Vila Nova de Gaia

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This striking home looks like it's been taken straight from the pages of Architectural Digest. With its clean lines and sharp angles, it presents a space that will be loved by design buffs and those fond of a sleek and modern space that invites a free flow of light to radiate in abundance. 

From the mid-century furniture pieces to the south-facing glass wall and stunning home library – every last detail of the house has been carefully curated with meticulous attention to detail. 

The serene setting of the home will have you feeling relaxed from the moment you walk through the door. So curl up with a coffee and your chosen book, and sit with your feet up for a spot of relaxation. On warmer days, you'll find heaven in the nature-filled garden, which boasts a private swimming pool and plenty of outdoor seating to soak up the sun. 

Come evening, serve up a delectable home-cooked Portuguese inspired meal at the stylish dining area before winding down with a glass of wine in front of the home cinema projector. 

The nearest city is Braga; just a twenty-five minute drive away, where you'll find shops, bars and restaurants alike. And if you don't mind venturing a little further, the unmissable city of Porto is reachable in fifty-five minutes by car. 


Modern Talking

This breezy flat takes the meaning of beachfront to a whole new level. It sits just above the sands of Playa Silgar – and trust us, when we say you'll spend every minute soaking up the scenery, we mean it. Mornings here begin with a cup of coffee on the terrace, listening to the waves and watching the tide roll in, while nights end with a glass of Cava as the sun slowly dips below the horizon. With the Atlantic Ocean stretched out before you and the lively beach just below, we can't think of anything dreamier – in our opinion, it's the quintessential seaside getaway.

Even when watching Netflix in the living room, you can still make the most of the jaw-dropping views thanks to the glass doors. The design is the essence of coastal chic – think oak beams on the ceilings, copper light fixtures and every shade of blue imaginable. We particularly love the ivy-covered fireplace, the traditional Spanish tiles in the bathrooms and the rustic kitchen stocked with all the cookware you'll need. 

Sanxenxo is a lively resort, home to many mouth-watering restaurants serving fresh-caught seafood, boutique shops and trendy bars. With the beach, coastal paths and eateries aplenty on your doorstep, some fun in the Spanish sun is a guarantee.

The Big Blue Beckons

One of the highlights of this stunning home has to be the incredible views. The outlook over the River Douro, as well as the vineyards that surrounds the entire villa, is beautiful. You can enjoy the vistas from the private pool and balconies, as well as from the large, bright open-plan living space and bedrooms, too. When you want to explore the area, the town of Peso da Régua, situated on the western edge of the port-wine region, is just over 10 kilometres away.

Douro Valley Villa

A stay in this modern villa combines rural relaxation and keeping active all at once. Those that like to stick to a fitness schedule (or those that just want to splash about) can make use of the private indoor swimming pool, lined with loungers. There’s a saltwater sauna for afters, or perhaps you just want to head up to the terrace for a sundowner. On the same site, you’ll find a state-of-the-art gym, football field and tennis court too. There’s an element of fun to this home as well, with a children’s play park in the grounds and a full-size snooker table in one of the lounges.

That’s right, “one of” the lounges. There are three to choose from inside – the grand, chandeliered main lounge set around a fireplace, a snug with an upright piano for a sing-along, and the laid-back games room with its own bar. Bedrooms are spacious and retain an air of class with dark wood headboards. Our favourite has to be the wood-clad bedroom with trinkets and curios scattered across built-in shelves.

In terms of location, you’re in the rural area just outside Porto, yet just a fifteen-minute drive to the restaurants, historic sights and buzzing nightlife of the city centre. If you fancy a day at the beach, Arcozelo is just a ten-minute drive away.  

The Athlete's Prime

Set amidst age-old vineyards, this stately 17th-century home invites you to experience the idyllic beauty of the Duoro countryside. And with mesmerising views across the river, this is the kind of location that will captivate you from the moment of arrival. 

Spread across two floors, the owners have styled this home to honour its unique heritage. Featuring an eclectic mix of antiques and art alongside contemporary comforts, every detail inspires a wonderful sense of intrigue and curiosity. And with two living rooms as well as an elegant dining room, this is the perfect setting to relax and indulge in life’s simple pleasures. So whether you’re sipping a glass of local wine by the fire, playing a game of cards or simply admiring the views, it's easy to settle in and make this space your own. 

Outside, you’ll find the garden transports you to an instant state of relaxation. From sunrise to sunset, this is an idyllic place to watch the sky transform whilst swimming in the heated pool or enjoying drinks on the terrace. And for an authentic taste of Portuguese living, you’ll find perfectly positioned tables for al fresco dining as well as a majestic wine cellar –  a striking setting for a celebratory dinner. 

The owners have also transformed one of the old farm buildings into a gym. With fitness machines sitting alongside old stone troughs (where grapes were once pressed), this might be one of the most unique workout locations we’ve ever seen. 

Days can be spent hiking and cycling across this beautiful countryside – the village of Mesao Frio is just a short drive away, while the beautiful city of Porto is less than an hour away. 

River of Sun

This restored farmhouse sits in the nature-rich Portuguese region of Minho, encircled by valleys, sparkling rivers, plenty of cycling routes, and historical towns. You get a beautiful slice of that breathtaking nature from your countryside oasis. 

Whether you’re playing football on the soft grass, admiring the view from the terrace, or listening to the birds chatter while lying around the pool, nature is all around. You’re even welcomed by bougainvillea and cypress trees as you approach the stone brick home.

You’ll first notice the home’s traditional façade. Made up of three houses, two of which have long histories – the main house was a baker's, and the annexe, now a games room, was a distillery. Make use of the original bread and pizza oven for unforgettable meals, and whittle away evenings playing pool and drinking local wine. 

There’s plenty to keep you entertained here, but perhaps all you really want is to catch up on your book beside the pool. Let the hours drift by, breathing in the fresh country air while topping up your tan. Come dusk, the place to be is your balcony – nothing beats watching the sun dip into the sea. 

When it’s time to explore, you’re less than a mile from Afife and its beachy cafes, surf shops, seafood restaurants, and long stretch of sugary white sand. When you’re not catching waves or relaxing on the beach, hop on a hiking trail to one of the nearby waterfalls and discover the rugged mountain range. 

Valleys & Views

With terracotta shingles, and painted mellow orange, this beautiful villa in the Portuguese countryside doesn’t just look pretty against the bright green surroundings, but the hilltop location gives it bragging rights to some of the most incredible views of the Lima Valley.

Needless to say then, this home is the perfect retreat for families looking for a little seclusion. Bask in the peace and quiet as you wander the grounds amidst trees, feeling the lush grass between your toes as you go in search of the shaded vegetable garden. Spend entire mornings simply soaking up the sun poolside and when it gets a bit hot, slip into the crystal clear waters for a lazy paddle. 

Indoors you’ll find a combination of rustic comfort and more modern touches. The small breakfast nook by the large kitchen window is another real highlight of the home  – sit there first thing in the morning sipping your coffee to a scenic backdrop. 

Enjoy family movie nights in the cinema or sneak away to the sauna for a bit of alone time. Dine alfresco on the balcony or socialise around the barbecue whilst the kids expend their energy running around the garden. 

Drive fifteen minutes to the historic town of Ponte de Lima where you can shop, top up supplies, eat at one of the local restaurants and wander the narrow streets until you find a bar servicing delicious vinho verde.

Window into Paradise

Between mature trees and open grassland, this modern villa invites travellers to the quiet countryside of Caminha. Not far from Santana, the shores of Praia de Moledo offer perfect surfing conditions – so be sure to visit and give it a go.

Inside, this bright home boasts a dramatic design with floor-to-ceiling windows and giant pop art pieces. With a stripped-back interior, the space feels calm and inviting. After waking up with the natural light, you'll want to sip galão while stretching your legs on the deck.

Soak up the morning sunshine as you read a book by your private pool. Why not bake pastel de nata with your children in the kitchen? Then, head out along a hiking trail before cosying up in front of the fireplace – this home encourages everyone to reconnect with nature.

Freshen up beneath your rainfall shower ahead of dinner – you can even have the best restaurant reservations made on your behalf as one of the extra services available, so all you have to do is enjoy yourself.

Pop Art Sticks

Drive up to this remarkable home and you’ll find yourself charmed from the outset. Its distinctively regional architecture – with its decorative red trim against white stucco walls – is a shining example of Portuguese eclectic design, and its unique aura continues both inside and outside its walls. Feel at home immediately with its cosy living room and its four bedrooms, each with ensuite bathroom – and relax into easy living outside, with its patios, spacious garden and the stunning swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers and umbrellas. 

The Aura of the Douro

Whether you're looking to go away with family or friends, this home offers a huge amount of space to enjoy in the north of Portugal. Set on 21527sq/ft of land, you'll love whiling away time in the grounds of this home. From playing tennis on the court surrounded by century-old trees to wandering through the gardens admiring the Mediterranean plants bursting with colour. With your own private pool at the back of the house too, you'll be spoilt for choice when deciding where to spend your days. There's even a support house with a kitchenette and wine cellar.

The inside of this home is just as wonderful. Filled with dark wood furniture and colourful fabrics, just wandering around this property is a joy to behold. Why not serve up some bacalhau in the stunning dining room before challenging the household to a pool tournament while someone plays the piano in the background. You'll never be short of ways to entertain yourselves here.

Located a thirty-one-minute drive from Braga – a city filled with historic landmarks, and a forty-one-minute drive from Porto – a city known for its amazing cuisine and buzzing nightlife, this home is in the ideal location to explore the delights of northern Portugal. Better yet, you can have your feet on the golden sands of the highly regarded Praia de Ofir within a ten-minute car journey. What's not to like?



Ofir Acres

You'll have your pick of outdoor spaces and a private swimming pool to make the most of this villa's Douro Valley views. Fitting, as this spot in Peso da Regua is famous for its picturesque countryside and ancient vineyards. While the interiors certainly aren't as eye-catching as the surrounding scenery, each bedroom has an en-suite bathroom, and larger groups have the option to add five extra beds to sleep up to fifteen guests. As an added bonus, breakfast deliveries of fresh bread and pastries are included – what a great way to start your day.

Douro Duet

We're utterly in love with this reimagined farmhouse-style property located just outside of the idyllic old fishing village of Esposende. From its sunny yellow facade complete with quaint panelled windows and traditional terracotta roof tiles to its elegant interior that retains many of its original, rustic features – not to mention the beautiful modern step-down swimming pool – we think it offers something truly unique and special for your holiday in this often-overlooked part of Portugal.

The indoor spaces of this home feel impressive and grand, and yet manage to exude a kind of homely warmth that's welcoming and comfortable. The bedrooms, in particular, are a favourite of ours. Awake as the gentle morning light begins to seep in through those large French windows with stained glass detailing and feel immediately enveloped in the majesty of these rooms, as the high ceilings and gorgeous furnishings create a sense of luxury. Coffee out on the terrace anyone? 

The living and dining rooms, too, have an undeniable opulence, giving off an irresistible old-world glamour. Make the most of the sense of occassion by coming together for a special meal, or simply enjoying one another's company in the effortless serenity of these spaces.

When you do fancy getting out of the villa, then you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do in the local area. Explore the local town of Esposende where you will find fantastic fish restaurants serving up the freshest seafood. Or, make the short 30-minute drive to the historic city of Oporto – the centre of which is classified as a World Heritage Site. The sand beaches of this part of the Portuguese coastline are under four kilometres away too, so grab the suncream and a beach towel and get out there for a day of sun, sea, and unbridled relaxation (as well as some high-octane watersports if you like). In the mood for more activity? Then there is both golf and horse riding on offer in the local area.

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