We stayed for a week after spending time in Porto, looking for some relaxation. The house has been beautifully converted from an old farm house and the photos do not do it justice. The main house has a large kitchen/diner, a sitting room and a bedroom with an en suite. An upper terrace leads down to two more generously sized independent bedrooms with en suites and a covered terrace with a barbecue overlooking the Douro valley. Just below this terrace is the pool which is big enough to swim in. Though unheated, it was perfect in the very hot August weather and our sons spent hours playing and swimming. The garden is extensive and lovely with wisteria around the door, rosemary, lavender, roses and vines and very private, surrounded by trees and with an open view across the valley. Evenings were quiet and peaceful. There is a pathway alongside the house leading down to a small village but the only passers by we saw were some sheep!
Vera and Joachim stocked up the kitchen with essentials before we arrived and were very helpful, even leading us to the best beach beside the river a few minutes drive away and providing us with an extra fan and parasol as soon as we asked.
Although in a secluded position the house is only five minutes drive from Alpendurada where there is a choice of supermarkets. There are other towns and villages close by with historic buildings, cafes and restaurants and a roman site with an interpretation centre about 30 minutes drive away. A car is essential and there is private secure parking behind the gate, though the short access way from the main road is narrow, steep and unmade.
We found the peace, quiet and relaxation we were looking for in a beautifully presented property in a lovely setting and plenty of local interest for a week's stay.
