At Terra Rosa, life is refreshingly slow. Here, in the depths of northern Portugal’s pretty Minho region, you’re invited to recuperate among nature – 70 glorious hectares of it, no less. This vast estate encompasses neat terraces of vines ripening beneath the sun’s warm glow, ready to be pressed into crisp Vinho Verde, Portugal’s ‘green wine’ that originates from this region. The course of the River Neiva runs through here, its water used to irrigate the land and its banks home to a variety of native birds. And at the centre of it all, a cypress-lined driveway that leads to four rustic houses congregating around a village-like square: an old Minho manor house dating back to 1758, a rustic schist (stone) house once used to dry hops, a warehouse for storage during the harvest, and even a dainty chapel that plays part of the Camino de Santiago pilgrim route.
Today the estate is run by father-daughter duo Francisco and Eliana – he looks after the vineyard, she heads up the hotel. The old buildings have been transformed into 7 gorgeous bedrooms, each furnished with beautiful vintage pieces (that are all for sale). Breakfasts incorporate homegrown produce, and picnic lunches can be set up within the grounds. Grab a basket and go vegetable picking, stroll along the banks of the stream, swim in the heated pool or the Neiva River, or cycle through the vines; this is heaven for outdoorsy couples and families. Evenings consist of wine drinking, playing pool or movie nights by the firepit. And if you do seek civilisation, Ponte de Lima, Porto and Braga are in easy reach. A perfect example of slow living that’s good for the soul.
Highs
- Beautiful rooms, each with antique furniture and views of the garden; some with balconies too
- Plenty of on-site activities for all ages: cycling, swimming, golf, wine tasting, massages, cookery classes
- The picnics packed with local produce sound scrumptious (we were too full from the superb breakfast to try it ourselves)
- Excellent service: the offer of a chilled glass of wine on arrival by the kind and welcoming staff was just the ticket after a long journey
- With ancient towns, little-known beaches, river swimming, and excellent food and wine, the Minho is a gorgeous place for retreating among nature and blissfully under-the-radar
Lows
- The restaurant closes in the evenings, so (unless you don't mind eating early) you’ll have to drive to Ponte de Lima for dinner (10 mins)
- No shops or amenities within walking distance
- The moody colour schemes and old buildings make some rooms appear slightly dark
- Little ones are welcome but it's a peaceful place - we think it's best suited to couples and older families
Best time to go
Northern Portugal is a bit cooler and wetter than southern Portugal, but still generally warm in summer and mild in winter. Occasional summer rains may last a few days, while the beaches can be windy and a few degrees cooler than inland. May-October, when the pool is heated, are the ideal months.
Our top tips
The local town of Ponte de Lima is said to be the oldest town in Portugal, so make time to explore its historic streets and medieval architecture. And if you’re in town for it, don’t miss the traditional market that takes place along the banks of the Lima River and attracts people from all over the country.
- Boutique Hotel
- 7 rooms
- Restaurant & bar
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Heated Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Bicycles Available
- Pool table and games
Rooms
All seven of the rooms are located in the old schist house. There are four standard rooms and three suites with living rooms. All can be made up as kingsize or twins and have beautiful garden views; some also have private balconies. Room names come from architectural features of the farm: there’s Capela, which means chapel; Moinho, which translates as mill; and Espigueiro, meaning granary. Waking up to the verdant views from our Chaminé (chimney) suite felt truly special.
Décor-wise, inspiration is taken from the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-sabi, a concept based on finding beauty in imperfection. Earthy colours and natural materials flow throughout – wood, wicker, bamboo – all complemented by Eliana’s handpicked collection of antiques and decorative art pieces. Like what you see? Ask about the price – it’s all for sale.
Our bed was one of the softest we've slept in, dressed in luxurious 300-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets. Minibars are stocked with wines from the vineyard, and bathrooms have showers and organic Rerum Natura toiletries.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Bathrobes
- Coffee / tea making
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- Radio
- Safe box
- Toiletries
- TV
- WiFi
Eating
Breakfasts and light lunches are served in the garden. If the weather turns, tables are set up in the living-dining room. Eliana and Francisco grow produce on their land, so you can expect plenty of just-picked fruits and vegetables in the dishes.
Breakfast is a colourful spread of crusty bread and buttery croissants, homemade cakes, granola, cheese and ham boards, and assorted fruits, nuts and yoghurt, plus fresh juice and coffee. Pancakes and eggs are also available on request.
For lunch alfresco, request one of their scrummy picnics, laid out in a pretty spot on the banks of the river. The spread includes a mixed board, salad, toast, fruit, and a bottle of Vinho Verde. At 5pm, complimentary 'tea time' is held in the wine bar, where you can bridge the gap between meals with fresh juice and tasty cakes. You may also get a movie screening at the same time!
The light meal service in the restaurant runs from 12:30-6:30pm and includes simple-but-tasty salads, pastas and cheese boards. We opted for an early dinner to explore their menu; our plates of prawn linguine and smoked salmon & avocado salad were a little pricey but heaped and delicious, accompanied by fantastic wines, as you'd expect.
If you prefer to eat later, you’ll need to drive out for dinner. Ponte de Lima (14km) has a good selection of restaurants - Eliana recommends A Carvalheira, located just off the main road into town, and Restaurante Açude, which offers classic Portuguese dishes. We also hear good things about the roasted cod at Taberna Afonso in Poiares.
Features include:
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Coffee maker
- Restaurant
Activities
- Explore the estate on foot or by bicycle, and cool off with a refreshing dip in the Neiva River
- Have a relaxing massage among centuries-old olive trees
- Grab a basket and head out to pick olives, chestnuts and veggies from the farm
- Take a tour of the vineyards and taste the wines – this estate is the largest producer of Adega Cooperativa de Ponte de Lima wines
- Explore the wild scenery of Peneda Geres National Park (40km), known for its mountainous ridges and plentiful plantlife
- Day trip to Viana do Castelo (32km), set at the mouth of the Lima River. Get lost in its narrow streets, cycle the coastal path and spend time chilling on the sandy beaches
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cooking classes
- Cycling
- Golf
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Plantlife / flora
- Swimming
- Well being
- Wine tasting
Kids
All ages are welcome, though the hotel has a grown-up, peaceful vibe which may not suit excitable youngsters. But kids will find plenty to keep themselves entertained here; there are acres of space for running about, plus a heated swimming pool, bikes to hire, and lawn games. Beaches are close by, and the local area is great for outdoor activities like cycling.
Best for:
All ages
Family friendly accommodation:
The three Suites - Chaminé, Espigueiro and Eira - all have double sofabeds that can sleep two children. The Pombal Room also has space for one extra bed. Baby cots can be added to all rooms.
Kids Activities on site:
- Swimming in the pool and river
- Cycling
- Lounge with pool table and games
- Picnics
- Putt golf
- Vegetable picking
- Lawn games
- Outdoor cinema
Distances:
- Airport: 45 mins
- Hospital: 15 mins
- Supermarket: 5 mins
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Terra Rosa is located in the countryside near the riverside town of Ponte de Lima (15km), an hour's drive north of Porto (75km). Braga (30km) is the nearest city.
By Air
Fly into Porto (72km / 45 mins' drive).
From the Airport
Airport transfers are available, but we'd recommend hiring a car, for ease of getting here and so you can explore the region once you've arrived.
By Car
See our car rental recommendations. There's free parking at the house, as well as electric car charging.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Porto 72.0 km OPO
- Vigo 74.0 km VGO
Other:
- Beach 30.0 km
- Shops 9.0 km
- Restaurant 9.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 3 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape