Casal no Campo - Galo

A Portuguese Coastal Retreat, Deep in the Unspoiled Countryside

This contemporary property is a pair of independent country residences joined by a central staircase. The two homes are essentially identical, both featuring floor-to-ceiling operable louvered windows, micro-terrazzo bathrooms and sleek white walls accented by light wood floors and casual furnishings.

This, the east-facing home Galo, captures the sunrise over the green Minho Valley and was designed for six guests across three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The living/dining open area is bright and two-sided, with sliding doors to the garden on one side and a balcony on the other. All beds are double and have garden access, and the bathrooms feature walk-in showers.

The sauna, yoga/wellness room and outdoor jacuzzi are shared by the homes. Each house has a private balcony of 40 square meters, garden space and alfresco cooking/dining areas. They share the garden and laundry facilities, which are reached via a small corridor.

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Around

Situated on a verdant hill in northern Portugal near the Bay of Ancora and just five minutes from the Atlantic, the homes are set in the grural Minho region. Known as the country’s “green corner,” the countryside rolls across pastures, forests and rural valleys that are dotted with small villages and mostly undiscovered by tourism.

Ancora is a coastal village, with a namesake beach that’s a couple of kilometers long and stretches between the Ancora River and the small fishing harbor. The Atlantic rolls in big waves here, making it popular with surfers, though families can find more peaceful waters at the beach promenade, an area of minimal currents. Another popular activity is hiking the coastal Camino de Santiago that passes nearby.

The region offers mountain type terrain, too, with crystal clear springs, waterfalls and forested paths in the Gerês National Park. Outdoor enthusiasts can cycle, canyon, kayak, sail, horseback ride as well as enjoy Atlantic water sports. Cultural excursions in the area include meandering to small typical villages like Caminha and Viana do Castelo, home of narrow streets, grand palaces and the neo-Byzantine, hilltop Santa Luzia Church. Further along the Rio Lima that passes Viana do Castelo, you'll find Portugal’s oldest city, Ponte de Lima, offering medieval architecture and original Roman bridges. A bit further, the larger city of Braga has Gothic churches, Baroque buildings and dozens of shops, cafes, restaurants and craftsmen. Local wine tours are also a favorite regional experience, particularly headed south in the direction of Porto.

Location

Nearest airport: Porto (84km)

Best time to visit

April to October