Justly considered to be the most beautiful region of the country, it is a land of wooded mountains, river valleys flowing with crystal clear water, verdant terraced hillsides of maize, and a profusion of vineyards.

This is Vinho Verde country. This delicious semi sparkling wine is the perfect accompaniment to the fine cuisine of the region.
A short drive away is Guimaraes, ‘ the cradle of the nation’.

It was the birthplace of Portugal’s first King, Afonso Henriques, who established his court here in the 12th Century. The historic centre of Guimaraes was considered World Heritage by UNESCO.

Steeped in history, the town has a wealth of medieval buildings and an impressive 10th Century Castle.

For those who enjoy the great outdoors, Portugal’s only National park, Peneda Geres is situated to the north of Fafe.

The beautiful Queimadela dam, ideal for walkers, is situated only a few kms from Casa das Paredes.

The cottages are both single storey and are comfortably furnished.  They are situated in a secluded area overlooking the beautiful estate gardens with ornamental pools and fountains.

Jardim Cottage

Three steps lead down to a hallway off which there is a twin bedroom with views of the garden. Across the hallway is a separate shower room.

From the hall you access the sitting room with an open fire, television, and a sofa bed suitable for one adult or two children.

The dining area has a table seating four persons. This room has views over the estate vineyards and corn fields.

There is a kitchenette with a sink unit, fridge, microwave and a 4 ring hob (two gas and two electric).

Lago Cottage

Three steps lead down to an open plan sitting/dining room with an open fire, television, and two sofa beds, each suitable for one adult.

This room has views over the estate and the dining table seats four persons.

There is a kitchenette with sink unit, fridge, 4 ring hob (two gas and two electric), microwave and a small combined grill/oven.

A door leads off the sitting room to a double room overlooking the estate grounds. There is a separate bathroom.
The two cottages share a separate laundry room with washing machine, dryer, and ironing facilities.

Outside, in the gardens there is a patio with seating for both cottages and a playground.

A short walk past an espigueiro (in times past they were used to dry corn) and through a shaded woodland bringing you to the swimming pool set in a lawned area.

There is poolside seating with umbrellas, and adjacent to this, a play area with swings and a slide.

The pool is for the use of the guests in both cottages and the Manor House.

The property has a 2 kms jogging or cycling track. Bicycles are available for the use of guests.

Portugal’s religious capital, Braga, is approximately 35 kilometres away. Its numerous Churches are fine examples of Gothic and Baroque architecture.

Braga is a bustling town with some great 19th Century coffee houses and a variety of restaurants in which to sample Minho cuisine.

Accommodation in the manor house can be seen by clicking on Casa das Paredes.

The nearest international airport is at Oporto (Porto).