House on the Douro

Discover Northern Portugal's Douro Region

Offering an astonishing view over the Douro River, this vacation home in Portugal sits just above the river in a green valley almost untouched by humans.

Rebuilt from the original building that dates back to 1866, the thick granite walls are typical of the region and maintain a cool, fresh temperature inside the house. Modern glass, steel, and wood have been combined with the existing older materials, creating inviting and atmospheric interiors.

To read a conversation with the owner of this property, please visit our magazine section here.

With over 220sqm, the house includes three bedrooms, a full kitchen, a large living room, and a studio. The grounds are terraced in the typical style of the region and overlook the river. The pool has a viewing deck, complete with sun loungers for gazing over the amazing view.

Until late in the evening the temperature outside is always pleasant and the surroundings are very peaceful. The quiet is only broken by the boats navigating on the river, birds flying by in the sky, or the splash as you take a refreshing swim in the pool or by the clink of your glass of wine from the region! 

Around

The proximity to the major roads makes it easy to explore the north of Portugal, and usually, once you are in the interior, good weather is very likely. In the west, the magnificent city of Oporto, famous for its Port wine, is approximately 1 hour away. In the east begins the Douro vineyard area where you can discover some famous wine-producing farms such as Quinta do Vallado or Quinta de Nossa Senhora do Carmo Carmo. 

Other attractions about an hour distant are the religious city of Braga, the world heritage city of Guimarães, the historical city of Vila Real with the gorgeous Casa de Mateus, the natural Park of Alvão, or the city of Lamego. A bit further afield is the city of Aveiro, Viana do Castelo, the prehistoric engraving Foz Coa Museum and the Pinhão landscape. Or, you could book a boat and sail off to find the many secrets of the Douro river, a magnificent journey that the big tourist boats can’t experience. Then discover the sandy beaches or have fun with some water sports.

As well as all this there are the regional fairs and festivals: Fair of Traditional Sausages in May, Cherry in June, Kid in July, and don’t forget… the Harvest in September.

Location

Campos de Baixo, Porto District, Portugal. Nearest airport: Porto (50km)

Best time to visit

Sunshine and good weather are the norm year-round. From April, it’s warm enough to enjoy the view while sitting outside by the private pool or on the terrace.