Quinta da Palma

Spacious grounds of pretty flowerbeds, neat lawns, landscaped seating areas and an al fresco dining room give this charming family home a wonderful choice of attractive outdoor spaces from which to enjoy the scenic surroundings of this picturesque corner of Portugal. Beyond the property’s boundary a patchwork of fruit orchards and vineyards spreads out amongst clusters of local homes and in the distance a silhouette of rolling hills forms a restful outlook. At the same time, Quinta da Palma’s advantageous location, in the heart of the village of Fontao and just a short stroll from the nearest restaurant, adds even further to its appeal.

Entering via a quintessential stone-pillared veranda, you will be welcomed into a delightful open-plan living area where the characterful features that so typify elegant residences of the Minho have been beautifully maintained by the caring owners. Colourful local tiles create a striking backdrop for the kitchen units, walls of open stone are overlooked by an eye-catching wood ceiling and an elegant stone archway adds to the charm as it spans the width of the room. From here a spacious corridor leads to the attractive bedrooms and bathrooms whilst on the other side of the sitting room a door opens onto steps leading down to the pool.

Surrounded by lawn and made private by the mature hedge that encircles it, this larger than average pool sits in just one of a selection of outdoor spaces that have been thoughtfully incorporated into the extensive grounds. On the other side of the house two in-built barbecues are housed within a covered outdoor dining area, pretty areas of flowerbeds are interspersed with lawns and patios and a spacious games room provides the wherewithal for fun games of table tennis and table football.

Its location, in the local village of Fontao, means that Quinta da Palma is within walking distance of the village’s two restaurants, the closest being just 120m from the house. Shops and more amenities can be found in nearby Lanheses (3km) whilst the pretty riverside town of Ponte de Lima can be reached by way of a 10-minute drive. Not to be missed, however, are the beautifully unspoilt dune-backed beaches that stretch north and south of the coastal port of Viana do Castelo, just a 20-minute drive from the house.