Boavista Views Portugal
Holiday Home Rental Description
Boavista Views certainly lives up to its name! The breathtaking views enjoyed from this historic home and its grounds are absolutely phenomenal! Despite the characterful interiors of this wonderful six bedroom house, you will not want to miss a moment being captivated by the stunning panorama surrounding Boavista Views. The house was originally built in the seventeenth century in this most exclusive and enviable spot overlooking the Douro River and its surrounding age-old vineyards. The house has been beautifully renovated to include modern comforts and some wonderful treats. With six charming bedroom suites, the house is ideal for groups of friends, multi-generational families or perhaps two families wanting to enjoy a holiday together.
Boavista Views sits proudly on a high plateau on the outskirts of the charming Portuguese village Mesao Frio. Mesio Frio is an absolute delight with friendly locals, some wonderful eateries, astounding Douro views and within easy reach of Porto and many other fabulous towns and villages. The location is perfect for hikers, cyclists, those that want to tour the local wineries, foodies, river enthusiasts and those looking for cultural excursions. Just along from Mesio Frio is the fabulous Peso da Regua with its fascinating Douro Museum. You can enjoy the Douro’s breathtaking landscapes on the river, by hiking, driving and even by helicopter. Trips to Porto, Braga and Lamengo should be included in your trip.
Steeped in history, Boavista Views enjoys a wonderful blend of modern comforts and nods from the past. The old ‘lagares’, stone troughs in which grapes were trodden, now feature in the gym alongside its excellent range of equipment. There are two living spaces, one perfectly positioned to enjoy the river views and filled with sumptuous furnishings and the other cosy and comforting with an open fireplace and a card games table. The main living space features unique royal blue windows and doors that can be opened so that you can enjoy a wide view of the valley. The dining room is smart and sophisticated with classical vintage furnishings and doors opening to the terrace and garden. The kitchen will please the chefs in your group with its traditional styling and many vintage pots and pans. They will be able to cook up a storm which can be eaten in the dining room or alfresco with a view. Boavista Views is very spacious. Though it is a very sociable house, there are plenty of secluded, quiet corners if you want to disappear with your holiday book or a cup of coffee. The wine cellar is amazing, a wonderful space for a celebratory dinner or a large get together. For entertainment, guests have the use of a snooker table and a padel tennis court. Guests enjoy the sleep of kings in the six bedroom suites, all with ensuite bathrooms. Crisp cottons adorn the beds, together with delightful soft furnishings.
The gardens are joyful, all with fabulous views. There are idyllic spots for alfresco dining or enjoying a glass of your favourite tipple while pondering how the light changes the dreamy river scenes. The surrounding age-old vineyards of Portugal’s most famous produce, Port wine, enchance the pure magic of this enchanting scene. The swimming pool enjoys the most brilliant setting, overlooking the river and surrounded by a lush lawn and plenty of loungers. There is a handy pool house too. The padel tennis court is very popular.
An added attraction of Boavista Views is that a delicious breakfast is included in your stay. It is also possible for an additional charge to have other meals prepared by a local chef. Your welcome hamper will also bring a smile to your faces. Boavista Views enjoys an enviable location overlooking the Douro River and ancient vineyards in Mesao Frio, a charming, very attractive village that sits next to the river. Close by is the sun bleached town of Pesu da Regua, the region’s largest riverside town. Pesu da Regua grew into a major port and wine entrepot in the 18th century. From this wonderful town you can cruise the Douro River and explore many of the regions wineries and villages. The town’s Douro Museum is excellent, the riverfront is gorgeous and the old town up the hill is very quaint and charming.
Other places to visit include Pinhao on the river with its wonderful railway station and ancient tiles dedicated to the cultivation of vines, Numao with its castle and fabulous views, the International Douro National Park, the Vale do Coa Archaeological Park, an open-air rock art gallery and Lemego with its Shrine of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios.
Within very easy reach, Porto lies at the mouth of the river, 280 km north of Lisbon. Porto is home to port wine, street art and fabulous eateries. Porto is a city rich in history and culture. It historical centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Porto enjoys a fascinating history, a fantastic array of attractions and activities and a wonderful cultural experience. You can enjoy wine and port tastings throughout the city and especially in Vila Nova de Gaia across the Douro River from Porto. Caves Ferreira in Vila Nova de Gaia is one of the best places around, founded by a winemaking family in 1751. Porto is brimming with narrow tiled buildings wedged into streets along river hillsides, a labyrinth of backstreets . It boasts a gorgeous waterfront. While you are there, apart from wine tasting, you should climb the Torre dos Clerigos for fabulous views, explore the Cais da Ribeira, one of the oldest parts of the city admiring its views of the iconic double-decked Dom Luis bridge, look at the Igreja do Carmo and visit the Museo da Cidade which gives a wonderful insight into Porto’s history. You also should sample a francesinha with its multiple layers of meat, egg and dough and drenched in tomato and beer sauce!
Braga is the oldest city in Portugal. Its original name was Bracara Augusta, having been founded by Romans in 16BC. Braga is known as the ‘Rome of Portugal’ for its many churches. Braga’s Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte sits on the top of a hill with a 600 step climb. It is very beautiful, sitting in a park with beautiful gardens, caves and a lake. Republic Square offers a beautiful fountain and is the starting point of the historic centre. Other significant landmarks are the Torre de Menagen from the 14th century, the university, the Cathedral of Braga and the Biscainhos Palace which is now a museum. The food offered in the town is delicious with Francesinha on the menu in many restaurants. These are a type of sandwich stuffed with sausage, ham, steak and other meats covered with cheese au gratin and served with a tomato sauce, beer and chilli. Avenida da Liberdade is the main pedestrian thoroughfare surrounded by flowerbeds and shop windows.
*** For security reasons the pinpoint on the map may not show the exact location of the villa, only the area location.At Excellence Luxury Villas we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
– Maid service/extra cleaning- Private chef/cook/catering- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge- Local day-trips or tours- Airport pick-up/drop-off- Babysitting/childcare services
Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge.
Please note that all services are subject to availability and must be requested in advance and that due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. Prices are on request. We will always do our best to fulfil your requests!