Lagar Cottage Patio

Swimming Pool

A 19th century farmhouse in the beautiful Minho area, restored to incorporate modern living standards whilst retaining many original features. Here can be found the real essence of Portugal where the only noise one is likely to hear, apart from the occasional car or the local churches chiming the quarter hours, are the farmyard sounds of chicken, sheep and cows. The farm can be rented as a single unit for a group of friends or separately, each house being independent and having a private terrace. There is a central laundry room and a large shared pool. The farm, midway between Ponte de Lima and Paredes de Coura, is well placed for sightseeing. Spanish Galicia is to the north, the Atlantic beaches to the west, the historic cities of Porto and Braga to the south and the national park of Peneda-Geres to the east. The area abounds in picturesque market towns with colourful street markets and tiny hill top shrines affording fantastic views. The golf course is 25 mins away by car.

Casa do Ribeiro Patio

Casa do Ribeiro Living Room

 

Prices Currency Conversion

 

Notes on prices
Prices are for the property per week in euros.
All inclusive eg. logs/bedding/towels welcome hamper and cleaning - no hidden expenses. Discounts for long winter lets. Please contact owner for information on availability.

Changeover day
Saturday is our preferred changeover day but some flexibility is possible particularly out of high season. Please contact owner for information on availability.

Accommodation

 

 

Notes on accommodation
Electric fans are provided during the hot summer although the thick stone walls and traditionally small windows help to keep the apartments cool. During the winter there is central heating and logs are provided for guests who wish to have an open fire.

Accessibility
The Lagar cottage is accessed through a fairly narrow gateway and down 3 shallow steps. Please contact owner for more details if one of your group has mobility problems.

Outside
Each cottage has its own patio and the gardens, mainly lawn, are communal for the owners and visitors. There is a large shared pool measuring 11x5m which this year reached 29ºC in the summer months. Outdoor furniture is provided on each patio and there are deck chairs and umbrellas around the pool. There is a portable BBQ for general use.

Coast/Beach
As the farm is situated in a mountainous region the nearest sea beach at Viana is 30 mins drive away. There are, however, numerous river beaches in the area. The River Lima has many places suitable for swimming, often with sandy beaches, and at Paredes de Coura the river bank has been developed into a tourist attraction with many facilities on hand. Either option is about 15 mins drive away. Look for the sign 'Praia Fluvial'.

Golf
The Ponte de Lima golf course (about 10 miles away) has been highly recommended by golf enthusiasts. It gives a better game, is more attractive and considerably cheaper than many of the Algarve courses. Slightly further afield is the Estela course, the Barca do Lago course and the course at Vigo in Spain.

Travel
A car is essential for visitors to the Quinta. When booking a hire car please check that the insurance covers trips into Spain as some visitors have been limited by this lack of freedom. The nearest international airport is at Porto, 95km from the farm but an easy drive as it is nearly all motorway, only the last 16km being on a country road. The nearest ferry port is at Santander in Spain at a distance of 620km.

Distances
There is a village store in Rendufe, about a mile away and a restaurant providing typical Portuguese fare and take-away service. Rubbish disposal and recycling bins are also available. Ponte de Lima is about 10 miles, Paredes de Coura about 7 miles, both have supermarkets and several restaurants. For excellent value for money, variety of products and high quality, we recommend a visit to Tui, just over the border in Spain where there is a large Hayleys hypermarket and a Lidl supermarket.

Further details
The historic town of Ponte de Lima with ts Roman bridge and medieval centre is a must. It is fun to park the car on the north bank, cross the (now pedestrian) bridge and visit the town on foot. There is a bi-weekly market on Mondays which takes place beside the river and there are various specialist markets at other times. There is also a nautical club where canoes can be hired, a riding school, (riding only on the premises) and the golf course. The north bank of the river has recently been developed into a series of gardens which make for a pleasant stroll. Slightly further afield there is a fish farm where visitors are lent rods and tackle and can catch their own supper. The trout is either grilled on the spot or taken home to cook yourself. Hang gliding is also practiced in the area but this seems to depend very much on weather conditions and we have been unable to discover much about it. A couple of miles from the property is the protected area of Corno do Bico. This wild park like terrain is ideal for walking. It is the habitat of many wild animals but those most usually seen are the semi wild horses which roam the area. Ordinance survey maps are available on request. There are 2 local hill top shrines affording fantastic views and the unfinished monastery church of Nossa Senhora de Socorro is well worth a visit.

Booking notes
Please contact owner for information on availability of properties. Additional information can be obtained at either of the contact addresses. Payment of a small deposit is required to confirm a booking.

Guest comments
'We don't really want to share what we have found! A wonderful 'home' full of warmth. Margaret and Alec are wonderful hosts, informative but unobtrusive. We'll be back' - John and Judith

The perfect location for a 2 family holiday, away from it all, truly edyllic. Everything needed for a comfortable stay, the properties recently fitted to a hight standard and so much to see locally. - Chris, Renu and extended family, North London

We feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to spend 2 weeks in such an idylic spot. You have thought of everything for one's comfort - we've never before been to such a well equipped holiday cottage. - Jane and Dave, UK

After getting lost (briefly) we found a place so beautiful it is undescribable. Utopia! - The crazy Americans

Thanks again for a wonderful week in beautiful country house in a magnificient environment. We have felt quite at home here and you have been fantastic hosts. We'll be back one day. - Lisa and Ruben, Holland.

House swap
If anyone within Europe has property sleeping 12 adults, 1 child and several babies we might be interested in house swapping. Our property (3 cottages) will sleep 11 comfortably + 1 more in the third living room + babies.

For booking and further information

 

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This advertiser joined Owners Direct in October 2005,
and has advertised this property with us since October 2005.

Property Ref P2057
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