Traditional Farmhouse and Studio Cottage with Pool
Peaceful Location in Rural Hamlet with Mountain Views
Farmhouse (3 Bedrooms) Cottage (1 Bedroom)
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Built in 1868 Casa da Fonte is a carefully restored traditional granite stone farm that retains many original features. It overlooks a rural hamlet and has views across the River Coura valley to the mountains beyond. The farmhouse and cottage can be rented as a single unit for a group of friends or separately, the cottage having a private patio area. The large swimming pool overlooks terraces of well-maintained flower gardens and vines that are still used to produce wine. The local town of Paredes de Coura is 10 minutes drive away and has a river beach, shops, cafes, restaurants and fortnightly markets. There are forest and village walks on your doorstep and the property is ideally situated to explore the coast, the market towns of the Minho/Lima valleys or the Peneda-Geres National Park. The Spanish border is 30 mins and Porto airport is 1 hr drive away.
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| Rental periods | Farmhouse | Casita (Cottage) |
| 1 January - 30 April 2010 | Not available | £250 |
| 1 May - 15 July 2010 | £700 | £400 |
| 16 July - 05 September 2010 | £850 | £400 |
| 6 September - 16 October 2010 | £650 | £400 |
| 16 October - 31 December 2010 | Not available | £250 |
| 1 January - 30 April 2011 | Not available | £250 |
Notes on prices
Prices are for the property per week in UK Pounds. There are no additional charges for cleaning, or heating. Includes free firewood for the cottage.
Changeover day
In order to give guests the best options for cheaper air travel, we will accept 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 day bookings, any combination! In order to clean the property, guests are requested not to arrive before 2pm and to leave by 10 am on the day of departure.
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The Casita (Sleeps 2/4, Studio Cottage)
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The accommodation is open plan studio style and retains all the original beams. The sleeping area has a double bed and French doors opening onto the courtyard. The living area has a 3 piece suite, the sofa opens out to a sofa bed suitable for 2 small children. TV, DVD and music system. Dining table and 4 chairs. Cosy wood-burning stove. The kitchen area has a gas cooker and fridge/freezer. The bathroom has a shower cubicle, wash basin, WC and bidet. |
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Notes on accommodation
The owner maintains the pool and gardens regularly. Towels (including pool and beach towels) and all linen supplied. The cottage is cleaned and towels and bed changed weekly. For the summer months electric fans are provided although they are rarely used as the thick granite walls help maintain a pleasant temperature. The farmhouse has central heating and logs are supplied for the wood-burning stove. The cottage has an electric heater in the bathroom and a wood-burning stove for the main living area. A portable gas heater is also available if required.
Outside
The property is set on a terraced hillside of chestnut and oak trees. Guests can explore the well-tended gardens, relax in the shade under the vines or use the grassed area to play boules/petanque or badminton. In the autumn guests are more than welcome to help with the grape harvest/winemaking.
The pool is 10m x 5.5m and is a safe 1m to 1.5m in depth. The pool is heated by solar panels and is open from May to mid-October. There is a good range of poolside and garden furniture.
The cottage has a private patio/BBQ area with table, chairs and umbrella for eating out. The farmhouse has a separate eating out/ barbecue area with a table and 8 chairs. Mountain bikes are available for a small daily charge.
Coast/Beach
There are some beautiful long sandy beaches about 40 mins by car, running south from Caminha. Locally, Paredes de Coura has a well-maintained 'praia fluvial' or river beach which is a pleasant spot for a swim and a picnic.
Special interest holidays
By prior arrangement the owner offers guided walks/bike rides in the area (up to 15km) which enable you to explore the best of the local scenery.
The owner also has details of canoes for hire on the River Lima and River Minho. The canoeing is suitable for beginners and children.
Fly fishing is also available on the local rivers.
Travel
The nearest airport is Oporto (Porto) which is a 1 hour drive (100km) mostly on motorway. Oporto is served by budget airline RyanAir which flies from Standsted, Liverpool and Bristol. RyanAir also fly to Santiago de Compostelo in Spain which is about 140km to the north. TAP flies from Heathrow to Oporto. Car hire is essential. Oporto airport is well-served by car hire companies, Europcar is recommended.
Distances
Paredes de Coura, 10 mins by car. Arcos de Valdevez, 50 mins. Ponte de Lima, 30 mins. Valenca, 30 mins. Spain (Tui), 30 mins. Caminha (beaches) 45 mins. Moncao, 40 mins.
Further details
Paredes de Coura has local shops, 2 small supermarkets, restaurants, cafes, banks, health centre, dentist, indoor swimming pool and cinema. Details of recommended restaurants, local walks and places of interest are provided in the accommodation.
Booking notes
Reservations confirmed on payment of 30% non-refundable deposit by bank transfer. Payment accepted in sterling or euros. Balance due 1 month in advance of arrival.
Guest comments
Our very first time in North Portugal... wasn't sure what to expect but we have really enjoyed seeing the real Portugal. The Casita and Farmhouse have been perfect for our family, everything we could have asked for. All in all an excellent holiday for us all. Thank you both for your kind and helpful advice. Tony, Ruth, Charlie and Libby - England
Here's a time when the actual place was better than the internet pictures! Casa da Fonte is so beautiful, both inside and out. Some of the highlights for us were the fresh bread rolls delivered every morning, trails that led to waterfalls, churches and beautiful forests, the seafood in La Guarda, sheep's bells ringing as they passes by our window every night, the games room for the kids and long, sound nights sleep. What more could you ask for! Sue, Reid, Alex and Blair - Toronto, Canada
Owner profile
Mike Wild
About the owner
I'm semi-retired, recently remarried, with 3 grown-up kids in the UK. I visited Portugal for the first time in May 2005. I immediately fell in love with the 'Costa Verde' and moved here later that year.
Year purchased: 2005
Why the owner chose an apartment in this location
I'm impressed by the wonderful scenery, pleasant climate and friendly people of the Minho region. 'Away from the madding crowd', unspoilt be mass tourism, this area gives me the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, a laid-back lifestyle and a low cost of living. Located half-way between the Peneda Geres National Park and the uncrowded sandy beaches to the west it's also the perfect area to indulge in my hobbies of kite-surfing, biking, walking and gardening. Besides maintaining the property and gardens, I also offer guided walks and mountain bike rides in the local area.
Unique benefits of the property
Although the property boasts all mod cons including free wireless broadband it retains it's original character and charm. From the terraces you can sit in tranquility and observe a pattern of rural life that has changed little over the centuries. If you are into cruises or holiday 'resorts' then this is probably not the place for you!
For booking and further information
Property Ref P2854
Michael Wild
Mobile: (Portugal) + 351 966 624 783
Owners Website: Click here
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and has advertised this property with us since October 2006.
Property Ref P2854
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