Casa do Conde

Bordered on almost all sides by sea and golden beaches, the district of O Grove is famed for its seafood, its idyllic and beautifully unspoilt coastline and its rich maritime history. Situated on the western tip of the peninsula that weaves between the waters of the ‘rías’ of Pontevedra and Arousa and linked to the mainland by a strip of land fringed by the impressively long sweep of sands of La Lanzada, it has become one of the most highly sought after destinations of Galicia’s Rías Baixas.

It was therefore with delight that we discovered Casa do Conde, an impressive stone built residence situated in the town of O Grove itself. Originally built by the town’s Countess and still preserved as an important landmark, its beautifully presented rooms display the subtle elegance that so befits a home of such stature. Each stylishly furnished bedroom is adjoined by its own bathroom, the classical living room opens conveniently onto a covered outdoor dining terrace and all exude an ambience of restful relaxation thanks to a calming decor of neutral tones.

Outside, pretty grounds encircle the house with gently sloping lawns, graceful palm trees and the colourful blooms of flowering plants to provide a delightful oasis for outdoor living. Whilst swimming in the pool or dining al fresco guests could in fact be forgiven for forgetting that this is a town house and yet a stroll of just 200m down the residential street will reveal the nearest of the town’s sandy beaches and the first of the many shops and restaurants that can all be reached on foot.

Being in the town itself and within walking distance of all amenities makes Casa do Conde an appealing choice for those not wishing to rely on a car. A short drive will however reveal some of the many beauty spots to be found along this picturesque peninsula: the golden sands of Playa de Pipas (5km), the majestic dune backed bay of La Lanzada (6km) and the pretty island of La Toja (4km) being just a few.