Solar Egas Moniz, a bed and breakfast in Portugal

Peace and Tranquility in a Rural Setting

Located in Penafiel just outside of Porto, this 19th-century manor house is the result of the dream of a local family for guests to share in the unique experience of northern Portuguese culture.

Following years of restoration, the property now includes two distinct wings with a historic manor house that features a library and fireside lounge, breakfast room and Enoteca wine room. All 10 double rooms (six with a double bed and four twin rooms) are located on the first floor, accessible by stairs or by lift. The first floor of the manor house has three guest rooms accessed via an ancient stairway that overlook the verdant Paço de Sousa valley.

A completely new building is connected by a modern glass corridor and features additional guest rooms. There is also a separate junior suite that is the perfect private retreat for meditation and relaxation. Restored to preserve the history of the property, the furnishings, decor and design detail are all thematic, colorful and a charming mix of old and new.

The property is peaceful and rural with lovely organic gardens, a saltwater pool and lounge areas, and a children’s playground for the little ones.

Additional features

Rental on an exclusive basis requires a reservation of at least four rooms (maximum 10 double rooms), for a minimum period of two nights from October to May (except Easter, Carnival, Christmas, New Year's Eve and Holidays which are three nights). A minimum of three nights also applies in the period from June to September.

Wifi throughout, self-service mini bar in common area. Private room amenities, toiletries and LCD TVs. Childcare services and airport transfers are available.

The house is not staffed, except for on arrival day. Breakfast is not included, but there is a welcome basket that includes port wine, water, fruit, homemade cake, bread, cheese, ham, milk, coffee and tea. Fresh bread can also be delivered each day. Weekly cleaning is included for guests who book for seven days or more, and this includes a change of linens.

Experiences

These include yoga/meditation retreat offsite, Romanesque history and architecture tours, Douro Wine tours, Paiva Walkway tours, SUP rentals, horseback riding in the Porto hills, golfing, surfing, hot springs visits. Local guides are available.

Around

Located less than an hour from Porto in the northernmost regions of Portugal, Penafiel is a short drive to the Vale do Douro cities of Guimarães and Amarante. The city of Penafiel is the second oldest city in the north of the country and is often referred to as Arrifana de Sousa, one of the thirty eight parishes of the region. It's situated just over an hour from Galicia, Coimbra, Chaves and Vila Real, and three hours from Lisbon.