We almost gave up on A Lagosta Perdida, and are SO glad we persevered. My husband and I drove up from Lisbon, having chosen this B&B because 1) it is halfway between Lisbon, Portugal and Fuentes de, Spain, 2) has a grand piano, library with computer, and TV with lots and lots of channels. We thought we'd have no problem because we leased a brand new Peugeot with GPS.

But for the help of strangers, we would never have arrived. Lost and frustrated, we stopped at a bar somewhere in greater Braganca to ask for help. Between gestures and one or two understood English words, one gentleman drew a map for us. Then it occurred to me that someone might understand Spanish (living in Southern California, I have passable knowledge of that language). One man did! After trying to give us rather complicated directions, he finally asked us to step outside. I thought he would point us to the highway and tell us which way to turn. Instead, he told us to get in our car and follow him. We drove, at high speed, for TWENTY MINUTES into the National Park. He then stopped. We stopped behind him. He came to our window and pointed us up a road, telling us to drive up the hill and down the other side for one kilometer, and we'd be there. We thanked him profusely (what a wonderful, generous man), and followed his directions.

Not the end of the story. When we got into the tiny hamlet in the park, we were still lost. Luckily, we saw a man walking his dog and I mustered up just enough phrase book words from Rick Steve's Portuguese glossary to ask where we could find A Lagosta Perdido. He pointed the way. We found a tiny wooden sign with the B&B's name on it and headed up a dirt road, seeing no other indication of the B&B. We drove past all the seemingly tiny stone dwellings to a rutted road heading up a hill. We stopped in our tracks upon hearing two fierce, barking dogs (thankfully chained up).

At that point, my husband said, "That's it. I'm giving up on this place. Let's drive to Spain." He turned around, headed back down the road (really an alley), and suddenly spotted a lifesaver hung on a door, with "A Lagosta Perdida" and a painting of a lobster in the center. We knocked on the door and were greeted by a man in an apron (Robert) who said, "I'd almost given up on you."

Robert showed us to our room, up an exterior stone staircase. Because the setting reminded me of a holler in the Ozarks, I expected to find a run-down exterior. I was pleasantly surprised. The room was nicely-sized, clean, had a good flat-screen TV and a beautiful, large bathroom. Better still, it had a door leading directly to the rest of the house which is far larger than I could possibly imagine from the outside. And, best of all, Robert conferred with us about the time to come down for dinner. Dinner? Wow.

Robert's cooking and hospitality are equally superb. We were especially blown away by his chestnut soup. Robert shared some of his life story with us, which made us feel very much at home. We were sorry not to have had the chance to meet his wife and son. Perhaps another time.

Because we had been traveling non-stop for over a month before arriving at A Lagosta Perdida, we used our day at the B&B to sleep, read, play the piano and catch up on email and online newspapers, etc. The setting was perfect. Sunny skies and quiet house.

Bottom line, if you decide to stay there (you should; don't hesitate), and get lost, DO push ahead until you find your way. It is so worth it!

Yes, I have house envy! Robert and his family have a beautifully renovated/rebuilt home in a wonderful national park. Everyone was very welcoming and friendly. We went on one hike (were only there for one night) and had a great dinner afterwards. The chestnut bread Robert cooked (with local chestnuts) was amazing (along with the rest of dinner). I would recommend arranging for dinner at A Lagosta Perdida - the village is small, a bit of a distance from Braganca, and you won't be disappointed in the food.
We had a great room - it was bright, large, and had its own entrance (and a skylight in the bathroom). I wish we had stayed longer!

A Lagosta Perdida is a fantastic find in the remote high hills of Portugal's Montesinho National Park. Everything about this upscale B&B was fantastic. The pleasant, witty, and charming owner, Robert (his partner, Sally, was away when we were there); the meals, the well appointed room and comfortable bed in a gorgeously reconstructed stone farm house; the library of books, many related to travel and Portugal and Portuguese flora and fauna; the cable Internet access; the swimming pool and surrounding garden; the setting in a tiny (45 residents), well preserved, farming village near the Spanish border at about 1,000 meters altitude; and even the animals around the estate--the rabbit, two cats, and the incomparable Bludwin, the owners' Portuguese dog. The last we even took hiking with us over the hills and into Spain, and she was a terrific companion. The meals--well, suffice to say that we're foodies, and we thought they were terrific. Probably the most memorable for us were the soups--one night roasted tomato and red pepper, and the second night chesnut, a local specialty. Robert tries to prepare what the guests want, and for us that was interesting local foods, with fish entrees. And he succeeded beyond our expectations or hopes. Our only disappointment is that we couldn't stay for another couple of nights--the hiking on local trails was interesting and, if so desired, challenging, and the accommodations could not have been better.

Robert welcomed us to his beautifully converted house high in the hills, based in the small and charming village of Montezino. Our rooms were well appointed and comfortable. Meals are taken together - outside on our first 2 days, inside on the last - where you get to meet your fellow travellers: Dutch, Portuguese, English, Americans at the large shared tables.

Food is well prepared - ample breakfasts even though you're 22km from any shops (it seems) and 3 course dinners with wine. Like almost everywhere else we stayed internet is available (by cable, not wireless) and there is a lovely library area and PC on the light and airy top floor.

Both our children loved the Bechstein piano that Robert encourages people to play - a real added bonus for them (and I think for the others).

Robert is full of local knowledge and encouragement for activities: whether going over to the nearest Spanish town or driving the dirt tracks of the utterly deserted high hills above the Lost Lobster - we'd highly recommend both of these things and indeed drove the dirt tracks twice.

Overall a lovely place to stay that we'd recommend without reservation.