Medieval Estate Near Northern Beaches Is Haven for Hikers, Golfers, Honeymooners

Minutes from sandy beaches south of one of Portugal’s most romantic cities – Viana do Castelo – sits the recently restored Quinta do Monteverde within its own walled estate. It has remained in the Monteverde family since the 15^th century. The manor itself was built in the 16^th century and was originally named ‘Casa das Torres do Morgado da Senhora das Neves de Sendem’. Traditionally, the Portuguese use all the names of parents and grandparents, resulting in very long surnames!

In 1790, an Italian – Luiz Vital Monteverde – attended the wedding of King Joao VI of Portugal, remained, and married the owner of the manor, Donna Teresa de Jesus da Cunha Lobo Barbosa Sottomaior. The Coat of Arms of that time is carved in granite of the main entrance, and it has in its quarters the arms of the Cunha, Lobo, Barbosa, and Sottomaior families.

Historic Holiday House has Tennis, Golf, Bikes and Backpacking Near the Beach

Guests enjoy the romantic gardens, a large swimming pool, a barbecue area, and a tennis court among the traditional lawns and fruit orchards. A terrace overlooks the swimming pool, and water from a natural spring by the cottages gurgles through a shallow wading pool. The property's lane leads down to the fishing hamlet of Castelo do Neiva close by. A large restaurant waits at the end of the lane to offer patrons specialties of fish caught by the local fishermen. A long, unspoiled sandy beach runs for miles in each direction, backed by sand dunes. Guests can borrow a bicycle to explore the small lanes and to ride down to the beach. Quinta de Barca, Estela, and Ponte de Lima are ready to challenge guests to a round of golf, and Peneda-Geres Natural Park is perfect for year-round backpacking and hiking trips.

Antiques from 16th Century Furnish An Elegant Estate

The Monteverde House was recently restored to its former glory, and the interior retains the style of its original construction. Furniture and ornaments of the 16^th and 18^th centuries and old family trees and family portraits furnish the manor throughout. A separate cottage makes a perfect honeymoon holiday home or backpacking buddies' getaway near Portugal's northern beach resorts.

Magnificent sunsets with a view of the sea romance the guests of the main house. Breakfast is served in an enclosed balcony overlooking fertile farming land and the sea or on an open veranda receiving the morning sun, overlooking gardens and a tree-covered hill.

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