Take a leisurely river trip along the Lima River from the pier in Viana do Castelo...
There are shorter trips of around 45 minutes or you can take a longer trip which includes lunch.
Quinta de São Sebastião
Facha, Ponte de Lima, Costa Verde & Minho
- 10
- 5
- 5
FROM
£ 2,150
PER WEEK
Accommodation
At a glance
- Sleeps 10
- 2 Double Bedrooms
- 3 Twin Bedrooms
- 5 Bathrooms
- Air Conditioning
- WiFi
- Upper Floor: Entrance hall. Cloakroom. Sitting room (TV, DVD, WiFi). Dining room. Double bedroom with en suite shower room. Twin bedroom with en suite bathroom. Air conditioning throughout the house.
- Lower Floor: Hall with door to covered terrace. Kitchen (oven, microwave, dishwasher) with door to covered terrace. Two twin bedrooms with en suite shower room and French doors to the front. Double bedroom with en suite shower room and French doors to the front. Original wine cellar.
- Outside: Spacious grounds of wide lawns, trees and flowerbeds. Barbecue. Open and covered terraces. Laundry room (washing machine). Pond.
- Private swimming pool (12m x 6m).
Amidst flower-filled meadows and wooded countryside in the local hamlet of Facha, this beautifully restored stone ‘quinta’ and its spacious grounds offer a winning combination of historic character and contemporary design to provide the most stylish and idyllic of retreats.
With a history that dates back over more than 100 years, this is a home that oozes charm and a distinct sense of heritage. Within the ancient walls that surround its fashionably uncluttered interior tales of its past have been lovingly preserved. On the upper floor original stone seats sit either side of traditionally painted windows; in the atmospheric kitchen stone ovens have been retained alongside the gleaming units of their up-to-date equivalent; a now unused set of stone steps still bears the imprints of the metal soled clogs worn by the many children who inhabited the property when it was a schoolhouse.
Encircling this delightful residence are the equally enticing gardens, which enjoy scenic views towards the gently undulating slopes of the Serra de No. Olive, fig and orange are just some of the varied fruit trees that are dotted across the extensive lawns surrounding the swimming pool whilst pretty terraces are bordered with the colourful foliage of flowering plants.
Just 600m away is the local café/shop which provides basic provisions. All amenities can be found in the riverside squares and cobbled streets of Ponte de Lima (7km) from where a drive of about 30 minutes reveals the area’s stunning coastline of sandy dune backed beaches.
- Property Licence No. RNET 4631 CC
Pricing & Availability
Location of Quinta de São Sebastião
Locality
Great Things to Do Near Quinta de São Sebastião
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!
Don't miss out on the local 'festas' ...
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.
Explore the Gil Eannes Hospital ship. Built in 1955 in the Viana shipyard and originally served as a hospital ship to Portuguese fishermen...
But in 1984 it was taken out of service and spent several years languishing in Lisbon harbour. In 1997 it was sold for scrap, but the community of Viana saved it and is now moored in the town's harbour. Visitor's can view the bridge, galley, bakery, engine room, doctor's office, treatment room, radiology room, several cabins and temporary exhibition rooms.
In July visit the Ponte de Lima Summer Festival of Opera and Classical Music, fast becoming one of Europe's top cultural events...
Performances take place in several venues including historic manor houses, local churches and the Teatro Diogo Bernardes, a 19th century theatre in Ponte de Lima.
Hire canoes on the Minho and explore some of the nicest views along the river banks...
Watch out for the area's wildlife, such as the herons who are frequent visitors along the Minho.
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 an afternoon.
Explore the charming fortress town of Valença...
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.
Follow the Vinho verde wine trail...
Along the banks of the Minho Valley which passes between undulating hills covered with the vines which produce the lightly sparkling and very tasty wine of the region.
Play Golf at the Axis Golf club, an 18 hole course in Ponte de Lima...
Afterwards, enjoy dinner in their excellent on site restaurant.
Enjoy a day horseriding at the Centre Equestre riding school...
You can have a pleasant lunch or dinner in the restaurant - only a 15 minute drive from Quinta de São Sebastião.
Set aside a day to visit the beautiful city of Porto..
Visit the Planetarium to plot some of those stars you have been watching. Walk down the steep higgledy-piggledy, tiny streets that tumble down to the river Douro. Cross the iron bridge built by Monsieur Eiffel. Visit the port caves to try that famous drink. Then rest your feet and take the Open Top Tour bus for a fabulous view of all the best landmarks.
A pleasant walk of around 10 kms takes you up a hill above Ponte de Lima to the Chapel of Santo Ovidio...
Inside the chapel, the hard of hearing leave waxed models of their ears for the saint. Part of the walk follows the pilgrim's route to Santiago, so you pass many shrines on the way. (Details of walks are available from the tourist office).
Fish your own dinner...
Just to the north of Ponte de Lima in Arcozelo there is a fish farm where visitors are lent rods and tackle and can catch their own supper. The trout is either grilled on the spot or you can take it home to cook yourself. In a delightful pretty spot, the farm is open all day every day and has a cafe which also serves local specialities.
Browse the stalls of the largest market in Portugal, held on Thursdays in Barcelos...
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.
Sample the local Vinho Verde wine, particularly the Alvarinho, a style unique to this area...
Then stock up with supplies at the wine co-operative in Ponte de Lima. The Adega Cooperativa is in Rua Conde Bertiandos (near the hospital).
Do some souvenir hunting at any of the local markets or craft fairs...
The people of the Alto Minho still continue with many ancient handicrafts passed down through generations. Viana do Castelo is renowned for its colourfully embroidered festival dresses and other hand embroidered items, and Barcelos for its pottery. But almost everywhere you can visit small artisanal workshops where weaving, basketwork, lacework, wood carving and toys are still made using traditional methods.
Visit 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.
Head to the coast for the day...
Discover the beautifully unspoilt beaches that stretch north and south of Viana do Castelo, just over a 30 minute drive from the house.
Take the funicular to the church of Santa Luzia for fantastic views over the historic port of Viana do Castelo...
Climb the dome and look out from the very very top. Then head into the town and wander around the fascinating embroidery shops for which the town is famous.
Nearby
Towns/Villages
| Ponte de Lima | 15 mins | |
| Viana do Castelo | 30 mins | |
| Moledo | 40 mins | |
| Braga | 45 mins | |
| Guimarães | 1 Hr |
Beaches
| Amorosa | 35 mins | |
| Praia do Rodanho | 35 mins | |
| Praia da Âncora | 40 mins | |
| Carreço | 40 mins | |
| Afife | 45 mins |
Airports
| Vigo | 55 mins | |
| Porto | 1 Hr | |
| Santiago de Compostela | 1 Hr 55 mins | |
| A Coruña | 2 Hrs 25 mins |
