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Quinta da Bemvisa

Calheiros, Ponte de Lima, Costa Verde & Minho

  • 10
  • 5
  • 6

Accommodation

At a glance

  1. Sleeps 10
  2. 4 Double Bedrooms
  3. 1 Twin Bedroom
  4. 6 Bathrooms
  5. WiFi
  6. Tennis Court
  • Ground Floor: Sitting room (fireplace, TV, DVD, CD) with doors to garden. Shower room (sloping ceiling). Kitchen (oven, microwave, dishwasher) with door to garden. Dining room with sitting area (fireplace, iPod dock, TV, DVD, CD) with doors to garden and courtyard. WiFi. Central heating throughout the house.
  • First Floor: Hall/sitting area with door to steps leading down to the grounds. Double bedroom (four poster bed) with en suite bathroom and door leading to steps down to garden. Two double bedrooms with en suite bathroom. Twin bedroom with open en suite bathroom.
  • Second Floor: (Accessed via the first floor double bedroom with four poster bed) Double bedroom incorporating shower cubicle, WC and basin, with door to external steps leading to outside area.
  • Outside: Spacious grounds of lawned terraces. Open and covered terraces. Tennis court (bring your own equipment). Laundry room (washing machine). Covered poolside dining area. Poolside shower and WC. Barbecue. Private parking.
  • Private, infinity swimming pool (11m x 5m) with wide Roman steps.

Contemporary chic meets traditional heritage in this charming country residence, which sits amidst sweeping lawned grounds that incorporate a private tennis court, an idyllic infinity pool, a smart outdoor dining area and the most picturesque of vistas across undulating countryside towards the historic riverside town of Ponte de Lima, which is some 8km away.

His commitment to preserving the original style of a home that has belonged to his family for many generations led the owner of Quinta da Bemvisa to employ only the most skilled of craftsmen in the property’s restoration. Age old methods and techniques have been used to produce the exquisite honey coloured stonework that is displayed both in the house and the nearby barbecue area, whilst charming 16th Century features have been delightfully retained in the stone seats that adjoin bedroom windows and the ornate stone archways that span many of the doors.

These charming period features have been skilfully interwoven into a fresh décor of stylish muted tones, crisp white furnishings and carefully selected pinewood to produce an elegant interior that exudes quality, tradition and a delightful contemporary twist.

Outside, ample space is provided by the extensive grassed grounds, which slope southwards down from the house in wide terraces, dotted with fruit and olive trees and encircled at the bottom by a lush border of woodland and shrubs. On a raised level at the back lies the tennis court, which together with the swimming pool and its adjacent dining terrace looks out across the panoramic vista after which the house takes its name.

Nestling amidst the hills and valleys that make up this scenic view, a cluster of rooftops and spires signals the proximity of one of Portugal’s oldest and most historic towns. Sitting on the banks of the river, Ponte de Lima offers a delightful range of shops, bars and restaurants within its ornate squares and cobbled alleyways. This is a 10 minute drive from the house, whilst just 30 minutes further on lie the long stretches of sandy dune backed beach for which the Costa Verde is so favoured. Closer to hand, basic items can be bought in the village shop in Calheiros, just 1.5km away.

  • Terraced grounds mean that very young children may need supervision.

Pricing & Availability

All Prices are per property, not per person.

Location of Quinta da Bemvisa

Locality

Great Things to Do Near Quinta da Bemvisa

Don't miss out on the local festivals...

There are two very enjoyable ones in Ponte de Lima, one held in June, known as the Vaca das Cordas (when ropes are tied around the horns of a bull, which is then led onto the sand to 'fight' with the local population) and one in September, when the town once again bursts into life with the jolly event known as the Feiras Novas (New Fairs). This is the town festival, which includes a huge market, fireworks, a funfair, carnival costumes and a brass band competition.

Head to the coast for the day...

Discover the beautifully unspoilt beaches that stretch north and south of Viana do Castelo.

Enjoy the natural and wonderful landscapes of the Peneda-Geres National Park...

Explore the small villages of Pitões das Júnias and Tourém, which have held onto their traditional customs, or follow the shepherds trails from Mata da Albergaria through to Portela do Homem which will lead you to some beautiful waterfalls.

Shop for ceramics at the colourful Thursday market held in Barcelos...

This is the largest market in Portugal, and is held every Thursday in a vast open square in the centre of the town. The town is the birthplace of the 'Galo de Barcelos', the small cockerel, which is widely represented in traditional ceramic throughout the country and will no doubt be found on one of the stalls.

Relax and enjoy the peace and quiet...

Sit back beside your pool with a cool drink and admire the views from the garden over the lovely Portuguese countryside.

Mingle with the locals at Ponte de Lima's market...

The fortnightly market is held on alternate Mondays down on the sandy banks of the river where it has been held since the year 1125 and is a huge and lively affair!

Explore the charming fortress town of Valenca...

A little further north of Caminha, this delightful border town is steeped in history. Drive through the ancient archway that leads the way through the impressive walls that encircle the old quarter to discover cobbled streets and a delightful range of shops selling the beautifully embroidered towels and linen for which the town is famous

Stroll the streets of Ponte da Barca, a peaceful small town on the River Lima a little further inland than Ponte de Lima...

It takes its name from days when people had to cross the river by barge. Apart from the bridge other attractions include the Pillory built in the 16th century and the Ancient Market, both at the Poets Plaza. There is a lovely walk along the river, perfect for strolling after a meal in one of the excellent restaurants.

Visit the Ponte Romana bridge...

As Ponte de Lima is Portugal's oldest town, its bridge dates from Roman times. Take a stroll across and admire the river from both sides. The view towards the old town and the mountains are fantastic. There are models of Roman soldiers crossing the river on both sides and other statues on the river bank too.

From May to October, Ponte de Lima hosts the International Garden Festival on the north bank of the river...

Every year there is a different theme and entrants are from all over the world. A really pleasant way to spend a fascinating afternoon...

Hire bikes from the nautical club in Ponte de Lima and follow the Ecovia which runs parallel to the river...

The path runs from Ponte de Lima alongside the Minho to the Bertiandos and S. Pedro de Arcos lagoons. This is a protected wetlands nature reserve with several trails to follow, either by bike or on foot.

Ponte da Barca is a great starting point to further explore the Peneda do Gerês Natural Park...

From here, scenic drives lead to the old villages of Lindoso with its Castle, Mezio with its natural Lagoons and Soajo with the typical 'Espigueiros' where locals keep their corn.

Visit Guimaraes, the first capital of Portugal and birthplace of the nation's first king,

is one of the country's most historic cities, and its World Heritage medieval streets with well-preserved monuments make it definitely worth a visit. While there visit the castle and then try some Tortas de Guimarães, custard tarts made traditionally by nuns following an age-old recipe.

Nearby

Towns/Villages

Ponte de Lima 15 mins 
Ponte de Barca 25 mins 
Viana do Castelo 30 mins 
Arcos de Valdevez 30 mins 

Beaches

Cabedelo 35 mins 
Carreço 40 mins 
Moledo 40 mins 

Airports

Vigo 40 mins 
Porto 55 mins 
Santiago de Compostela 1 Hr 35 mins 
A Coruña 2 Hrs 15 mins 
Times are approximate

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