Villa Pedra
Cotas, Coimbra, Portugal
Old stones, contemporary comfort and iconic furnishings at this bucolic retreat with self-catering cottages for 2-5, set in a hidden valley of the Beiras
The stunning Beiras region of central Portugal, cradled between the
Douro and the Tejo rivers, stretches from the Atlantic Coast all
the way to the Spanish border yet few people outside of Portugal
would be able to place it on a map. Friends Manuel, Carla and
Victor have long known of the region's charms and when they
happened upon a remote, abandoned hamlet, Aldeia de Cimao,
overlooking the emerald hills of the Sicó valley, it was
'game on'.
Bringing urbane sophistication to rustic origins, they oversaw a
remarkable renaissance that has given life to seven
self-catering cottages for 2-5 guests, which marry a
strict eco-brief with chic, decorative pizzazz. The living spaces
are as comfortable as they are functional, whilst a funky mix of
contemporary paintings, ethnic art from all corners of the planet
and iconic furnishings speak of their love of the Better Things in
Life. A sense of cossetted retreat, coupled with genuine privacy
and a lovely pool, makes Villa Pedra a great choice for romancing
or deep relaxation, but the cottages are big enough for family
groups too.
Reviewed by Guy Hunter Watts
Last updated 09 February 2012
Highs
- Each cottage was reinvented to guarantee maximum privacy: you really can hide away from the world here
- Oodles of TLC has been lavished on every last detail: the quality of finish and level of comfort couldn't be better
- Expect a breakfast to remember - included in the rates and delivered to your cottage each day
- You're a shake away from one of Portugal's most fascinating Roman sites - Conimbriga - and an easy drive from historic Coimbra
- The walled pool and garden is a blissfully peaceful spot to while away your afternoons
Lows
- You'll need to hop in a car if you don't want to cook, though with 4 restaurants within a 20-km radius you won't have to venture too far
- You're well off the tourist-beaten track, and a fair drive from the beach, but that's all part of the charm
- Don't expect much in the way of ready-made entertainment but do expect to leave with your inner batteries fully charged
