Villa Enxate | 6-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Marinhas

Fourteen guests arrive at Villa Enxate in Portugal’s Minho region and immediately understand why this six-bedroom property commands attention. The heated pool stretches 14 metres across manicured gardens, while terraced outdoor areas frame views that shift throughout the day. This is where extended families and friend groups actually reconnect—not despite the space, but because of how thoughtfully it’s arranged.

Inside Villa Enxate

Villa Enxate sleeps 12 guests across 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, distributed across three distinct floors designed for privacy and gathering in equal measure. Each bedroom features its own en-suite shower room, eliminating morning queues and creating independence within shared spaces.

The ground floor sets the tone with two generous living zones. The primary lounge showcases exposed wooden beams overhead and textured stone walls—the kind of architectural detailing that signals quality without announcement. Adjacent sits a formal dining area seating fourteen guests around a substantial wooden table with accompanying bench seating, opening onto a covered terrace ideal for evening meals as light fades across the gardens. A guest toilet completes this level.

Ascend to the first floor and the home reveals its full personality. A secondary lounge with contemporary furnishings and flatscreen television provides space for smaller group gatherings or quiet evenings. The kitchen occupies an open-plan design with white cabinetry, granite countertops, hob, oven, dishwasher, microwave and kettle—equipped comprehensively enough that cooking becomes optional rather than obligatory. Four bedrooms cluster on this level: the master bedroom features a double bed and en-suite shower, as do three additional double-bed bedrooms, each with private bathroom access. A separate dining zone seating four with fireplace warmth sits adjacent to the kitchen.

The top floor houses the remaining two bedrooms. The fifth bedroom contains twin single beds—configured for children or guests preferring separate sleeping arrangements. The sixth bedroom features a double bed with its own en-suite shower room.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The gardens deserve their own paragraph. Expansive stretches of cropped grass invite children to run, adults to play badminton, guests to simply lie horizontally for hours. Multiple sun loungers scatter across the grounds—not clustered in one spot, but distributed to create private sunbathing nooks throughout the property.

The heated swimming pool measures 14 metres by 4.5 metres with depths ranging from 1.20 to 1.40 metres—substantial enough for lap swimmers but controlled enough for children. The heating system extends the swimming season considerably, making summer and shoulder months genuinely usable. Covered terracing provides shade without isolation, while garden furniture and a portable barbecue station transform outdoor dining into the evening’s focal point. Multiple terrace levels create natural gathering spaces at different temperatures and light exposures throughout the day.

Location: Minho and the Surrounding Area

Villa Enxate occupies Minho, a region in northern Portugal where medieval fortifications meet Atlantic beaches, and wine production quietly underpins the entire economy. This isn’t coastal tourism—it’s historic Portugal with contemporary comfort.

Guimarães Castle stands 35 kilometres south, the 10th-century fortress where Portuguese independence arguably began. King Afonso Henriques, Portugal’s first monarch, was born within these walls. Visitors today navigate the castle’s stone passages and ramparts, then descend to Guimarães town square, one of Portugal’s most photographed medieval spaces. An audio guide adds historical context to what would otherwise be atmospheric wandering. The Palace of the Dukes of Braganza (also near Guimarães, 35km south) operates daily 9am–8pm and showcases 15th-century French-influenced architecture alongside museums displaying preserved artefacts from when this structure held genuine political power.

Praia do Cabedelo, approximately 45 kilometres west, presents the region’s most accessible beach—soft sand, manageable waves, and shallow entry points ideal for families. Watersports operators run from the beach during summer, offering paddleboard rental and casual surfing lessons. The beach town of Viana do Castelo, 50 kilometres northwest, combines working fishing port character with a riverside promenade, weekend market (Saturdays), and local restaurants serving fresh catch from the morning’s boats.

Food culture in Minho centres on Francesinha sandwiches (Porto speciality, 40km south), Braga’s Minho wine region (10km southeast, multiple family-run tasting rooms), and restaurant scenes in Braga town itself where contemporary chefs work alongside traditional recipes. The Mercado Municipal in Braga (10km away) operates mornings and sells produce directly from surrounding farms. For exploration context, browse our villas in Braga area, explore our luxury villas in Europe, and visit our full collection in Portugal. Our comprehensive Portugal travel guide provides seasonal planning and hidden-location recommendations across the country.

Porto (90km south, 75 minutes by car) operates as the nearest major city with international flight connections, university culture, riverside wine cellars, and restaurant density that makes three-day detours worthwhile. Braga itself (10km southeast, 15 minutes by car) functions as the region’s working heart—supermarkets, hospital, train station, restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining.

Seasonal timing matters considerably. May through September offers warm, reliable weather with ocean temperatures reaching 16–18°C by August. September specifically provides the sweet spot: summer crowds have diminished, water remains warm, and early autumn light becomes exceptional. October remains pleasant though increasingly unpredictable. Winter months (November–February) bring rain and grey skies but far fewer visitors and reduced accommodation costs. Spring (March–April) sees wildflower growth across rural areas and is genuinely underrated for countryside cycling.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended families (three generations): The six separate bedrooms with individual en-suites eliminate shared bathroom compromises. Grandparents claim first-floor accessibility while teens occupy the quieter top floor. The 12-guest capacity accommodates parents and their adult children plus grandchildren without stacking people.

Friend groups celebrating milestones: The formal dining setup seats groups comfortably. The twin-bed configuration accommodates friends who don’t wish to pair romantically. Two lounge areas allow natural separation during evenings—some watching films while others talk through the night.

Families with young children: The heated pool removes cold-water anxiety. The extensive gardens provide secure outdoor play without fencing concerns. Cots and high chairs are provided. Praia do Cabedelo’s shallow waters and family-friendly restaurants appear 45km away. The kitchen’s dishwasher and washing machine acknowledge the reality of young-child logistics.

Couples doubling with other couples: Four double-bed bedrooms allow two couples to rent together without negotiating shared spaces. The separate lounges and multiple terraces create meaningful privacy within shared ownership.

Practical Information

Capacity: 12 guests maximum, distributed across 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. Two cots and two high chairs are available for families with infants.

Nearest airport: Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (Porto), approximately 90 kilometres south, serves as the primary international hub. Transfer time by car averages 70–85 minutes depending on traffic. Pre-arranged drivers or rental cars both operate from airport terminals. Braga rail station (10km from the villa) connects to Porto’s airport via train in approximately 90 minutes if car rental is undesired.

Nearest supermarket: Continente hypermarket in Braga town centre (10km east) operates daily and stocks everything from staple groceries to imported specialities. Local morning markets in Braga (Saturdays, Mercado Municipal) offer vegetables, cheese, and prepared foods directly from regional producers.

Included in rental: Wi-Fi internet throughout the property, air-conditioning in bedrooms, heated pool operation, washing machine access, bed linens, and standard towel provision. The portable barbecue is supplied.

Check-in flexibility: Standard practice involves afternoon arrival (from 3pm) and morning departure (by 10am). Early check-in and late checkout are negotiated directly based on availability.

Registration Number: 124911/AL

Frequently Asked Questions about Villa Enxate

How many guests does Villa Enxate sleep?

Villa Enxate accommodates 12 guests across 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. The bedroom breakdown includes four double-bed rooms on the first floor, one double-bed room on the top floor, and one twin-bed room (two single beds) also on the top floor. Two cots and two high chairs are available for families with infants, potentially expanding capacity slightly for very young children, though the 12-guest standard remains the designed maximum for comfort.

What is the nearest airport to Villa Enxate in Portugal?

Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto sits 90 kilometres south of Villa Enxate, with approximately 70–85 minutes transfer time by car depending on Porto’s traffic patterns. Most international flights arrive through this airport. Regional alternative: Braga train station (10km from the villa) connects to Porto airport via direct rail in approximately 90 minutes, useful if car rental isn’t desired. Private car hire and pre-arranged driver services both operate from Porto airport’s ground transportation level.

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

May through September provides reliable warm weather (22–28°C) and ocean temperatures between 15–18°C suitable for swimming. September specifically offers the optimal combination: summer heat without peak-season crowds, water warm enough for comfortable ocean swimming, and exceptional light quality for photography. October remains pleasant but increasingly unpredictable weatherwise. November through February brings cooler temperatures, frequent rain, and grey skies—excellent for atmosphere seekers and significantly reduced rates. March and April feature wildflower growth across rural Minho and mild temperatures, appealing to walkers and photographers willing to accept occasional rain.

Is Villa Enxate suitable for families with children?

Yes, with specific considerations: the heated 14-metre swimming pool operates year-round and maintains temperatures suitable for children’s safety (1.20–1.40 metre depth allows graduated entry). Cots and high chairs are supplied for infants. The extensive gardens provide secure outdoor play space without exposed hazards. Praia do Cabedelo (45km west) operates as the region’s family beach—shallow entry, soft sand, and lifeguard presence during summer months. Braga town (10km southeast) contains supermarkets, pharmacies, and medical facilities including Braga Hospital. Restaurants throughout the region accommodate families openly, with children welcome in most establishments. The villa’s kitchen dishwasher and washing machine address the practical demands of family travel.

What is included in the rental price at Villa Enxate?

Standard inclusions feature Wi-Fi internet connectivity throughout the villa, air-conditioning in all bedrooms, heated swimming pool operation, bed linens and standard towels, washing machine access, and the portable barbecue unit. Hot water and electricity are typically included in the stated nightly rate. Check directly regarding cleaning schedules, arrival linen quality, and any additional services such as private chef arrangement or airport transfer pricing.

What restaurants and shops are near Villa Enxate?

Braga town centre (10km southeast, 15-minute drive) houses the Continente hypermarket for everyday groceries, the Mercado Municipal (Saturday mornings) for fresh produce directly from regional farmers, and restaurants ranging from casual tascas (traditional taverns) to contemporary fine dining. Specific recommendations include seafood restaurants along Viana do Castelo’s waterfront (50km northwest). Wine bars and quinta (vineyard) restaurants operate throughout the Minho region—casual tasting rooms begin 10km southeast around Braga’s agricultural hinterland. Local bakeries appear in virtually every village within 5km, selling bread and pastries baked fresh each morning. The villages of Barcelos (20km south) and Guimarães (35km south) host Saturday markets where regional cheeses, wines, and prepared foods sell directly from producers.