We love the story of this once abonded ruin and how it has been reborn as a unique (and chic!) village compound. Clearly restored with great care and an eye for detail and history, there’s also a funky modern spirit here with an eclectic selection of vintage pieces and eye catching art and detail.  

Situated on a slope of Serra do Sicó in the Beiras region of Portugal, this village had been abandoned for over seventy years. Discovered and resurrected by a group of friends that were charmed by it’s unique beauty and idyllic location, the entire village of eleven houses was restored and brought back to life. Carefully respecting the spirit of the region and the historic aesthetics of the structures, traditional handcrafting and construction techniques were used to recover and showcase the authentic character of the houses. It’s a contemporary but faithful renovation that uses traditional limestone block walls, and bright whitewashed interiors with gleaming concrete floors. Add an eclectic mix of mid century furnishings, and a hand picked selection of ethnic objet d’art from around the world, and it’s a fascinating mix. Each of the eleven houses features fully equipped kitchens and sleep between two to five guests.

The restaurant provides simple and delicious locally sourced fare nightly from a rotating menu and a few breakfast snacks in the mornings. The extensive rambling gardens and terraces offer plenty of fresh air and unspoiled country vistas and a lovely shared pool. You can watch the swans and ducks on the small lake and enjoy fresh eggs from the house chickens. This is a truly unique retreat where you can embrace the concept of peace and serenity of the country life with stylish contemporary comforts.

Please visit this page on BoutiqueHomes for individual rental options in this unique village.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

On site restaurant, breakfast goodies provided. Wifi throughout, TV with DVD, stereo with CD player. Housekeeping and laundry facilities. Optional massage services, airport transfers available. Baby cots available. Bathrobes and slippers. Parking.

AROUND

The rural Beiras region of central Portugal is a remote section between the Douro and the Tejo rivers that stretches from the Atlantic Coast all the way to the Spanish border. The medeival city of Coimbra is a short drive to the north along with Conímbriga, the most famous Roman ruins in Portugal.  To the east is Villa Romana do Rabaçal, to the south is Villa Romana de Santiago da Guarda. Just under an hour away are the beaches of Figueira da Foz, Pedrogão, Vieira or S. Pedro de Moel. Both Lisbon and Porto are are over an hour’s drive.

LOCATION

Cotas, Portugal. Nearest Airport: Lisbon Portela International Airport (170 km)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through Fall 

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