It is hard to know where to start; everything about this property exceeded our expectations. It is so much more than what is in the listing. It is more than just a rental, it is a home full of family heirlooms and artifacts. Every room is interesting. From small rooms for intimate conversations to large gathering rooms that open to the formal gardens. The kitchen is stocked with everything you need. On warm nights we ate outside at the tables in the courtyard, and on the few nights it rained we ate in the formal dining room. An incredible space. The gardens are a great place to wander and at night are magical with the lighted fountain and shadows from the topiary. Just beyond the gardens through the gates the property extends with wonderful places to explore. On warm days we used the pool and watched the peacocks stroll by and at night the patio by the pool was a great place to sit and star gaze. Joao and his father were wonderful hosts. Very attentive but never intrusive. Joao immediately responds to any request, and his father offered a wonderful history of the casa. Antonio was a delight to watch as he gathered the geese nightly for their dinner or moved the sheep from one field to another and Gloria offered an endless supply of fresh vegetables from the garden. This is the perfect place for a family reunion, or to use as a base for exploring Northern Portugal. We could not have asked for more.

High spec historic property in incredible setting

We drove down a tree lined lane to the stunning entrance of a beautiful historical home. Greeted by Joao and his family with chilled Vinho Verde and homemade blueberry tart - touring the house, gardens, pool area & farm yard we were stunned by the holiday venue that was to be ours for the next 10 days. Whilst retaining it's historical integrity, the house is ideal for a family holiday - well equipped kitchens, we loved the smaller garden kitchen with wood/pizza oven. Extensive furnished outdoor space, many hours spent in the courtyard, and sat on the kitchen step watching the sun set. Clean modern bathrooms. Simply furnished, individually designed, comfortable bedrooms. The 'farm yard' link between house & pool was a great hit with our children - aged 15 month to 5 years who loved the peacock, hens & geese. The pool and garden room a great success, the hammocks and woods a calm place to while away a quiet hour. The formal garden a real treat and finally the 'Garden of Eden' an amazing vegetable garden - we so enjoyed the generous gifts of fresh fruit and vegetables readily given. The town is within walking distance - a lovely traditional square to chill like a local in the warm evenings. The nearby river beaches the ideal place to really cool off. Everything about Casa de Piellas exceeded our expectations and we look forward to returning in the future with our expanding family - especially once the project Joao plans for the property is completed! Thank you for sharing your special home with us

Um fim de semana com excelentes condições, quer a casa quer a sua envolvente! Jardins bonitos para passear e com direito a apreciar um belo pavão e uma "luta de galos"! Recomendo esta casa para grandes grupo e crianças! Obrigada ao João por toda a simpatia e amabilidade que teve para connosco!

Muy cuidada, habitaciones muy privadas , camas cómodas y baños muy limpios . Buena temperatura interior con la calefacción. Menaje de cocina bastante completa y muy buena atención y disposición de los dueños y el cuidador de la finca.

Our family stayed at Casa Piellas for a week- 14 of us ranging in age from 2- 72yrs and everyone had an amazing time! The property is beautiful and expansive and the house has many separate areas - so everyone can be together at the pool or in the courtyard or you can find a place of peace and quiet in the gardens or one of the rooms. Joáo was a very friendly, generous and responsive host both before the booking and during our stay, allowing us early access to the property (our landed early morning) and welcoming us with lemonade, coffee and homemade blueberry pie. The grounds are spectacular - a large, formal garden and larger wooded areas and fields to explore. We spent a lot of time at the pool area which is lovely. Great pool for little kids to paddle on the step and the older ones to jump around in a large area and even pool toys to play with. Rooms were all well furnished and maintained. The kitchen is gorgeous - the real heart of the home, and the cooking room with the wood oven is a wonderful feature especially for those who enjoy cooking - we made great lamb and pizza's in the oven. There are loads of utensils, crockery and cutlery. We didn't use the impressive formal dining room, rather having our meals in the downstairs garden room or outside in the courtyard. It says something about the villa that there are at least 3 areas that can accommodate 14 people meals. The area is great to explore - we walked to nearby river pools to swim, there is a deer and play park just up the road and numerous little villages to explore close by. We did a wine tasting at Santa Cristina which was also highly recommended. The only tiny issue is that there often isn't a lot of space to unpack clothes in the rooms. But that is very minor issue. Overall it is a incredible experience. We were planning when we can return!

Our family stayed at Casa Piellas for a week- 14 of us ranging in age from 2- 72yrs and everyone had an amazing time! The property is beautiful and expansive and the house has many separate areas - so everyone can be together at the pool or in the courtyard or you can find a place of peace and quiet in the gardens or one of the rooms. Joáo was a very friendly, generous and responsive host both before the booking and during our stay, allowing us early access to the property (our landed early morning) and welcoming us with lemonade, coffee and homemade blueberry pie. The grounds are spectacular - a large, formal garden and larger wooded areas and fields to explore. We spent a lot of time at the pool area which is lovely. Great pool for little kids to paddle on the step and the older ones to jump around in a large area and even pool toys to play with. Rooms were all well furnished and maintained. The kitchen is gorgeous - the real heart of the home, and the cooking room with the wood oven is a wonderful feature especially for those who enjoy cooking - we made great lamb and pizzas in the oven. There are loads of utensils, crockery and cutlery. We didnt use the impressive formal dining room, rather having our meals in the downstairs garden room or outside in the courtyard. It says something about the villa that there are at least 3 areas that can accommodate 14 people meals. The area is great to explore - we walked to nearby river pools to swim, there is a deer and play park just up the road and numerous little villages to explore close by. We did a wine tasting at Santa Cristina which was also highly recommended. The only tiny issue is that there often isnt a lot of space to unpack clothes in the rooms. But that is very minor issue. Overall it is a incredible experience. We were planning when we can return!

Unique experience to stay in a traditional manor home with upgraded bathrooms A natural spring water pool to cool off in There is a farm on the property and our children enjoyed eating on the kitchen steps with peacocks walking by. The manor is very close to the centre of town with supermarkets, butcher, fresh produce market. We were able to relax and unwind.

Unique experience to stay in a traditional manor home with upgraded bathroomsA natural spring water pool to cool off inThere is a farm on the property and our children enjoyed eating on the kitchen steps with peacocks walking by. The manor is very close to the centre of town with supermarkets, butcher, fresh produce market. We were able to relax and unwind.

The house is comfortable, the rooms gracious, the courtyard and garden spectacular. The owner was responsive and gracious. Our group of 12 has a wonderful time.

The house is comfortable, the rooms gracious, the courtyard and garden spectacular. The owner was responsive and gracious. Our group of 12 has a wonderful time.

We had the best time. Beautiful house with so many great spaces to relax and have fun. Close to Braga, Guimaraes and Porto for day trips and nights out. Thanks to Joao and family for the hospitality.

Casa de Piellas is a breathtaking property. Staying here is a unique experience. The house and gardens are beautiful and an insight into the history of a grand Portuguese landowning family. The cool , large, lower dining room built into the rock , and opening onto the garden was one of our favourite spots. Geese feature on the family coat of arms and a few still bathe in the pool outside the property. Handsome peacocks feature and display but don't intrude. We were thrilled to see hoopoes fly over the pool. The bathrooms and bedrooms are modernised with lovely views and are accessed by a communal balcony. We found the water tepid rather than hot though this was addressed when we mentioned it. The owners and the manager couldn't have been more helpful when one of our party had an accident . Antonio , who takes care of the property and animals and garden, was always ready to help or advise. Our party ate out , ordered food in , and cooked in the kitchen. The oven, coffee makers, dishwasher etc all worked well. The large courtyard , with its fountains , was the most delightful place to congregate and put the world to rights on a balmy evening.

Our party of ranged from 70 to 6 months in age. The house, garden and pool provided us with lots of space and room for activities to suit all ages. The courtyard is a perfect space for outdoor living allowing the small children plenty of safe play space whilst the older ones played table tennis and the rest chatted and enjoyed the vinho verde. The pool is not large but sufficient to provide lots of family fun and the setting is wonderful, accompanied by nosey peacocks. The house and its setting provided an amazing insight into traditional Portuguese life and it was a privilege to experience it. The gardens are beautiful, the planting and the design is historic and the owners ensure the upkeep is excellent. Fancy having camellia hedges over 100 years old. Its fun that it is off grid and not on google but make sure you get full instructions of how to find it! Even the access is special.

This wonderfully preserved and decorated Manor house (Casa Seniorial) was partly remodeled to allow for up-to-date, comfortable hospitality. Your opportunity to experience first-hand living in history. A superb mixture of old flavor with modern amenities and comfort makes this one stand apart. Rooms are large and comfortable, most with on-suit remodeled bathrooms and great views of the garden and surroundings. We were two families and used all 6 bedrooms. Dining room and launch that are open for guests use didn't get much use as it was July and we opted for outside living. The kitchen is the center of this house and "foodies" will find cooking here and spending time around it wonderful. An extra old-world farm kitchen will allow guests to bake breads or slow-cook in a real, wood-burning farm brick oven. The area around the house opens endless opportunities for exploration of both cultural centers like Guimareas and Braga as well as endless nature walks and river swimming and bathing areas. Owners are delightful and very accommodating - hospitality clearly high priority for them. The caretaker on site will help and solve any problem immediately and will keep the swimming pool and gardens in top shape during your stay. Nothing is ever perfect, though; while heaven for us and the kids, one has to remember that farm animals have a tendency to communicate their existence to the world early in the morning and the house does have plenty of farm animals, indeed.

English : an exceptional home in an exotic setting. The recent renovation is particularly successful and well preserved the soul of this place. An ideal place for a family or even wishing to explore the north of Portugal. Welcome and availability of the owners made our stay a success. Français : une maison d’exception dans un cadre dépaysant. La rénovation récente est particulièrement réussie et conserve bien l’âme de ce lieu. Un lieu idéal pour une famille voire plusieurs souhaitant découvrir le nord du Portugal. L’accueil et la disponibilité des propriétaires ont fait de notre séjour une belle réussite.“

Une maison qui a su garder le charme d'un autre temps, tout en étant pratique pour y vivre en famille ou entre amis! L'endroit idéal pour se ressourcer et passer des vacances très agréables, loin de la ville et du bruit.... Merci à nos hôtes pour ce séjour, tout était parfait! La maison et ses nombreux espaces eterieurs sont fidèles aux photos, n'hésitez pas, vous n'aurez aucun regret! Cécilia &family

O nosso fim de semana prolongado na Casa de Pielas foi muito agradável. Casa e espaço envolvente de múltiplos encantos, para se descobrir e saborear aos poucos e de forma tranquila. Localização excelente para quem procura um espaço propício ao descanso e ao recarregar de baterias para enfrentar as exigências do dia-a-dia com muito optimismo e confiança. Experiência que pretendemos repetir, logo que possível!

Rodeados de verde e da frescura do campo, com o olhar a perder-se na montanha, esta casa senhorial oferece a oportunidade de disfrutar do tempo, da calma, da natureza, num ambiente acolhedor que funde a tradição e a história com o conforto da vida moderna. Adultos e crianças adoraram a estadia e fica a vontade de regressar...

Solar antigo com muita história, com excelentes condições para passar umas férias em família ou com amigos. Muito bem equipado para grupos grandes. Quartos muito confortáveis dando a sensação que estamos num hotel no centro de uma grande cidade mas com uma envolvente rural e toda a beleza nela inerente. Destaco a simpatia dos donos, num dos dias fomos brindados com um belo cabaz cheio de produtos hortículas. Local tranquilo e muito privado com bonitos jardins, sala de jogos, área rural para passear. Perto de um belissimo parque natural onde sabe muito bem fazer uma caminhada com exercícios pelo meio. Carla Pinto

Várias vezes ao ano, o nosso grupo de amigos junta as familias e passamos um fim de semana numa casa de turismo de habitação. Somos no total 19 pessoas, 10 adultos e 9 crianças. Procuramos sempre casas espaçosas com jardim exterior, comodas e com alguma historia. A casa de Piellas foi para nós uma supresa, os quartos sao bastante comodos, bem quentinhos ( aquecimento central sempre ligado) e com uma envolvência com a natureza fantástica. Todos os dias de manhã acordavamos com os passarinhos a cantar ..... A casa está decorada tentando manter a traça original e os jardins envolventes tem arvores centenárias, muito bonitas!!. Todos nós gostamos do tempo que lá passamos, especialmente as nossas nove crianças.

Very nice view, langscape and environment. Kind people. Very comfortable and warm house. Perfect for famillies and groups of friends! Adorei a casa e toda a envolvente. Os quartos são muito confortáveis e dormi profundamente, é uma opção perfeita para famílias e grupos de amigos! Recomendo a quem procura descanso e natureza. Cabeceiras de Basto tem oferta cultural interessante!

Recomendo para fim de semana ou férias de convívio e descanso. Os quartos são espaçosos, muito confortáveis e têm ótima disposição. A envolvência é simplesmente relaxante: jardins cuidados, muito arvoredo e montes que envolvem a casa numa paz tranquilizante. O ambiente é rural, podemos observar os animais da quinta e dar belos passeios a pé.

Excellent! The house is just amazing: with a lot of history but with all the facilities of a new one. It was also very clean, well equipped and in a good location: near Cabeceiras but away enough to a good rest. The staff was very helpfull. I totally recomend!