The perfect place for a family or group of friends who like each other's company but also like their own space. Two houses (one an apartment on the ground floor of our farmhouse, the other house is almost opposite). Both are unique and complement each other (they can be rented separately, so are equipped with everything and do not rely on each other). One represents quiet antiquity, with thick stone walls and a shaded pergola running along the front, whilst the other is tastefully modern, with fabulous views and high sloping pine ceilings - with bi-fold doors opening onto a large salt-water pool, with panoramic views all around.
The apartment is on the ground floor of the main farmhouse, and has 3 bedrooms
- 2 double bedrooms (one with a super king size bed), and one with twin beds, and 2 bathrooms (each with showers), a large sitting room/kitchen and a patio next to the BBQ.
The apartment's kitchen has an attractive island, with induction hob and cooker below.
It also has a little pool, 6m x 6m, with sun loungers on a terrace. It is illuminated at night. The terrace, surrounded by kiwis, has 4 sun loungers, a table and chairs and a small outdoor fridge - it's 1 minute from the house, walking along a path.
The Pool House has a double bedroom (Queen size bed), a twin bedroom and 2 bathrooms (one off the hallway, and one on a terrace near the pool), with a fully equipped kitchen/living room (with sofa and TV) and an extra dining/ sitting area with wall-mounted TV on the veranda. There are 2 sofas here and the table comfortably seats 8. The bi-fold doors open up to a stunning vista, with the pool (salt water and measuring 12m x 6m) right in front of you and a stunning view over the mountains and valleys. There are sun loungers, tables and chairs in the garden. The pool is illuminated at night, which together with the twinkling lights from the valley, makes for a magical setting.
Both houses have a wood burner and central heating. They also have Netflix and TV, showing all the English, French and German channels.
All 4 bathrooms have showers and are beautifully decorated. The owners provide toiletries.
Both kitchens are like home from home - with a washing machine, dishwasher, cooker, microwave, fridge-freezer, a large selection of plates, cutlery, cups, glasses and cooking utensils.
Towels are provided. Sheets are changed weekly.
Behind the house are woodland walks to Sameiro and Bom Jesus (with beautiful gardens, fountains and trails). Braga is 15 minutes drive away and Guimarães is 25 minutes away.
The spa town of Taipas is 5 minutes way - with 'Taipas Termal' offering spa treatments of every kind.
The beaches at Esposende, Apúlia and Ofir are 30 minutes away.
In Longos there are 2 restaurants, with excellent Portuguese cuisine at a reasonable price, and at Sameiro there's a restaurant which specialises in Brazilian cuisine.
If you enjoy a beautiful setting, the chance to have a dip in not just one but two pools, a location near two historic cities, and woodland walks from your doorstep, this would be the perfect place for you.
The owners live at the farmhouse, and have a separate entrance to their guests - Virginia is there to meet and greet, explain how the TV works, and then be at hand should guests ask for recommendations, a taxi etc.
Virginia also provides a welcome snack for guests when they arrive at the farm.
Children are welcome to accompany Virginia when she goes to feed the sheep. Guests can of course help themselves to fruit and vegetables from the farm.
This place feels like a home from home. It is very centrally located to explore Braga, Guimarães and Porto - with many other places around. But, some people just like to sit and enjoy the place, swim, BBQ, put on the fire in the winter and enjoy a glass of wine by the fire.