Casa Afife

About this property

Nestled on the outskirts of the serene coastal village of Afife, Casa Afife stands as an elegant countryside haven, offering a tranquil retreat just a stone's throw away from the charming town of Viana do Castelo. From Afife's pleasant micro-climate and close proximity to the inviting shores, Casa Afife presents a captivating option for a rejuvenating escape.

The property's history comes alive with the restoration of the former baker's house and distillery. These spaces have been transformed into a delightful games room and a relaxation annexe, offering guests the perfect entertainment and tranquillity. The wooden decked terrace, a part of the old distillery, affords uninterrupted sea views, making it a sought-after spot, often called the perfect evening retreat for a refreshing G&T.

Stepping into the main house, guests are greeted by characterful stone-clad walls, beamed ceilings, and generously shuttered windows. The interior spaces have been thoughtfully adorned with trendy furnishings, balancing modern elegance and cosy comfort. Each bedroom carries its unique style, showcased by contemporary floor tiling, offering a touch of personality to the abode.

The ground floor encompasses a spacious open-plan kitchen and dining area, a comfortable living room, a guest toilet, and a twin bedroom designed to cater to those with mobility concerns. The kitchen is a culinary haven, boasting modern cabinetry, state-of-the-art appliances, and luxurious marble worktops. Adjoining this is the dining area, with a generously sized country-style table bathed in natural light.

A step outdoors reveals an array of terraces, mature gardens adorned with vibrant bougainvillaea, and breathtaking panoramas. Numerous alfresco lounging spots invite guests to unwind, enjoy a glass of wine, and soak in the mesmerizing surroundings. The al fresco dining area is a highlight, providing an idyllic setting for starlit barbecues. The inviting 12m x 5.5m swimming pool invites relaxation, flanked by elegant loungers perfect for sun-soaked respites.

As the sun sets, the relaxation annexe beckons with its games and table tennis, offering a friendly space for evening entertainment. For those seeking a touch more seclusion, the adjacent charming cottage boasts a tranquil bedroom, a bathroom, and a mezzanine level ideal for accommodating extra guests or children.

Casa Afife is located in a magical spot on the outskirts of Afife which is just over one kilometre away. Afife offers a good array of cafes, shops and restaurants as well as a stunning 3 km stretch of sparkling sand. The beach is absolutely fabulous but you can also hike to amazing waterfalls and trek along the mountains. It is a wonderful area for those that love the outdoors. You can ride horses on the beach or in the mountains.

Just south of the villa is the captivating, historic city of Viana do Castelo, a city offering a wealth of heritage definitely worth visiting. The pearly white, neo-Byzantine Santa Luzia Church presides over the city, sitting high on the hilltop in all its majesty. You can reach the basilica by climbing the steps, taking the car or riding the funicular. From the top, visitors delight in a gob-smacking view over the town, rated the world’s third most beautiful panorama by the National Geographic Magazine. Viana do Castelo’s compact historic centre boasts extravagant religious buildings including St Mary the Great’s Cathedral built in the fifteenth century, charming cafes, elegant plazas, incredible mansions and narrow shopping streets which open onto the banks of the Lima River. As well as offering architectural grandeur, Viana do Castelo also offers seaside charm. A little ferry takes you to the magnificent Cabadelo Beach where you can kite surf, bask in the Portuguese sunshine and wander along the wooden promenade.

Casa Afife is surrounded by nature in the glorious Minho region which offers wonderful activities including the Ecovia cycling route, kayaking along the Lima River, river bathing in Labruja, mountain biking or hiking in the Serra D’Arga and birdwatching in the Lagoas de Bertiandos. Along with Viana do Castelo, there are some other phenomenal towns to visit.

Ponte de Lima is one of Portugal’s oldest towns which enjoys an atmospheric ambience and offers a wonderful cultural experience. The Ponte de Lima Bridge is 277 metres long, stretching over the beautiful Lima River. The Romans built the first five arches and it was then fortified and extended by fifteen arches during the medieval period. Ponte de Lima boasts two magnificent churches, Igreja da Misericordia and Igreja de Santo Antonio which sits across the river with its baroque styling. Largo de Camoes Plaza is the town’s bustling square with wonderful views of the Lima River and a good array of cafes, bars and restaurants. Ponte de Lima is the home of the famous vinho verde wine so you will certainly enjoy this in the square. Torre da Cadeia Velha is a tower which is part of the old Ponte de Lima wall. It is used for exhibitions and tourist shops. Ponte de Lima sits in glorious countryside with fabulous viewpoints. These include Miradouro of Saint Catarina which offers views of the river, Miradouro of Magdalene which enjoys views over the town and surrounding landscape and Miradouro of Bola da Pena which enjoys 360-degree views of the entire area. The gastronomy in the town is amazing with excellent local Portuguese dishes. Some restaurants enjoy gorgeous riverside settings. The town is surrounded by magical green landscapes and is a stop on the famous Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route.

The gorgeous town of Caminha, sitting at the mouth of the Minho River, boasts the ancient Torre do Relogio de Caminha, the clock tower which forms part of the old city walls built in the 12th century and is a national monument. You can climb to the top of the tower to enjoy fabulous views of the town. The Rua Direita or Ricardo Joaquim de Sousa Street is the cobbled main street in the historic centre. Another historic monument is the Igreja Matriz de Caminha where you can admire tiles from the 17th century. Visitors can take a ferry over to Galicia from Caminha.

Accommodation

Main House
Ground Floor
-  Living room with comfortable seating, satellite TV, DVD player and access to a terrace
- Open plan dining area for 12 people and access to the terrace
- Well equipped fitted kitchen with access to a terrace
- Guest toilet
- Luggage room
- Bedroom with two single beds, access to the terrace and en-suite bathroom
First Floor
- Master bedroom with double bed, access to a private balcony and en-suite bathroom
- Bedroom with double bed, sea and pool views and en-suite shower room
- Bedroom with two single beds, sea views and en-suite shower room
- Bedroom with two single beds, sea views and en-suite shower room
Cottage
Ground Floor
- Bedroom with double bed, two single beds in mezzaniine level and access to a terrace
- Shower room
Old Distillery
Ground Floor
- Ample living room with comfortable seating, pizza over and access to a terrace
- Games room with pool table
Exterior Grounds
- Private heated swimming pool (extra cost, see T&Cs) (12 x 5.5 m, 1.10 to 2.20 m depth)
- Large patio and garden area
- Grass football field
- Covered terrace
- Outdoor dining
- Various sun loungers
- Garden furniture
- Various parasols
- Private parking
- Vegetable garden
- Barbecue

Additional Facilities
- Wi-Fi connection
- Air conditioning
- Washing machine
- DVD player
- Stereo System
- Dishwasher
- Satellite TV
- Hair dryer
- Coffe machine
- PS3 console
- Sea views

License Number: 9136/rnet