VIVA Countryside House

This vintage house originally built in 1793 sits just outside the village of Crescido, minutes from Vouzela and São Pedro do Sul. The neighbors are locals who have lived here for generations who grow vegetables in their many gardens that surround us. The house is ideal for families or groups up to 7 people. There is a garden area where we grow vegetables in the summer and where we keep a small chicken coup for guests to enjoy fresh eggs. A terrace on the second floor looks out over the village. The space Built in 1793, this centuries-old house holds all the charm and history of the stone-built structures found in and around Vouzela. We value this history and have made sure that all renovations on the property maintain the original style of the house. Wooden beams, hardwood flooring throughout and the traditional fireplace in the kitchen are some of the features found in the house. The house itself has three floors: 1) The bottom floor is what we call the "Swallow's Nest", named after the swallows that were nested in the rafters in this part of the house when we first came here. This was originally the "adega" , with an old wine press and an area for keeping the wine. We have converted this space into a separate studio. The space has been fully renovated as a living area with kitchenette and full spa-style bathroom, so that a family or large group can choose to have an independent area. There are two large entrance areas, both independent. One gives access to a covered deck where you can dine during the summer months. Guests will have full access to the garden area where there is another deck for lounging. From there, you have a great view down the valley to São Pedro do Sul and our signature swallow mural. We have sought to keep the furnishings within the style of the house, using furniture found in antique shops and auctions, but we also like to mix in modern touches to create a unique look to the interior. The sleeping area is raised and sits on the old wine press. The living area has a sofa that also folds out for an extra bed. There is a kitchenette that is equipped simply with enough for cooking on the dual ceramic hotplate. 2)The middle area of the house has a living area and a kitchen with an open fireplace. 3)The top floor is where the three bedrooms are, along with a small utility room where we take care of clothes. There is one bathroom on this floor, as well as another living room with TV. There is an outdoor veranda looking north over the hamlets in the valley below where you can sit in the evening when it's cool. There is a laundry room in the basement with washer and dryer, along with a sink and toilet. Guests will have access to the backyard garden where we maintain a wonderful mandala vegetable garden. Help yourselves to the tomatoes, beens, peas, lettuce and whatever else is in season. Also, we have a chicken coup with six hens that will lay you fresh eggs daily. Our preference is to rent out the entire property to families or groups who wish to stay a week or more. For longer stays we have an assistant that will do weekly cleaning and changing of linen. We are taking part in the Centro 2020 project which is part of the European Union's social funding that helps promote employment in Portugal's rural, central region. This has allowed us to hire locally to help with our project to promote sustainable tourism in the region. We are a family that has lived and traveled in many countries, and we like to bring this experience to the way we approach receiving people. Kurt loves sharing his love of teas, having spent some years in Asia, and Teresa will be happy to show you the Chinese brush painting techniques she brought back with her. We have been sharing our homes since 2011 and we are now happy to welcome people here to discover the center of Portugal. Guest access Personal transport is a must here, especially since you may want to explore all the natural wonders the area has to offer, including lakes, rivers and fantastic hiking trails. The property has a parking area with room to fit 3 cars comfortably. Other things to note We love welcoming guest and have been doing so since 2011. Our experience as hosts in Porto and Tras-os-Montes has allowed us to welcome people from all over the world with whom we have shared our love of Portugal. We will be happy to do the same with you here. If you want to learn how to make a typical Portuguese rice, we can show you how. If you prefer your privacy, we will respect that too. It's up to you how much you'd like to engage with us. We will be renting the entire house, but are always available should you need help with anything. Registration Details 115167/AL