コバスの休日の木の上のコテージ、Vila Nova De Cerveira

I first arrived in Portugal on a mountain bike in 1986 and immediately fell in love with the country and the people. The scenery, especially in the Minho, is so rustic and romantic, with its grape vines on tall granite posts, stone walls and houses. So I stayed in the Minho for 5 years running a campsite. In 1993 I bought a property in Covas and spent the next 6 years restoring the house. The latest labour of love has been to restore the very old stone cottage on the other side of the property into guest accommodation. I live here all year round, teaching English in the nearby town of Viana do Castelo.

We bought the place in Covas because it had all the characteristics that I love about North Portugal. It had the grape vines, the fruit trees, the stone walls and terraced landscape. It is situated on one of the higher parts of the village and enjoys beautiful views. It feels remote and private, yet it is just 2km from the centre of the village. Covas itself is only a 20-30 minute drive from some of the loveliest towns of Portugal. In the Minho you really have everything: rivers, mountains, beaches, historic towns and Galicia, Spain just across the river.

Now that Treetop cottage has been restored and modernised, it is, we believe, a unique accommodation. It is not overlooked by any neighbours, but overlooks a 'hidden valley' with a stream and water mills below. The cottage itself cannot be seen from the road and so feels very secluded. While the veranda enjoys sunshine for most of the day, there is shade from the oak trees nearby. We have put in large picture windows and glass patio doors so that guests can feel and see the nature all around them. Yet just a 5 minute drive or a 25 minute walk brings you to the local restaurants and shops.