Moinho do Maia had a very grand opening in 1972 by Marcelo Caetano, a successful politician of the Portuguese dictatorial regime.  His titles included National Commissioner of the "Mocidade Portuguesa", Minister of the Colonies, President of the Corporative Chamber and Minister of the Presidency.

In September 1969, with the Dictator Salazar chronically ill, he took over as President of the Council, and was overthrown on 25 April 1974.

A few years ago both the mill and the adjacent cottage were again, extensively renovated and tastefully furnsihed. The accomodation is described as follows :

Casa do Moleiro

On the ground floor there is a dining / living room with a table seating up to 6 persons, open fireplace, televsion and radio.  The small kitchen is equipped with a 4 ring electric cooker, fridge/freezer and a microwave.

There are a couple of steps leading to the upper floor which has 2 twin bedrooms each with an ensuite shower room. Doors open onto an outside terrace, ideal for dining outdoors, with beautiful views over the valley and village.

Casa do Moinho

On the ground floor is a dining / living room with a breakfast bar and dining table seating 4 persons. There is also an open fireplace, television and sofa bed suitable for one adult.

The fitted kitchenette is equipped with a 4 ring electric cooker, fridge/freezer and a microwave.

The bathroom has shower only.

A long, narrow corridor leads to the tower of the mill which has been converted to provide two bedrooms accessed by a spiral staircase.

One of the bedrooms has a double bed and the other, two small single beds. These bedrooms are situated either side of the spiral staircase.

There is also a barbecue area and a private terrace with table and chairs ideal for dining out of doors during the summer months.

This cottage is not suitable for very young children due to the many steps in the tower of the mill.

The walled hilltop town of Obidos, one of the most visited places in Portugal, is about 20 kilometres away and a visit there could also include the fishing towns of Nazare and Peniche.

The 12th Century Monastery of Alcobaca, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and its Church which is the largest early Gothic construction in Portugal, is located approximately 30 kilometres away.

Lisbon is about 45 minutes drive from Rio Maior, with almost the whole journey being take by modern motorway.

There is a restaurant and a mini market about 400 meters away.