This is paradise for families who love to be in the midst of nature, but close to villages and towns. We're 15 minutes from Braga and Guimarães, but totally in the country.
From the house you can walk along established trails through the forest to Sameiro and Bom Jesus, visit the churches and gardens, have a coffee and then amble back home.
Once you drive through the gates and park along the front of the farmhouse, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the stunnning views all around.
The apartment is on the ground floor - on hot summer days, you'll be impressed by the coolness of the sitting room, with its thick stone walls - from the days it used to be the winehouse. Now with windows on three sides, large comfortable sofas, a wooden dining room table, a large flat screen TV (English, French, Portuguese and German TV channels and Netflix), and double doors out to the patio...it is a wonderful place to sit and read in comfort, or go outside and enjoy a glass of wine sitting under the shaded pergola, with the BBQ less than a stone's throw away.
The house is set above the village of Santa Cristina de Longos, only 15 minutes from the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães, and less than 10 minutes from the pretty spa town of Taipas. Longos itself has 2 restaurnats and various cafes - although guests are treated to fresh bread rolls, brought to the house by the breadman every day.
It's in a very central location to explore the north of Portugal - even Porto is just 45 minutes away or 1 hour by train from Braga.
Meet our adorable little flock of Cameroon sheep (currently eight). You can even feed them! And enjoy eggs from our free range chickens - of varying colours!
The apartment accommodates 6 people, with 3 beautifully furnished bedrooms, one with twin beds, one with a King size bed (1.80mx 2m) with French doors giving access to the front garden (bathroom next door), and the third bedroom has a double bed, with a bathroom opposite.
There is a large living room/kitchen/dining area, with an induction hob, electric oven, microwave, fridge-freezer, washing machine and dishwasher. Capsules and powders are provided.
The whole house has Central heating and there is a wood burner, giving a lovely warm atmosphere, for the colder Winter days - firewood is provided.
The pool, (6 metres x 6 metres), is accessed by a short aluminium ladder (4 steps). It is a minute's walk away, at the end of a pergola with jasmine and scented climbers overhead. It is set on a terrace, with magnificent views, surrounded by palm trees, kiwis, fig and olive trees. There are sun loungers (towels provided) and a fridge for cold drinks.
Guests are spoilt here and always arrive to bread, wine, cheese and the famous Portuguese 'natas'.
There are swings for children in the garden and a table tennis table, with bats and balls provided.
The farm has many fruit trees and guests can eat whatever fruit is in season - plums and figs in the summer; oranges, kiwis, lemons in the winter.
The area abounds in history, culture and gastronomy! There are lots of walks around - behind the house itself, a river walk in Taipas, a raised wooden platform in Vizela, walks by the sea in Esposende and Ofir. Gerês national park is only 45 minutes away.
There is no need to do much research in advance as Virginia will happily listen to what you enjoy doing and advise you on where to go, which restaurants you might enjoy - she and her Portuguese husband have lived at the farmhouse for the past 25 years. They have 2 dogs and a cat, 8 Cameroon sheep, 8 chickens - and three children, all at University.
Their entrance to the first floor of the house is at the rear side of the property, whereas guests' main door is to the side.
If you want to be part of a happy busy farm environment, hearing the sounds of nature around you (birds, sheep, hens, crickets, frogs, eagles) look no further. You'll be very well looked after here, but given your own space and privacy.
