Quinta da Tapada and the Pool House - up to 10.

Come and enjoy life on our farm - with Cameroon sheep, 2 friendly dogs, a cat and the sights and sounds of nature around. We rent out 2 houses together - the ground floor apartment of our house and the Pool House, a stone's throw away. The apartment is large and characterful, with stone walls and original features. Lots of space. The Pool House is modern and has stunning views, with a pool. Forest trails behind the house, you can walk to Bom Jesus. And Taipas has a beautiful riverwalk The space Amazing views from both houses. The pool is illuminated in the evenings. Both houses have wifi, BBQs, gardens. The apartment is large and characterful, the Pool House is modern and striking. They complement each other beautifully. Both have seating for up to 10 - so guests can eat together at either house. Both have satellite TV, offering all the British channels and Portuguese TV too. There is Netflix, so no-one need be bored at night! There is a restaurant and cafés near the house and the baker's van leaves off fresh bread rolls every morning (no extra charge). Also, the owners always give guests a welcoming snack on arrival. Guests can pick whatever fruit is in season - oranges, lemons, tangerines, kiwis in the winter; plums in the summer, and they are given free range eggs when the hens are laying. If you like to be healthy on holiday - it's possible to walk to Sameiro or Bom Jesus, along the trails in the forest. A new discovery is the riverwalk in Taipas, which passes old abandoned mills, used to make flour in the past. Or, you could go to the spa in Taipas to enjoy the indoor pool, Turkish baths, sauna, massage treatments (with hot water spray, hot stones, chocolate etc!). If you like cycling, it's possible to rent bikes at Ponte de Lima and follow the river - a beautiful cycle ride. What makes this place different is that there is accommodation for 10 but everyone has their space - the houses are only a stone's throw apart. This is a beautiful place and guests can just sit and enjoy the view or go for walks, get out and about and see all the national treasures around - Bom Jesus and Guimarães and the Douro valley have all World Patrimony status. Braga, Citânia de Briteiros and Sameiro are only 10 minutes away - you can do a lot here or do little. Virginia has an updated list of activities and ideas of what there is to see and do in the area. So, no need to do too much homework in advance. The house is in the mountains, with spectacular views but close (15 minutes) to Braga and Guimarães. The village of Longos, where the house is situated, has restaurants and cafés and a little mini-market. Braga has a beautiful municipal market, open every day, except Saturday afternoon, Sunday and Monday. It even has a wine and cheese stall! The farm is 40 minutes from the seaside, so it's worth setting off to visit Apúlia, Ofir or Esposende. If your children like the idea of surf, there are 2 surf schools in Ofir. The north of Portugal is a thriving place, with plenty to see and do - you won't be bored! Guest access Guests can wander everywhere! (perhaps not into the owners' house!) Other things to note If you'd like a healthy break - this is the place! Oranges, lemons and kiwis are literally falling off the trees from December to April. Lots of woodland walks behind the house - no need to drive to get there! There is a lovely walk in Taipas, following the course of the river - you'll pass mills and see lots of birdlife. The beach is only 30 minutes away. The pool is illuminated at night. There's lots of historical sites around - a Celtic settlement 10 minutes away, churches and monasteries in abundance. The baker comes to the house every day and the owners buy bread for their guests (no extra charge) - just pop out and collect your bag of bread rolls hanging from the gate! Good restaurants around. Braga even has Thai, Indian, Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese restaurants, or just stay at home and BBQ or put on the fire pit and roast marshmallows. The owners live at the property and have their own entrance at the back of the farmhouse. They are happy to give suggestions of where to go, where to eat etc. Guests may also accompany Virginia on her dog walks/visits to feed the Cameroon sheep. Registration details 10308/AL