Nestled in a picturesque setting beside a gentle tributary of the Neiva River, this enchanting converted farmer's cottage offers an idyllic retreat just a stone's throw away from the inviting sandy beaches of Viana do Castelo. Imbued with a thoughtful touch, the interior spaces have been thoughtfully adorned with carefully selected furnishings, creating an atmosphere that seamlessly blends comfort with rustic charm.

Accommodation-wise, the main house is equipped with a fully-fledged kitchen featuring granite counters, an oven, hob, fridge/freezer, microwave, dishwasher, kettle, and a coffee machine. A cosy breakfast table comfortably seats six, while the open-plan living and dining space is graced with an expansive table, plush seating, satellite TV, a DVD player, and a music centre. A charming touch is the French doors extending this space to the front terrace and the pool area, providing a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. The main house accommodates a double bedroom with its ensuite bathroom, a twin bedroom, and another double bedroom that shares a thoughtfully appointed shower room.

Adjacent to the main house lies a separate stone cottage, offering a double bedroom adorned with its very own shower room. A guest toilet caters specifically to the swimming pool area for added convenience.

Stepping outside, a covered terrace becomes your sanctuary for al-fresco dining, promising a sensory delight of panoramic vistas that span the horizon. The meticulously manicured garden, embraced by sturdy stone walls, unveils a paved courtyard leading the way to the shimmering embrace of a private swimming pool, measuring 10 X 5 meters and featuring depths ranging from 0.90 to 1.8 meters.

In summation, this captivating description paints a vivid portrait of a vacation haven where modern comfort marries seamlessly with nature's bounty. With a wealth of amenities and nearby attractions, this retreat promises an immersive experience that caters to every whim and fancy, all in an ambience of serenity and charm.

Nestled in the fabulous rural landscape of Minho, the nearest village to Villa Aliana is just over a kilometre away, where you will find small shops and cafes. On the border of the two districts of Braga and Viana do Castelo, Villa Aliana is in the ideal location to explore the fascinating history of the region, as well as the sublime natural landscape. The delightful market town of Barcelos is just a 15-minute drive away, while the stunning historical centre of Viana do Castelo is just 20 minutes in the opposite direction, where there are even sandy beaches! The country’s only National Park, the mountainous nature reserve of Peneda Geres National Park is 35 minutes north-east, and hosts prehistoric remains, walking trails and rugged hills as well as deer, wolves and golden eagles!

Ponte de Lima, one of Portugal’s oldest and most historic towns with a delightful range of shops, bars and restaurants among the ornate squares and cobbled alleyways is just 20 minutes away. While the town of Braga, the capital of the district, is about 25 minutes away and hosts many relics of the region’s diverse history. With so much on your doorstep, you can visit a new historical and beautiful town every day!

Minho is a fantastic, largely rural region on the northernmost Atlantic tip of Portugal, bordering the Spanish region of Galiza, with which it shares many attributes. Minho is perhaps most famous as the home of the Vinho Verde, a crisp, dry white wine (although as the name suggests, it is in fact green!) best enjoyed with a local fish dish.

Portugal itself is a small, fascinating country at the most Western point of mainland Europe. The capital, Lisbon, is known for its lively nightlife, with endless bars and clubs full of fun-loving locals and tourists alike, but also has plenty of fascinating history (check out Belém, jam-packed with monuments!) and undulating terrain, famously termed the ‘city of the seven hills’. From Lisbon, it is very quick to travel by the domestic high-speed train line to the city of Braga, which will connect you fairly quickly to Villa Aliana.

With a vast coastline with the powerful Atlantic Ocean, Portugal is a true paradise for the keen surfer, or indeed even those looking to try if for the first time. And for those less keen on surfing, the beaches of Portugal are still well worth a visit for their beautifully clear waters and fine sands.

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