Eirado

The elegant spa town of Mondariz Balneario has long been a favoured destination for holiday-makers seeking a relaxing retreat in the restful surroundings of its riverside beaches, pretty parks, stunning architecture, and the restorative thermal baths for which it is so renowned. It was therefore with delight that we discovered Eirado, a stylishly restored family home which is only an 8-minute drive from here in the charming local hamlet of O Barro.

A local village setting and charming vistas across a scenic patchwork of orchards, woodland and hills give this much-loved home a delightful ambience. The winding lanes that lead through O Barro weave their way past the local café and shop and a higgledy-piggledy collection of typical cottages before arriving at a set of entrance gates that open out to reveal a beautifully tended garden of lawns and terraces encircling a striking residence of local stone with a contemporary twist.

Displaying her flair for interior design and a love of architecture, the current owner has overseen an imaginative restoration of the home that for many years was the principal residence of her grandparents. Keen to preserve the soft-coloured stone so typical of the area she has successfully combined this with crisp walls of neutral tones and large picture windows to create a perfect fusion of old and new. From a first floor terrace country views spread out ahead like a picture-postcard whilst down below the pool and its surrounding lawns and patio enjoy the same attractive outlook.

It is a delightful setting from which to soak up such picturesque surroundings, and with Mondariz Balneario being just 5.2km away, the town’s excellent restaurants and elegant spa facilities are pleasingly close to hand. The stately facades of its 19th Century buildings give an almost regal feel to the central area whilst along the lush banks of the River Tea are scenic footpaths and a sandy beach with sheltered waters for bathing. Not to be missed is the iconic Water Palace where thermal pools, Jacuzzis, jets and waterfalls sit beneath a large crystal dome, and if a trip to the coast is on the agenda, the seaside at Cesantes is just 40 minutes away by car.