Decided to do a European drive through holiday of France, Spain and Portugal with my other half and our dog. This place was our last stop on the drive down. And the best! Such good value for money compared to some of the other places we have stopped at. You get a whole house for the cost of a room in most other places we stopped.
Yes, it’s set a bit in the middle of nowhere surrounded by hills, forestry and hidden little streams (perfect walks with our dog off leash everywhere!) so definitely bring a car if you intend to explore, and get directions from Phil before you put it into your sat nav! But what a lovely setting.
The house has everything you need to be self sufficient. They provided us with wood for the fire, coal for the bbq, towels, robes, complimentary milk and coffee to get us started. Even let us use their washing machine for muddy dog waking clothes. Being April it wasn’t really pool weather but I think it’s getting filled soon for the summer so that will be an extra bonus for future people.
There’s an ‘all you can eat’ Portuguese restaurant Lou and Phil recommended down the road which is amazing. Crazy quirky art everywhere. Wine, beer, food and a crazy accordion double act. The local town is a short drive away which has some nice little cafes too. I still can’t over how inexpensive everything is. 90 cents for a beer in a local cafe! 3 course lunch with a drink for 5 euros!
Lou and Phil have two gorgeous dogs and ours is in love with them and jealous of all the space they have to explore together. It’s completely central Portugal (you can even go visit the most central point down the road and search for this Vila) so don’t be thinking it’s a short stroll to a beach or touristy. Just a genuine, local way of living life. The surfing beach we went to (can’t remeber the name now) was only an hour or so drive away though. As was our day trip to Lisbon.
Lou and Phil are very knowledgable about the area and will always point you in the right direction of things to do depending on what you’re looking for. Ours was mainly relaxing, eating, drinking and walking so this was just perfect.
Thank you guys for having us and being excellent hosts. Look after Charlotte Sebastián (I got to name one of their chickens). And show the other guests your amazing giant gin balls!
Charlotte Mike and Keavagh Xxx