I am a retreat leader who booked Casa De Piellas for my group in September. Joao could not have been more helpful from the time we booked until even past the day we departed! We stayed for 9 nights. Some guests had left items on the estate, and he arranged to have them mailed to our next stop! He arranged tours, an amazing chef, Marta, and Isabelle, to help us with breakfast and tend to any needs we had during our stay. The little town is not touristy and worth a visit on its own merit. Now to the estate, having been in Joao's family for seven generations, I appreciate the effort and love that went into its current restoration and the generosity of the family to open it up for guests. From the well-equipped, comfortable rooms, to the pool, to the incredible grounds and formal garden, the place is a step back in time. I can not recommend Casa de Peillas more. Do not hesitate to book it.

As a family we agreed this is the best place we have stayed in - so much so we barely left the Casa! There was so much to enjoy, the lovely accommodation, the hours spent at the pool, the meals in the courtyard, the walks around the beautiful gardens and not forgetting the animals - we enjoyed collecting eggs in the morning and watching Isabella collect the geese. Joao was so helpful with all communications and arranging transport. We didn’t want to leave and we will definitely be back!

Casa de Piellas is such a unique and wonderful property that I’m at a bit of loss to convey the experience in words. Having visited 5-star hotels the world over, this rates among the very top, a rare joy in all ways. The pictures do not do it justice: the charming courtyards, comfortable interiors, and truly spectacular gardens and pool area. And the peacocks! It’s a thrill to encounter them when passing through “their” space which divides the main house from the pool house. Every detail reflects the owners’ commitment to honoring its heritage, and their own history as 9th-generation owners. But what’s most impressive is how the deeply personal antique furnishings and vintage elements (I’m thinking of cooking facilities, in particular, with multiple wood-burning cooking options to complement the modern hob/oven) are so welcoming and usable. And where modern standards are warranted, the property excels: brilliantly comfortable mattresses and modern bathrooms throughout, and well-stockeds kitchens (yes, two) with equipment to make and serve just about anything you could imagine. The bountiful produce from the gardens that appeared each morning in the kitchen - like magic - was a truly special touch. Joao is a charming and attentive host, responding within minutes to any query, and helping us organize food and excursions to the many wonderful sightseeing options in this spectacular and less-touristed part of Portugal - though I can't imagine it will stay as such much longer.

Our family stayed at Casa Piellas for a week- 14 of us ranging in age from 2- 72yrs and everyone had an amazing time! The property is beautiful and expansive and the house has many separate areas - so everyone can be together at the pool or in the courtyard or you can find a place of peace and quiet in the gardens or one of the rooms. Joáo was a very friendly, generous and responsive host both before the booking and during our stay, allowing us early access to the property (our landed early morning) and welcoming us with lemonade, coffee and homemade blueberry pie. The grounds are spectacular - a large, formal garden and larger wooded areas and fields to explore. We spent a lot of time at the pool area which is lovely. Great pool for little kids to paddle on the step and the older ones to jump around in a large area and even pool toys to play with. Rooms were all well furnished and maintained. The kitchen is gorgeous - the real heart of the home, and the cooking room with the wood oven is a wonderful feature especially for those who enjoy cooking - we made great lamb and pizzas in the oven. There are loads of utensils, crockery and cutlery. We didnt use the impressive formal dining room, rather having our meals in the downstairs garden room or outside in the courtyard. It says something about the villa that there are at least 3 areas that can accommodate 14 people meals. The area is great to explore - we walked to nearby river pools to swim, there is a deer and play park just up the road and numerous little villages to explore close by. We did a wine tasting at Santa Cristina which was also highly recommended. The only tiny issue is that there often isnt a lot of space to unpack clothes in the rooms. But that is very minor issue. Overall it is a incredible experience. We were planning when we can return!