Mittens 2014 Portugal - 19-26 July

Disco · Mon 03/02/2014 14:03:01

The property manager contacted the owners and was informed the property is now booked out

she did give me an alternative listing that looks worthwhile though. Sorry to add yet another property, but we should look into it at least:

http://www.travelopo.com/property/2126427

In the meantime, I shall do the initial contact with this property and also see about #9, if they can accept 18.

cat · Mon 03/02/2014 14:34:24

Awwwww, just when I figured out the public transport (previous post)

Quote from: Disco on Mon 03/02/2014 14:03:01
http://www.travelopo.com/property/2126427

This does not seem to have an appropriate communal area inside, but the BBQ place looks nice.

Quote from: Disco on Mon 03/02/2014 14:03:01
In the meantime, I shall do the initial contact with this property and also see about #9, if they can accept 18.

Do we actually have numbers? How many people would come to Portugal?

AGA · Mon 03/02/2014 14:53:35

I would hit both, see what responses we get at least. If they're both free, go with the cheapest / most convenient!

As for numbers, nine people answered the poll, but something like 18 have expressed an interest in this thread. I'm sure more will come out of the woodwork over the coming months though, some responding to the PM I sent and the banner.

Disco · Mon 03/02/2014 15:28:10

Quote from: cat on Mon 03/02/2014 14:34:24
http://www.travelopo.com/property/2126427

This does not seem to have an appropriate communal area inside, but the BBQ place looks nice.

Yeah this place doens't seem to ideal after noticing there are several small kitchen areas and one larger one, also the property is one large structure, but seems segmented a bit with different entrances.

I was given another suggestion by the manager, but did not link it because it was two adjacent properties, but looks like there are plenty of communal areas. Has an indoor pool though :S:

http://www.travelopo.com/property/2035854

Having a separate accommodation area wouldn't be the end of the world I guess, however less ideal. We might need to put aside stuff like that at this point. It worked in France and in Italy with minimal issues.

cat · Mon 03/02/2014 15:41:24

Do we really want an indoor pool? Although I have to agree that the property looks magnificent.

Thinking about it, do we actually need a large inside community area? According to Wikipedia it's going to be pretty hot, so a large table outside in the shadow might even be preferable.

May I ask what you didn't like about house #2 in the Doodle? Is there something we didn't notice or is it just personal preference?

Disco · Mon 03/02/2014 15:56:32

My only issue with it at the time was that is was 5 separate properties. I'll contact them though. The communal areas are good enough that we should all have an easy time socialising. My only concern is finding a place indoors. We can probably rearrange some areas for the week though. I will contact them right now.

Sorry for all the confusion and linking a new property every few posts, but just seeing which ones bite first before I collect everything in a single organised post.

EDIT: I will post all property inquiries here! Sorry that some are not from the list. They are new suggestions offered for our group size when I make submit queries.

The owners of Villa Cipreste (#9) say they can only accommodate 16 people despite listing themselves as 18.

AVAILABLE JULY 19 TO 26

Sintra Manor House is available for 3,400 EUR plus 500 EUR security deposit. It is 40 minutes from Lisbon airport. <PHOTOS>

Quinta da Foz Inquiry sent. Very spacious private property consisting of three buildings. 1 hour from Lisbon airport. <PHOTOS>

Indoor Pool Villa Available for 2,978 GBP for up to 20 people (actual price is in Euros but for some reason only quoted in approximate Sterling). 33% down and remainder 60 days prior to arrival. Indoor swimming ( $:-\$ ). Pool table. No lack of common areas. Owner's apartment is on the first floor of the main house, but is separate.

Villa in Alcantarilha Available for 2,419 GBP. This property is also priced in Euros but quoted only in Sterling. Personally, not a fan of this property but we need options!

AVAILABLE FROM JULY 12 TO 19

Villa in Barrio is available for 1,995 GBP. This property is in the far north of Portugal, and will involve either a hefty drive from Lisbon, or flying to Porto. This property is just under an hour drive from that airport.

5 Cottages (#2) 2,950 GBP. Exclusive use of all communal areas and the pool. 25% required to book. Remainder 8 weeks prior to arrival. Did not mention damage deposit in email.

Hiring a private coach from Lisbon Airport is 795 EUR to Ponte de Lima

AGA · Mon 03/02/2014 19:08:36

12th July would be awkward. Something from 19 July or later would be much preferable. Let's see what responses the other places come back with!

tampie85 · Mon 03/02/2014 19:26:22

Same for me and Arj0n...

Disco · Mon 03/02/2014 21:04:52

How non-negotiable are these 12th to 19th dates?

cat · Mon 03/02/2014 21:36:54

Sintra Manor House doesn't look too bad. It's very close to Lisbon with lots of restaurants in walking distance and there is also a train station, we wouldn't even need cars. Despite the questionable design of the bedrooms this is also a scenic location. Also the pricing system makes it more flexible regarding the number of people.

abstauber · Tue 04/02/2014 07:37:02

*sigh* we're officially out, but it has nothing to do with lawn moving.
It's more a reproduction related thing

AGA · Tue 04/02/2014 08:56:57

You're not supposed to sigh about reproduction related things (either the doing, or the results

)! Congratulations!

arj0n · Tue 04/02/2014 09:59:19

Quote from: abstauber on Tue 04/02/2014 07:37:02
It's more a reproduction related thing

Cools, grats

tampie85 · Tue 04/02/2014 10:00:53

Congratz Dirk!

12th really would be awkward for me.
I thought we already opted for 19-26 as ideal period?

GMD1984 · Tue 04/02/2014 12:21:57

Man, I wish I could join. But southeast Asia is too too far. Xd

abstauber · Tue 04/02/2014 13:07:58

hey, thanks! Well, to miss the once-in-a-year chance to meet you all is a thing to sigh and sob about.
..maybe I should start working on games to not loose contact

Disco · Tue 04/02/2014 14:01:42

Wow, congratulations Dirk and Christina! Sorry that I won't see you guys two years in a row, but this is great news

Snarky · Tue 04/02/2014 14:36:55

If Mitteneers continue to insist on reproducing, against all laws of god and nature, we might have to introduce some sort of Mittens crÃ¨che, and eventually an associated kids' summer camp. I imagine it as something much like Psychonauts.

Congratulations and good luck, Dirk & Christina!

Disco · Tue 04/02/2014 15:16:41

LOOK!!

I'm still waiting to hear back from the Quinta da Foz property and the bus company, Frota Azul. As of this post, we have three properties available from July 19 to 26, and two from 12 to 19 (Saturday the 12th specifically poses a problem for some). Any thoughts on these properties?

EDIT:

I quite like the Sintra Manor House.

AGA · Tue 04/02/2014 15:50:36

A coach really isn't the best option, given having cars during the week would be far preferable, for shopping and day trip purposes.

An indoor pool might actually be a good idea given the beating Mediterranean sun, so Indoor Pool Villa would be fine for me. All the options from 19th are fine for me though!