny and not very useful if you're a group. The kitchen is older but fairly well equipped, with a microwave, toaster, and coffee machine. The coffee machine takes a little figuring out, but the welcome booklet explains it in French, English, Portuguese, and German. There aren't many dishes, which can be inconvenient even for a short visit. There's also a fireplace that would be nice in winter, plus an iron and a small tabletop ironing board. The bathroom is only partly renovated and the finish is very basic. The shower grout is poorly done, so water gets through easily, and there are damp marks on the ceiling that made me a little concerned about hygiene. The sink is too small for washing your face comfortably and spills over easily. At least there's a hairdryer. It was very hot in the house in summer, and with no air conditioning we struggled to sleep even with the fan. Window screens would make it easier to air the place without letting insects in. There's a garden at the back, but the shrubs are overgrown and it looks neglected. A house directly behind was being renovated, so perhaps a full overhaul is planned soon. There's a swimming pool in the village, but it doesn't open until July 1st. It was already over 30°C at the end of June, so a chance to cool off then would've been welcome. Luckily, river beaches nearby are pleasant and easy to get to. The house is well located, with good transport links and basic equipment. It works for a short stay if you're mainly exploring the area, but a general refresh, better temperature comfort, window screens, improved bathroom finishes, and a better-kept exterior would make it much more pleasant year-round.