Quinta de Cima

Vineyards and Vistas

It would be hard to describe this home without first mentioning the views. From its plateau high above the Douro River, this 17th-century quinta looks out across the water and hillsides that are lined in ancient vineyards. The house itself is the heart of an agricultural estate, and as such is steeped in history. Decor remains mostly traditional, with stone walls, tiled and wooden floors, and a color palette of bold white with pops of vivid blue. 

We love the living room with its large glass walls taking in the expansive valley views, the oversized swimming pool perched on the side of the hill and surrounded in verdant lawns, and the living and dining terraces with their stunning stonework and vistas.

The middle level of the house is its hub, with an entrance hall, kitchen, dining room, two living rooms, and a patio with barbecue and wood oven. On the top level of the house is a bedroom suite with a small living room (and extra bed) and a full bathroom. The lower level has three bedrooms. All six bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms. 

A room with old stone troughs, or lagares, for trodding grapes has been turned into a small gym, and there is also a padel court and snooker table. And if you're looking for a special setting for a celebratory meal, there's an atmospheric wine cellar, lined with enormous barrels.

This villa for rent in Portugal sleeps up to 12 guests and has plenty of space to share or hide away in, making it ideal for families or corporate events. Please note, however, that because of the steep drops, small children must be supervised at all times.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Included in the rates: welcome hamper, buffet-style breakfast (including produce from the Quinta's own vegetable garden and other locally sourced products), high-quality Portuguese bed linen & bathroom products, cleaning service 4 hours x 7 days a week, pool & garden maintenance as required.

Extra services on request: pre-arrival grocery or wine shopping/deliveries, a local cook for additional meals, personal laundry service, extra cleaning, babysitting, and spa treatments, all of which can be paid for locally. Airport transfers or a car with driver are also available but must be paid in advance. All extra services are subject to availability and should be booked well in advance, especially in high season.

AROUND

This villa for rent in Portugal is located in the Douro Valley, a region that is filled with vineyards. The Douro Vinhateirois, as it is known, is one of the world's oldest wine-producing centers, most famous for its port. Most vineyards are attached to family-owned fincas, estates that have been producing wine for generations. Quinta de Cima is right at the start of winemaking territory, making it a great location for exploring all that the region has to offer. Ask about sommelier-led wine tastings at the house, or venture out to neighboring quintas: Pôpa, São Bernardo, Crasto, and Pacheca.

The owners recommend taking a boat trip or a scenic drive along the Douro, a visit to see the 1930s tiles at the Pinhão train station, exploring the historical collection at Museu do Douro in Régua, and getting to know the town of Lamego, with its religious buildings that include the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios Sanctuary on top of Santo Estêvão Hill.

LOCATION

Mesão Frio, Douro Valley, Portugal. Nearest airport: Vila Real (22 miles).

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Year-round but spring and summer for best weather, and September for harvest season.