Sitting elegantly amidst mature grounds of lawns, trees, and lush foliage in the pretty neighbourhood of Arcozelo, this much-loved family home incorporates a wonderful fusion of traditional and contemporary architecture in the most enticing of settings. Facing east towards the picturesque riverside town of Ponte de Lima, its original stone façade bears witness to many generations of the local family who have lived here whilst to the west a newly added extension of light-filled rooms introduces a modern element with charming effect.
Along the pretty cobbled lanes that criss-cross the cluster of typical local homes and gardens of this attractive area, a pleasant walk of just 20 minutes will bring you to the central town square of Ponte de Lima. Overlooking the river, the elegant centre of Portugal’s most ancient town is as pretty as a picture. Its smart whitewashed facades, medieval buildings and restaurant-lined streets overlook the sandy banks of the River Lima which fill with colourful stalls of local produce every fortnight for the town’s twice monthly market.
Its proximity to one of the most picturesque towns of the Minho is sure to make Casa do Cruzeiro a firm favourite with guests. So too will the stylishly furnished interior and attractive grounds of what is evidently a cherished and proudly maintained home. As you step though one of the many glazed doors that line the wall of its west facing façade, you will find yourself in a spacious open plan living area, looking out onto the pool and its surrounding lawns. From here, the lush foliage and pretty grounds merge seamlessly with the inside space.
Two of the five bedrooms also enjoy this view across the swimming pool whilst to the rear of the living area steps lead the way into the original part of the building. A stylish restoration of this 18th Century cottage has introduced a light contemporary décor, up-to-the-moment fittings, and incorporated these with the original stone walls and ornate wooden ceilings to create a space that perfectly combines old and new.
