Casa do Rio Vez

The Casa do Rio Vez is, to put it simply, really cute, but would you expect anything less from an old 19th century olive mill located alongside the banks of the River Vez and set within 5000 square metres of gardens? Olive trees, oak trees and lawns abound and even though Rio Vez has its own attractive swimming pool, a dip in natural water of the local river is an utterly bracing experience, given the beautiful nature that surrounds it. But what about the accommodation itself? Well, it may have been built in 1886, but a total renovation in 2004 has added generous contemporary spaces and lines to go with the granite walls and history of the place.

So, the main house, which is “L” shaped and takes in the rooms, has two new levels, with the mezzanines (for the loft) and lounges all beautifully decorated in modern comfortable tones. It even has those minimalist type large rectangular windows to take in all that light and nature that the place affords. For nature is what you certainly get at the Casa do Rio Vez, and in this regard we cannot forget to suggest a visit to The Peneda-Geres National Park, which is only 10 minutes away and an utterly beautiful experience, which is more akin to Switzerland than for a country known for its sandy beaches and warm climate. Yet if some urbane city like requirements are needed, then you are only 2km or so from Arco de Valdevez and it’s only a little bit further to one of northern Portugal’s loveliest cities – Viana do Castelo, right on the Atlantic Ocean.