Villa Escusa | 3-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Venade

A luxury villa rental in Caminha, Portugal offers far more than four walls and a roof—it’s your private gateway to the Minho region’s rolling countryside, historic coastal towns, and some of northern Portugal’s most compelling landscapes. Villa Escusa sits perfectly positioned between rural tranquility and cultural exploration, with the medieval charm of Caminha just 6 km away and the Atlantic beaches of Moledo and Afife within a 15-minute drive.

Inside Villa Escusa

Villa Escusa sleeps 6 guests across 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, arranged on a single accessible floor—a layout that matters if you’re traveling with elderly relatives, young children, or anyone with mobility considerations. The ground floor design eliminates stairs entirely, making movement between spaces fluid and effortless.

The ground floor bedroom comes with a double bed and an ensuite bathroom featuring a full bathtub, offering a convenient retreat without navigating stairs. Two additional bedrooms, each furnished with a double bed, include ensuite shower rooms—ensuring every guest enjoys private bathroom access without queuing or compromise. All four bathrooms contain essential amenities: hairdryers, heated towel rails, and premium toiletries.

The living room anchors the property’s social spaces. Generous seating invites conversation and relaxation, while a flat-screen television provides entertainment on quieter evenings. Large windows and glass doors open directly onto the covered terrace, dissolving the boundary between indoor comfort and outdoor living. The fireplace serves both practical and aesthetic purposes during Portugal’s cooler autumn and winter months.

The kitchen operates as an open-plan space with a central island—the kind of layout that transforms cooking from solo work into collective entertainment. A well-stocked array of equipment includes a dishwasher, refrigerator, stovetop, oven, and coffee machine. The pantry provides storage for provisions, while a dedicated breakfast table seats smaller groups for informal meals. The adjoining dining area comfortably accommodates all six guests around a shared table, facilitating the kind of conversations that define meaningful travel.

A laundry room with washing machine and dryer addresses the practical needs of longer stays, allowing guests to travel lighter and refresh clothing mid-stay. A separate guest bathroom services visitors and provides additional convenience during peak-usage times.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The grounds reveal themselves gradually as you move through the villa’s interior. A large mature garden surrounds the property, enclosed by secure fencing—an essential feature for families with young children or those traveling with dogs. The garden isn’t merely decorative; mature trees provide natural shade and establish the kind of privacy that makes you forget you’re renting rather than owning.

The covered terrace functions as an outdoor extension of the living room. Multiple parasols and sun loungers dot the space, arranged to capture both sunshine and shade depending on the hour and season. This terrace connects directly to the property’s social hub without formal transition, creating a natural gathering point.

The private swimming pool dominates the garden’s focal point. The infinity-edge design creates visual continuity with the surrounding landscape, while the heated water extends the swimming season from May through September. Pool towels are provided, and the shallow zones accommodate younger swimmers, though constant supervision remains essential.

A covered outdoor lounge area provides sheltered seating for meals and socializing during Portugal’s unpredictable shoulder seasons when sunshine isn’t guaranteed. The barbecue station—complete with a substantial dining table and shade—allows for alfresco cooking and dining. Here is where evening meals acquire a different character: the quality of light as the sun descends toward Spain, the temperature drop that makes sitting outside suddenly comfortable, the social ease that comes from cooking and eating in open air.

Private parking accommodates 2-3 vehicles, eliminating the stress of finding street parking or navigating narrow Portuguese village lanes with rental cars.

Location: Caminha and the Surrounding Area

Villa Escusa occupies a strategic position in the Minho Valley, Portugal’s northwestern frontier region where the Minho River forms the international boundary with Spain. The villa sits approximately 1 km from a local village shop, ensuring that forgotten items or fresh provisions are accessible without a significant journey.

Caminha, the region’s administrative hub, lies 6 km southward. This 15th and 16th-century town retains authentic medieval character: cobblestone streets wind past period architecture, independent restaurants serve regional specialties (particularly cataplana seafood preparations and Minho wines), and the riverside promenade offers views toward Spain’s Galicia region. The Castle of Caminha, though partially ruined, dominates the skyline and merits a morning exploration.

Coastal access comes via two primary beaches. Moledo Beach, approximately 12 km away, stretches wide and golden, backed by pine forests and equipped with beach bars and water sports facilities. Afife Beach, roughly 10 km distant, offers a more sheltered alternative with excellent conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing during Atlantic wind patterns. Both are accessible by private car or via the scenic train route from Caminha, which follows the Minho Valley before reaching the coast—a journey itself worth experiencing.

Vila do Conde, 25 km south, features the imposing Monastery of Santa Clara and a working shipyard where traditional wooden boats are still constructed using methods centuries old. The town’s market hall supplies fresh fish, produce, and local products at genuine Portuguese prices.

Ponte de Lima, positioned 40 km inland, ranks among Portugal’s most aesthetically compelling towns, with a medieval bridge crossing the Lima River and an excellent 18-hole golf course nestled in surrounding hills. The course welcomes visiting golfers and offers both championship and social rounds amid dramatic terrain.

Wine tourism defines the region. The Minho produces distinctive crisp white wines (particularly vinho verde variants) and fuller reds. Several quintas (wine estates) open to visitors for tastings and cellar tours, with Quinta de Franqueira and Quinta da Lixa representing quality producers within 15 km of Villa Escusa.

Activity options extend beyond swimming and wine. Horse riding trails traverse the surrounding countryside. Canoe and kayak hire operates from Caminha, allowing river exploration toward the Atlantic. Cycling routes follow quiet rural roads connecting villages and coastal towns. When exploring our extensive collection of luxury villas in Portugal, you’ll find similar opportunities in other regions, though the Minho offers particular advantages for outdoor-focused travelers.

The nearest commercial airport is Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto, approximately 90 km south, requiring roughly 90 minutes’ drive time. This distance is manageable but factors into planning, particularly for weekly rentals where arrival/departure efficiency matters.

The best visiting period spans May through September, when temperatures reach 18-25°C and rainfall is minimal. July and August attract maximum crowds to beaches; May and September offer climate benefits with fewer tourists. For destination research and broader planning, our Portugal travel guide provides comprehensive context about the country’s regions, logistics, and cultural highlights. You may also explore our full collection of luxury properties throughout Portugal to compare options across different regions.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Villa Escusa accommodates six guests comfortably, making it ideal for multi-generational families where grandparents, parents, and children share one property. The single-floor layout and accessible bathroom facilities remove physical barriers, particularly benefiting older family members or guests with reduced mobility.

Couples traveling with small children find the property particularly suitable. The fenced garden provides secure outdoor space, the nearby village shop supplies essentials, and family beaches at Moledo and Afife offer gentle alternatives to busier resorts. The high chair and baby crib accommodate infants, while older children enjoy the pool.

Groups of friends—three couples, or four friends plus a child or two—appreciate the balance between shared spaces (the dining area, covered terrace, pool) and private bedroom sanctuaries. The villa’s position between rural quiet and cultural attractions suits travelers seeking both rest and exploration.

Professionals requiring temporary relocation appreciate the laundry facilities, reliable Wi-Fi, and kitchen infrastructure supporting longer stays. The location offers reasonable proximity to Porto for business meetings while maintaining a countryside refuge.

Practical Information

Capacity: 6 guests across 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms.

Ground Floor Configuration: One bedroom with ensuite bathroom (bathtub), two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms (showers), plus a separate guest bathroom. Living room, open-plan kitchen and dining area, laundry room.

Nearest Airport: Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) in Porto, 90 km south, approximately 90 minutes’ drive via the A3 highway.

Nearest Supermarket: Local village shop 1 km away; Continente supermarket in Caminha (6 km); larger shopping in Vila do Conde (25 km).

Included in Rental: Wi-Fi internet connection, air conditioning and heating, pool towels, linen and soft furnishings, coffee machine, hairdryers, iron and ironing board, dishwasher and laundry appliances, parking.

Touristic Registration: 142880/AL (official Portuguese tourism authority number).

Check-in timing is flexible and arranged upon booking confirmation. Standard European check-in operates from 4:00 PM, with check-out at 10:00 AM, though early and late arrangements are often possible depending on availability.

Frequently Asked Questions about Villa Escusa

How many guests does Villa Escusa sleep?

Villa Escusa sleeps 6 guests comfortably. Three double bedrooms provide the primary accommodation, with each bedroom including an ensuite bathroom. The villa does not include additional sofa beds or annexes, so 6 represents the maximum comfortable occupancy.

What is the nearest airport to Villa Escusa?

Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto is the nearest major commercial airport, located 90 km south of Villa Escusa. The journey from airport to villa requires approximately 90 minutes by private car or hired transfer service, traveling via the A3 highway toward Braga, then north toward Caminha. This distance is reasonable for weekly rentals but may feel less convenient for brief weekend trips.

What is the best time of year to rent Villa Escusa?

May and September offer optimal conditions: daytime temperatures between 18-23°C, minimal rainfall, full pool operation, and fewer crowds than peak summer. July and August guarantee warm weather (22-27°C) but attract maximum beach visitors. The shoulder months of April and October remain viable for travelers tolerant of variable weather and occasional rain. Winter months (November through March) experience cooler temperatures (8-14°C) and frequent precipitation, though heating and the fireplace provide comfort for those prioritizing solitude and lower pricing.

Is Villa Escusa suitable for families with children?

Yes, Villa Escusa is specifically designed for family travel. The single-floor layout eliminates stair navigation, creating safety advantages for toddlers and young children. The fenced garden provides secure outdoor play space without constant cliff or traffic concerns. The private pool includes shallow zones suitable for children, though constant adult supervision is mandatory. A baby crib and high chair are provided. Nearby Moledo and Afife beaches offer child-friendly bathing areas. Local village shops supply groceries and children’s products within 1 km. However, families should note that the property accommodates a maximum of 6 guests, limiting family size or preventing the inclusion of nannies or additional caregivers.

What is included in the rental price at Villa Escusa?

The standard rental includes: Wi-Fi internet access throughout the property, air conditioning and heating systems, all bed linen and soft furnishings, pool towels and beach towels, kitchen equipment and appliances (dishwasher, refrigerator, stovetop, oven, coffee machine), laundry facilities (washing machine and dryer), bathroom amenities (hairdryers), general household items (iron and ironing board), and parking access. Pool maintenance and heating are included. Utilities (electricity and water) are typically covered in the quoted nightly rate, though confirmation with the booking agent clarifies specific inclusions. Initial cleaning is included; additional mid-stay cleaning is available for an extra fee.

What restaurants and shops are near Villa Escusa?

A local village shop 1 km away provides basic groceries, bread, and sundries. In Caminha (6 km), independent restaurants serve traditional Portuguese cuisine; recommended establishments include fish-focused tascas (casual eateries) and more formal restaurants along the riverside. Regional specialties include cataplana seafood stews, grilled fish, and local vinho verde wines. Vila do Conde (25 km) offers larger supermarkets, international restaurants, and the excellent market hall featuring fresh fish, produce, and local products at unmodified Portuguese pricing. Ponte de Lima (40 km) includes fine dining establishments alongside traditional rural restaurants. Most restaurants require reservation during July-August peak season.