It is, as many rural houses in southern Portugal, built as a "monte". That means one family built the first part, and more was then added for children, old parents or other family over the years; the newest part is from around 1900. At one time there were 4 families living in the house.
What people lived from we don't know for sure - but probably it has been varied agriculture with a bit of fishing and shellfish harvesting on the side. At least the vines are quite old, perhaps 100 years or so. The previous owner did not know they were there when he bought the property but found them when he cleared cacti and other weeds.
The house is divided in two parts, which can be rented separately or together. Stork House is the larger (appr 200sqm), accommodating up to 8 (+ one baby), and Hoopoe House the smaller at 82sqm, accomodating up to 4 (+ one baby).