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, cycle through the vines, or play golf on the quinta's own putting green; 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 aren’t far away. A perfect example of slow living that’s good for the soul. We can’t wait to replenish ours.
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
- Lots of praise for the kind and welcoming staff
- With ancient towns, little-known beaches, rivers ideal for wild swimming, and excellent food and wine, the Minho is a gorgeous place for retreating among nature
Lows
- The restaurant closes in the evenings, so 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
Best time to go
Our top tips
- 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.
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.
Beds are dressed in 300-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets, and minibars are stocked with wines from the vineyard. Bathrooms have showers and organic Rerum Natura toiletries.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
Breakfasts and light lunches are served 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.
The light meal service runs from 12:30-6:30pm and includes simple-but-tasty salads, pastas and cheese boards. Or, take lunch outside and 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.
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
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, lawn games and even a putting green. Beaches aren’t far away, 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 2 independent reviews from i-escape guests