Stunning 18th century Douro Valley manor house
“A wine lover’s dream - a stunning 18th-century manor house with spectacular views, private vineyards and wine cellar.” - Reviewed by Sofia
The beauty of the Douro Valley not only lies in the vast hectares of steep hills planted with Portugal’s most valuable vineyards, nor only in the mesmerizing Douro River which snakes so elegantly through the precious vines but a combination of both plus the impressive regional historical architecture.
The home was built in 1771. This wonderful, 18th-century Portuguese Mansion-House (Quinta) was recently restored using traditional materials and maintains the loving vibe of the family who painstakingly brought it back to its present state. The idea here is to enjoy the mesmerizing views, wander through the vineyards and live outdoors as much as in.
The Douro Valley is all about wine. The entire region is a wine lover’s paradise and this home is no exception. Wine takes centre stage here with 5 well-maintained hectares of vineyards and an old wine cellar with huge antique wooden wine barrels. There’s even a unique home gym that’s cleverly housed in the old granite tanks where the grapes used to be pressed! Here, even when you’re working out you can still be inspired by the power of the vino!
The gardens afford outstanding 180-degree views of the river and valley. When we visited, they were alive with pinks, blue, and lilacs from the well-tended hydrangea bushes. The pool, lawns and BBQ areas all make for exceptional places to lap up the sunshine whilst contemplating the day’s activities – the options are numerous.
This Douro Valley rental makes a wonderful base from which to visit the many local vineyards for tastings and tours, take a boat ride down the river, plan a picnic in the vines or – if you visit at harvest time – participate in the Vendemia.
Special Features
- Historical home
- Stunning view of vineyards and Douro River
- 5 hectares of vineyards
- Swimming Pool
- Approximately 600 sq meters (6,500 sq ft) of space
- Old cellar with wine barrels
- Gym in the old granite grape-pressing tanks
- Padel Court
- Wood-burning fireplaces
- Indoor/outdoor living and dining
- BBQ
- Outdoor patios with various living and dining areas
- Fully-equipped kitchen
- Dining room seats 14 to 20 pax
- 3 Living rooms
- Wood-burning fireplace
- Pool table
- A/C
- Heating
Bedrooms and Bathrooms
The bedrooms are casual, relaxed and comfortable. The guest immediately feels as if he has arrived home or is lucky enough to have been invited to the wonderful home of a good friend. Architectural details abound with traditional guillotine windows and warm wooden floors.
Bedrooms are on two floors and all are bright and full of light with amazing views to the vineyards and the Douro River. All bedrooms have interior and exterior shutters.
The furnishings are as you’d expect from such a traditional home – each room with its own motif but all with painted or engraved wooden pieces, antique wooden beds, distinctive, hand-made Portuguese Arraiolos rugs and decorative pillows in traditional “chitas of Alocobaca” fabrics.
En-suite bathrooms are large and spacious with classic design ceramics.
BEDROOM 1 – UPPER LEVEL
Sleeps 2 – Two Twin beds. En-suite bathroom with rain-head shower and bidet.
BEDROOM 2 – UPPER LEVEL
Sleeps 2 – Two Twin beds. En-suite bathroom with rain-head shower and bidet.
BEDROOM 3 – GROUND FLOOR
Sleeps 2 – Double bed. Access to shared patio. En-suite bathroom with rain-head shower and bidet.
BEDROOM 4 – GROUND FLOOR
Sleeps 2 – Double bed. Access to shared patio. En-suite bathroom with rain-head shower and bidet.
BEDROOM 5 – GROUND FLOOR
Sleeps 2 – Two Twin beds. Access to shared patio. En-suite bathroom with rain-head shower and bidet.
BEDROOM 6 – GROUND FLOOR
Sleeps 2 – Double bed. En-suite bathroom with rain-head shower and bidet.
ALL BEDROOMS INCLUDE HOTEL-QUALITY SHEETS, BEDDING, TOWELS, TOILETRIES, HAIR DRYERS, HEATING AND A/C.
Living Areas
A home away from home, the feeling that you immediately belong in this house is impressed upon you the moment you walk through the door. The lovely interior touches that make it so special and welcoming are due in part to the warm use of woods, the big old farmhouse kitchen and the comfortable furnishings.
Charming and convivial spaces are just waiting to be used and enjoyed inside and out. This is a home to be enjoyed by friends, families and groups who enjoy cooking together, getting together for sunset cocktails, or hanging out by the BBQ.
What could be more suitable in this part of the agricultural world than a kitchen with a huge restored central table, a wood-fired oven and walls full of rosy copper pots. And the dining options do not stop here, the kitchen opens to the perfect patio for breakfast or lunch complete with views and an aromatic herb garden. Another, larger, patio for al fresco dining with more knockout views of the Douro River Valley is located off the cheery living room.
Rental Price Includes
- Daily housekeeping (2 housekeepers, 4 hours/day)
- Breakfast
- Linen changes once a week
- 24/7 Ambassador service (concierge)
- Itinerary planning, pre- and post-arrival
- Wi-Fi
Know Before You Go
- Steep terrain around the property means some uphill ambles
- Rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes are advised
- Young children will require supervision as the home boasts 5 hectares of terraced vineyards without fences
- A wine lover’s Paradise – you may not want to leave!
- The Douro Valley is the Port wine region – the home is surrounded by wineries
- TV only by request
- Wi-Fi only in the first living room
Staff and Services
- Housekeeper
- Concierge
Kids Services & Activities
- Kid-friendly property (ages 10 and over)
Pet Policy
- Please contact us for details
Activities Available On-Site or Nearby
- The obvious activity here is to drink wine! Hang in the infinity-edge pool and enjoy the fruits of the vines. Other activities include golf, wine tastings, vineyard visits, hiking, bird watching, sightseeing, boat tours and yoga.
SPECIALTY ACTIVITIES
- Personalized Vineyard Tours and Tastings: Let your Tripwix Ambassador introduce you the wine and Port-making process.
- Hiking: What a wonderful way to take in the sheer beauty of your surroundings! Directions are available so you can find your way to the surrounding vineyards for an on-foot tasting experience.
- Picnic: An absolutely favourite way to spend a day here is to hike up the hill beyond the furthest-reaching vines and lavish in a spectacular picnic that will be set up for you by the staff.
- Helicopter Service: A helipad on the property provides the flexibility to get you wherever you’d like to go for a quick day trip. This efficient way to travel can not only whisk you from Lisbon or Porto in a matter of minutes but can effectively deliver you to nearby golf courses, restaurants, hotels, shopping and more.
- River Boat: Douro means gold in Portuguese. Here, you have a golden opportunity to enjoy the river as well as the many wine houses and restaurants along this beautiful body of water. Enjoy a day – or even an overnight stay – on a charming riverboat cruise.
Additional Services ($€£)
- Round-trip airport transportation
- In-villa spa service
- Grocery shopping service
- Tours and excursions
- Fitness personnel
- Babysitting services
- Infant equipment rentals
- Security personnel
- Translators
- Private guides
- Other services may be available – just ask!
Your Ambassadors
“I want guests to experience the most exclusive services and experiences in Douro but still feeling like they are at home.”
