Rooms

The houses have been carefully restored in order to retain their rustic charm. Exposed stone walls and floor-to-ceiling windows help them to blend seamlessly into their natural surroundings, and layouts have been carefully thought out so as to maximise on river views.

Rock House (sleeps 2) is perhaps the most striking of the three, having been built into a cliff. Exposed stone forms one wall, an open staircase skirts the cliff, and a log burner has been cleverly immersed in the rock. The house has a double bedroom, a kitchenette and a living area with gorgeous views.

Ruin House (sleeps 2-4) is similar, with exposed brick walls in the bedrooms and a living area that protrudes out in order to gaze over the river. It features a double bedroom, adjoining twin bedroom (suitable for kids) and a small kitchenette.

Pilot House (sleeps 2-6), where we stayed, is the largest of the lot and our favourite. The downstairs has two walls of floor-to-ceiling windows, so expect lots of natural light and breathtaking views. The kitchen has more space than those in the other houses, and there’s a dining table for 6. Bedrooms are upstairs: one double (ensuite) and two twin rooms (with an adjacent bathroom), all with delightfully comfortable beds.

Amelia's House (sleeps 2), on the other hand, is the smallest. It's a snug studio apartment set above Rock House, with a queensize bed, kitchenette, and a living area that opens onto a sunny terrace. Though it doesn't sit right on the river bank, its elevated position gives you the best views of the river winding through the valley. Guests staying here can still use the shared garden, pool, and all of the watersport equipment.

Features include:

• Air conditioning
• Coffee / tea making
• Fireplace
• Hairdryer
• Minibar
• Radio
• Toiletries
• TV
• WiFi

Eating

A breakfast delivery of freshly-baked bread, local cheese, yoghurts and sweet orange juice is brought to you each day, to be enjoyed wherever you please: in your house, on the balcony or down by the river on a sunny morning.

All houses have kitchenettes for preparing other meals, though they aren’t particularly large. We'd suggest stopping by a shop to pick up supplies on the way to the houses, to save getting back in the car as soon as you arrive.

More likely, you’ll try the local restaurants. Either dine out (15-min drive), or ask for your meal to be delivered – a real bonus for such a rural property. Gastronomy is a big thing here, so expect lots of delicious local dishes; we enjoyed a hearty feast of succulent chicken and roast potatoes with a side of charcuterie and some local cookies for dessert. Along with a bottle of Douro wine, of course!

Features include:

• Breakfast
• Coffee maker
• Dinner by arrangement
• Dishwasher
• Fridge
• Kitchenette
• Lunch by arrangement
• Meal delivery service
• Microwave
• Oven
• Toaster

Activities

• Spend a day relaxing at the property: swim in the pool or river, slump in a beanbag on the deck, sip delicious local wines and get dinner delivered - heaven!
  
• Try kayaking, paddleboarding or jet-skiing on the river
  
• Nature lovers will be in their element: we saw eagles, ducks, lizards, butterflies and bats
  
• Explore the Douro by train: a railway line runs right along the banks of the river, stopping at pretty villages and passing directly in front of the property
  
• Board Pousadouro's own speed boat and zip along the river
  
• Take the train to Porto for the day to browse its tiled streets and take a port wine tour
  
• Go walking in the hills or along the river banks – maps are available to borrow
  
• Learn more about the region at the Douro Museum in Regua
  
• Visit the Eça De Queiroz Foundation to learn about one of Portugal’s most famous writers.

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Boat trips
• Cycling
• Hiking
• Jet skiing
• Kayaking
• Museums / galleries
• Shopping / markets
• SUP
• Swimming
• Walking

Kids

There's so much for families here and all ages are welcome, though we'd recommend it for those with babes in arms or children over 7 due to the direct access to the river. There are twin beds (in one house), kitchenettes for self-catering and plenty of space for youngsters. You get daily breakfast deliveries, and picnic lunches or restaurant deliveries are available on request. There's a shared swimming pool for splashing about in - or the river! Paddleboards and kayaks are free to borrow, as are lifejackets, and boat trips depart from the private dock.

Best for:

Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

Pilot House is perfect for a family of 4-6, with its slightly bigger kitchenette and more spacious living area. There's a cot, extra bed and high chair available to borrow. Ruin House can sleep a family of 4, with 2 kids in the twin bedroom that adjoins the master bedroom.

Distances:

• Airport: 75 mins' drive
• Hospital: 30 mins' drive
• Supermarket: 15 mins' drive

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Casas de Pousadouro is located on the north bank of the Douro river in Portugal's Baião district. It's 75 mins' drive from Porto, and four hours from Lisbon.

By Air
Although there's a small regional airport at Vila Real, most people fly into Porto.

By Car
Travelling by car is the quickest way to reach the property, and you will find it useful to have your own transport for exploring and dining out. See our car rental recommendations.

By Train:
The scenic Douro railway line, which begins in Porto, runs right past the houses. The nearest station, Aregos, is less than 1km away; taxis are available, and it's walkable without luggage. But be aware that for most shopping and dining trips, you would need to either use taxis or their meal delivery service.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.