Think of utter peace, simplicity and verdant beauty and you have an idea of what the 17th century house of Quinta da Bouça has to offer. This is a totally charming place encompassed within lush gardens, an abundance of flora and great views of the surrounding countryside. Quinta da Bouça fits in effortlessly within this setting. Its red tiled roof, stonewalls and yellow/ochre coloured facade taking nothing away from nature, whilst providing a gentle hint of what the inside has to offer.

There is nothing flashy or over the top here but, instead, a cosy simplicity that makes the most of the wooden beams, stone fireplaces and a traditional northern Portuguese sumptuousness. The fact that most accommodations are located in outbuildings within self-contained units (each having both an eating and lounge area) just adds to the sense of privacy and seclusion. Isolation does not necessarily mean there is nothing to do, however.

The house is only some 10km from Viana do Castelo, one of northern Portugal’s most beautiful and historic towns as well as some great beaches (though these are on the cold side). Spain is also relatively nearby.