Some areas seem to fall off the tourist map - and this is one of them. These hills of central Portugal remain traditional, unspoilt, and beautiful; ancient towns, crumbling villages and great vistas of sweeping forest and farmland. The people who live here enjoy a good life of locally-grown food, swimming in the rivers (with proper sandy beaches) in the summer and good, affordable wine. You can join that life for a holiday at Quinta da Ribeira - a restored historic mill complex from the C17 and C18.

You'll dicover a lush green landscape, native forests, olive and fruit groves and access to mountains, many bathing rivers and (should you wish) coast). This wing built 1776 is independent of the main house, enjoys a quiet position, and retains its original windows, doors and architectural features. We can vouch for it being a wonderful place to stay, with lovely open views, the friendliest neighbours you could imagine, and a lovely golden light. Some houses just have a happy feel to them, and this is certainly one. Photos of this property.

The cottage is an entirely independent self-contained wing of the Quinta (farm) with own entrance, patio, parking etc.

• Hallway - all rooms off the traditional central hall, high ceiling as throughout
• Master Bedroom - with super-kingsize bed, windows on two sides
• Twin Bedroom - windows on two sides, sofa
• Kitchen/ Dining - a simple but comfortable kitchen with stove, fridge, toaster and dining table and sofa

Outside -

• Elevated patio with furniture directly off kitchen with fine views
• Plenty of good local walking on very quiet roads
• The newly refurbished local 'font' spring is adjacent - great for cooling off on hot days (you can get in!)

Buses and trains from Lisbon and Porto to Coimbra.Then regular buses from Coimbra to Vila Nova de Poiares (45 minutes). From Poiares (5 miles) possible to pre-organise a pick up or taxi cost c£5.

• Region - lots of info
• Beaches - choice of many river beaches (4 within 15 minutes)
• Convivio - village tavern with table tennis, table football, snacks (10 mins. walk)
• Schist villages - choice of 9 within 30 minutes
• Bussaco Palace, National Park & gardens - 45 mins.
• Coimbra - historic University town - 25 km/ 30 mins.
• Coast - (many beaches, castles) - c1 hour for choice

Airports:

• Porto (Ryanair, Easyjet, TAP, British Airways etc.)  - 2.5 hours (or less)
• Lisbon (Easyjet, TAP, British Airways etc.) - 3 hours (or less)
• Faro (Easyjet, Ryanair etc.) - 6 hours (or less) - split with stay in Algarve?

• restoration of traditional building in disuse
• conservation of original architectural features
• lime used so breathable walls
• salvaged material used in restoration
• water from natural spring
• on-site recycling collection/composting
• only biodegradable detergents used & line-drying for linen
• energy efficient appliances - heat on demand hot water
• organic food grown on site or sourced locally
• promotes local cultural events, markets, crafts

"rarely have I stayed somewhere that felt so instantly welcoming. really impressed by the local river beaches - such a fantastic area & loved the veggie food you made for us." Greg from Donegal

"a magical place. loved waking up and watching the morning sun move across the wooden ceiling, the promise of the day sitting on the patio, returning home each day to the cool entrance and the smell of wood, the always the light dancing around the house." Karen from California

The property is entered via a short flight of stone steps and there is a low balcony on the raised patio - potential dangers for toddlers? It may be possible to arrange breakfast/ cooked meals via the owner next door. No washing machine in cottage but service wash available next door.