Portugal
NORTH PORTUGAL
PropertyID 526: Cabeceiras de Basto Sleeps 4-6
Property Image
cottage ref 526
Beautifully situated in a lovely valley surrounded by magnificent mountains this basic but fully equipped cottage is the perfect base from which to explore one of the most beautiful areas of Portugal. From here you can visit Guimarães (18 miles), the birth place of Portugal; Portugal's largest National Park (17 miles), the Peneda-Ger?s, where wild horse herds still roam; the Douro Valley, home of the Port wine and its fabled vineyards (1.5 hours away); the Atlantic coast and its sandy beaches is also 1.5 hours away; Braga and its rich religious heritage (1hour). There is also an enormous variety of local villages to visit, most of which have changed very little from ancient times.

The local town (Cabeceiras de Basto) has a weekly market.

The walking around here is fantastic and the owners, experienced walking guides themselves, can provide written walks along with ordnance survey maps for the area, Garmin Gps tracks available for walks. The information pack on walks/drives/sightseeing has been fully updated for the 2011 season. There is also a specific information pack with maps and self-guided walks for the Peneda-Gerês National Park. We can also help to arrange transport to and from walks where necessary.

The area is great for bird watching and other activities such as painting. We also hire bicycles, if needed.

The very quiet and beautiful surroundings are ideal for relaxing, either by the pool or around the barbecue with a local bottle of wine The property's own woodland walk has been extended for 2011. Within the farm there is access to telephone/fax and internet if needed.

The local town provides a very comprehensive and cheap bus service to virtually anywhere in the country and also supplies all shopping requitrements.

Local taxis are also very reasonable.

If hiring a car it is best to use fly-drive arrangements.

Cheap flights Uk to Porto are available through Ryan Air and Tap Air Portugal and Easyjet. For those not wishing to hire a car, transport from the airport can be arranged.

Complimentary first evening dinner for two on all bookings of one week or more.

General details
pets allowed
approx floor area: 60 m2
Property type: country cottage

Sleeping arrangements

1 family room(s), 1 double room(s)

Bathrooms
1 shower room(s) with wc

Living areas
1 kitchen with dining area, 1 lounge with dining area

Kitchen facilities
hobs, fridge, washing machine, microwave

Other facilities
television, music system, satellite, Communal garden, Communal pool, Private terrace, bbq

Heating/cooling
air conditioning, fans, independent heating

Included in rental price
bed linen, towels, iron, local taxes, utilities

Unavailable
baby cot, high chair, fuel for fire

Access details
parking facilities: off road, 2+ cars
disabled access: not suitable
lift: none
nearest railway station: Guimar?es, 30 km
nearest airport: O'Porto, 100 km
other option: plenty of buses , 3 km

cottage ref 526
good area for walking
walk by river
pool
bedroom
living area
cottage garden
cottage in spring

For independent feedback on PropertyID 526, read what previous visitors thought of it.

Average rating:    (Good to Excellent)
Number of reviews: 21
Just as described. Tucked away on a hillside, this lovely accommodation is in a peaceful environment and the owners Mark and Tina are extremely helpful. The pool offers a welcome return after a day touring in hot weather. The staircase is narrow at one point but easily negotiated. This is a quiet location so the slightest sound in the night is audible for a light sleeper. Great holiday.
Paul Winnington, Aug 2011,
We were looking for basic, clean and comfortable self catering lodgings. We got great hospitality,scenery and well arranged walking and touring information as well. Looking forward to returning in a couple of years to do what we did not have time to do this time. Thank you Mark and Marion for your time and interest. regards Marion and Roger.
Marion Borthwick, May 2011,
we stayed in the barn for a week in august 2010, the house is great, simple and warm, fitted with everything you need. we cooked full meals, and used the best barbecue i have encountered yet (with a built-in vent wheel to build up fire). the whole property is extremely well kept, beautiful gardening and fish pools well integrated into the natural landscape. the house is surrounded by a beautiful woodland high up on a hill overlooking the whole area. the property owners are very welcoming and even though their house is right next door one could hardly believe they were there since they gave us so much privacy. we often rent self catering houses and this is one of the best we have had so far. highly recommended
karina tollman, Aug 2010,
i can think of very few places in the north of Portugal that are anything like as perfect for an esacape from the business of getting and spending. i've lived in Portugal for nearly 30 years and know my way around. If you're looking for absolute tranquility, go no further. This stunning place is a mere hour from our home in Porto but feels like a cosmos away. If you have an interest in swimming, you will find the best pool imaginable--pure spring water straight out of the mountains--a little difficult to imagine. i haven't yet dared try a normal pool again. The owners turn their stunning property over to you with incredible generosity. If you want advice, conversation etc, it's there and with great patience. We arrived with 2 young kids and 2 urban dogs who were not easy with the bucolia of orchards and ancient olive trees, vines and passion fruit flowers, and a bit too vocal about it, but Mark and Tina took it completely in their stride. Impressive.
I cannot imagine not returning--in fact i'm about to check availability right now.
john havelda, Aug 2010,
The Barn was everything we hoped for and more. An idyllic woodland setting offering many easy local walks. Excellent and very comfortable facilities - a lovely garden and pool. Tina and Mark are friendly and discrete hosts - all we needed to do was ask. We found the barn a perfect centre - very handy for accessing the National parks and other places of interest. We hope to return very soon!
Elizabeth Moffat, Jul 2010,

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Calendar Key

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Bookings accepted starting Sun only

The basic weekly price is for up to 4 people with extra people charged at £15.00 each

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