Casa Carvalho

About this property

Amidst the lush, green countryside and hills of the Minho region is Casa Carvalho, a traditional stone villa not far from the quaint town of Vila Praia de Ancora.

This ancient farmhouse has been renovated throughout to create a sense of regal luxury. Many original features have been retained and the tasteful choice of furnishings complements the villa's rich past.

On the ground floor is a large sitting room with three palatial sofas and footstool for extra comfort. There's also a coffee table, open feature fireplace and doors leading to the outside area. A small staircase will take you up to the first floor.

To the first floor is another sitting room with both living and dining areas. This space features a selection of antique furniture, with the plush sofa and armchairs being ideal for sinking back in comfort and soaking up the atmosphere of the room. A dining table and chairs add further grandeur. The large kitchen is full of rustic charm, with stone walls, a bread oven and feature shelves. Providing modern convenience is a breakfast table for casual dining or additional meal preparation space. A library with desk is a great place to retreat to for some quiet time alone or to catch up on emails.

To this floor are four large, elegant bedrooms. The master double bedroom features an open fireplace, sofa and en-suite bathroom. A further two double bedrooms and one twin bedroom all have en-suite shower rooms. One double bedroom features a lovely skylight that floods the room with natural light during the day and gives the feeling of sleeping under the stars by night. There is also a twin bedroom with an adjoining shower room.

Adjacent to the main villa is a charming cottage which has an ensuite twin bedroom and utility room with washing machine for your convenience.

The grounds are quite simply breathtaking in their range and character. Stroll through the sprawling lawns of the stone-walled garden to discover hidden corners and spaces from when the land was used for farming. There's almost a magical, fairy tale feel to the outside space and the views over the valley and ocean are just as spellbinding. At the heart of the villa area is a large, private swimming pool surrounded by a decked terrace with sun loungers for maximum relaxation. A barbecue area is ideal for enjoying meals cooked with delicious local fish and seafood.

With Casa Carvalho being in such a rural area, you'll need a car to reach basic amenities such as shops and minimarkets. If you just want to walk around the immediate area for an afternoon stroll, you'll be delighted as you come across several chapels dotted along the quiet country roads.

Around 10 minutes away by car is the fishing village of Vila Praia de Ancora with its beautiful sands and large choice of beachfront restaurants. For larger stretches of beach on the Costa Verde, head slightly further north along the coast to Praia de Moledo or Foz do Minho. These beaches are where the sea meets the Minho River and so a variety of water sports are on offer. Kayaking and canoeing are ideal on the calmer waters of the river, whilst the strong winds of the Atlantic provide a surfer's paradise.

The historical town of Caminha is approximately 13 km and a 20-minute drive from the villa. The highlight of the old town is the main square, from which many 15th and 16th century buildings are found. A clock tower that was once the medieval castle's keep is a particularly attractive sight as you pass into the square. At its centre is a fountain that has provided a focal point for locals and visitors alike since the 16th century. There's a lovely weekly market where you can pick up fresh produce as well as examples of local pottery and crafts.

Around an hour's drive from the villa is the city of Porto. It's Portugal's second largest city and is located along the Douro River estuary. Its historic centre has been recognised as a unesco World Heritage Site and features one of the city's oldest monuments, Porto Cathedral. This magnificent building showcases different styles from over several centuries, including Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque.

Accommodation

The Villa
Casa Carvalho offers not only stunning views of the Minho countryside, but also the Atlantico Ocean on the horizon. This once farmhouse has been transformed into a luxury holiday home, with a touch of regal Portugal. There is even a small cottage adjacent to the main house.

Ground Floor
- Living area

First Floor
- Master bedroom, with en-suite bathroom
- Double bedrooms, with en-suite bathrooms
- Twin bedroom, with en-suite bathroom
- Dining & living area
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Library

Cottage
- Twin bedroom, with en-suite bathroom
- Utility room

Exterior
- Private swimming pool, with Roman steps access (10mx5m)
- Barbecue
- Lawn area
- Outdoor dining & furniture
- Parasols
- Private Parking
- Sun loungers