Villa Armada Portugal

The eight lucky guests that happen to book the stunning Villa Armada are in for a treat! This amazing property dates back to 1501 and enjoys a fascinating past. It was built by one of the skippers who accompanied Vasco da Gama to the Horn of Africa. Over the centuries there were various additions to the villa which have now been removed to expose the original structure. The Manueline architecture has been lovingly cared for and respected with a sensational restoration resulting in this absolute marvel. Many ancient nods from the past are still visible in and around the villa. It offers a wonderful blend of time gone by meets striking, contemporary living. The orginal entrance was wide enough for a horse and had to be enlarged to make way for cars. The original coat of arms was effaced to avoid paying a tax apart from the ornamental rope framing it. It has now been redesigned to represent  its new owner’s coat of arms. Villa Armada is a marvellous property. It is stunning, spacious and a simply magical renovation.
Located amongst countryside greenery close to the historic town of Caminha, Villa Armada enjoys spectacular scenery. This hidden jewel in northern Portugal is located in the Viana do Castelo district in Alto Minho, near the mouth of the River Minho which separates Portugal and Spain. There is plenty to see and admire in Caminha including the ancient Torre do Relogio de Caminha, the clock tower which forms part of the old city walls built in the 12th centurey and is a national monument. You can climb to the top of the tower to enjoy fabulous views of the town. The Rua Direita or Ricardo Joaquim de Sousa Street is the cobbled main street in the historic centre. Another historic monument is the Igreja Matriz de Caminha where you can admire tiles from the 17th century. The Foz do Minho Beach is located next to the River Minho, a wonderful area of great natural beauty with a gorgeous beach and delightful walking trails. Guests staying at Villa Armada enjoy beaches, rivers, mountains, forests, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture and absolutely delicious food and wine.
Villa Armada boasts four stunning bedroom suites sleeping eight guests, fabulous contemporary living spaces and sensational outdoor space. The works to the villa have provided a very sleek, contemporary feel while keeping the original structures and respecting its architecture. Throughout the villa you will discover exposed stone walls and other wonderful features. The designers are proud of their eco friendly designs. The heating and electricity are solar, the pool is technically a pond, a large vegetable garden with herbs and edible flowers has been developed and everything is recycled or composted.
The main living space is open plan in design with extraordinary scenery enjoyed from every corner of the room. The anthracite grey kitchen is sleek, stylish and ultra modern with the very best of appliances and a sociable central island. To one side is a huge picture window with fabulous garden views and stools wher you can perch with a cool glass of wine to enjoy the views. The trendy dining area also enjoys giant picture windows and views and the living area is wonderfully comfortable with a massive log burning stove, television and vibrant contemporary art.
The four bedrooms are calm, soothing nests with contemporary furnishings, dazzling white decor and doors opening to various terraces and private corners. They enjoy spectacular ensuite bathrooms. Throughout the villa, you will find lots of quiet corners, art studios and beautiful views from every angle.
The outside spaces of Villa Armada are incredible. With stunning views, beautiful gardens, a sensational natural swimming pool and a delightful alfresco dining area, they are hard to beat. You will discover so many ancient charms and be enchanted by the whole plot. You will definitely want to book this property again and explore this under-the-radar hidden area some more.Caminha is a wonderful destination for a holiday. It is unspoilt, very historic and totally fascinating. By the end of the 19th century, the railway line between Porto and Valenca was established so the Eiffel Bridge was built by Gustave Eiffel, of the Paris Eiffel Tower fame. You can admire his work from the riverside park along Avenida de Camoes in the town.
The surrounding countryside and rivers are fabulous, brimming with Camarido pine trees and beautiful walking trails. Miardouro da Fraga is an astonishing viewpoint roughly 25 minutes walk from the town centre. You will enjoy stunning views of the Minho River and the surrounding landscape. Another excellent viewpoint is at Santo Antao. The Serra D’Arga Mountain will leave you speechless. It offers sensational vistas as well as beautiful natural lagoons and waterfalls.  
Foz do Minho Beach is wonderful, as is Praia de Vila Praia de Ancora. It forms part of the Lagarteira Fortress which was built in the 17th century to serve as a defence. It is good for windsurfing with lovely scenery. Forte da Insua is on the little island off the coast of Caminha. Inhabited by monks from the 14th century, a 17th century fortress was built to offer them protection.
If you follow the Minho River, you can visit the delightful Tui on the northern side of the river, in Galicia. It boasts a beautiful historic centre and an excellent range of gourmet dining as well as excellent shops. Tui is located south of the Pontevedra province and sits on the edge of the Minho River, opposite the Portuguese town of Valenca. The towns are connected by a nineteenth century bridge. Valenca do Minho is located on the hillside overlooking the left bank of the Minho and on the main road that links the Spanish Santiago de Compostela with Porto. Tourists flock to the town to buy embroidered tablecloths and sheets, the speciality of the town.
Viana do Castelo’s compact historic centre boasts extravagant religious buildings, delightful cafes, elegant plazas and narrow shopping streets which open onto the banks of the Rio Lima. The pearly white, neo-Byzantine Santa Luzia Church presides over the city, sitting high on the hilltop.
Ponte de Lima is one of the most characterful and picturesque towns of Northern Portugal, on the southern banks of the Lima River. The location has been the main river crossing since the Romans constructed a bridge in 1AD. There is a delightful mix of ancient houses, grand religious buildings and pretty plazas. There are a number of interesting museums as well as colourful flower gardens and stunning natural scenery all around. The Ponte do Lima is an excellent centre for adventure activities such as the Ecovia cycling route, kayaking along the Lima River, mountain biking or hiking in the Serra D’Arga or birdwatching in the Lagoas de Bertiandos. You can river bathe in Labruja.
Further south, Braga is regarded as one the main religious centres of Portugal, with the oldest cathedral and many Gothic churches. Every hour you will hear a cocophony of different church bells ringing out! It is the third largest city of Portugal and is a joy to explore. Braga is an enthralling university city and the setting for Bom Jesus do Monte, a fine monument. The historic centre is fully pedestrianised. There are pretty city gardens, charming plazas and busy shopping streets. 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 Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge Team 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 transfers- Babysitting/childcare services
Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge Team.
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!