Quinta da Granja

A Secret Garden in the Portuguese Countryside

This vacation home rental in Portugal is a destination in itself. Close to the beautiful historical university town of Coimbra, it's also conveniently located in between Porto and Lisbon. But the real appeal is its setting. The house is surrounded in expansive gardens, which have been tended for decades and featured in Christopher Woods' book Gardenlust, a survey of the world's best gardens.

Once you've arrived, there's no need to leave. You can spend days by the secluded pool, lounge in a hammock with a good book, stroll through the woodlands, and pick fruit and vegetables from the garden beds and 18 different kinds of fruit trees. 

The house itself has three double bedrooms, all of which have panoramic views of the gardens and surrounding woods. The master bedroom has a large balcony, and all three rooms lead directly to the pool area. Downstairs, there's a large kitchen and living area that opens through French doors into an expansive terrace.

This is a great home for a group of friends, or a family. If more space is needed, a garden cottage is also included in your rental. Please note: whatever you choose, the entire property will be occupied solely by you or your group. 

This elegant colonial home is set on nine acres of land and surrounded by forests. Its owners invite guests to soak up the sun poolside, take a book from the library and climb into a hammock, pluck fruit from the trees, and pick vegetables from the garden beds. Then, as the night closes in, watch shooting stars from the terraces.

The house has three double bedrooms upstairs, two of which have en-suite bathrooms. Downstairs, there's a large living area with kitchen, dining, living and music areas, which lead into the veranda. A lovely vacation home rental in Portugal which sleeps up to nine guests.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Wifi, heating, washer, dryer, indoor fireplace, TV, and hairdryer. There is free parking, and breakfast is provided.

AROUND

If you decide to leave the grounds, there's plenty do and see in the surrounding region. The nearest town Miranda do Corvo is only 3km or five minutes' drive, and has plenty of amenities: a market, a bank, shops, street cafes, restaurants, a pharmacy and a hairdresser.

A little farther afield (25 mins by car) is the city of Coimbra, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities and host to a variety of festivals throughout the year. Other places worth day trips include the  ancient Roman ruins at Conimbriga, Condeixa Old Roman Town, Penela Medieval castle, the famous beach resort Figueira da Foz, and the iconic old town of Óbidos.

Activities include windsurfing at Nazaré beach, horse riding at Miranda Do Corvo, swimming and canoeing at local river beaches, boat trips along the Mondego River, and hiking in the stunning Serra Lousã mountains.

For golf lovers there are two notable courses: Golf Montebelo with its  great views and, closer to home Quintadas Lagrimas.

LOCATION

Lobazes, Coimbra, Portugal. Nearest airports: Porto, Lisbon.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Year round