A Secluded & Elevated 1 Bed Stone Cottage with good views over the surrounding countryside available for holiday let near Covas, Northern Portugal

Guests have their own private garden set on a terraced hillside. Tree tops is close to many charming towns and ideal for those who enjoy walking, with the Serra de Arga National Park only a few minutes away. On hot days, guests can take a dip in the beautiful freshwater rock pools. The village of Covas is situated on the lovely River Coura and has four restaurants and two shops. The centre of the village is a 20 minute walk through along a scenic route.

Tree Tops is set over one level, though due to the steps leading to the cottage is not suitable for persons with walking difficulties. The main entrance leads directly into a spacious and airy, open plan kitchen and living room. the living room has three comfortable chairs, a DVD player with a selection of DVDS, Hi-fi unit, which has an MP3 adapter. The living room has large picture windows and sliding patio doors which provide stunning views over the surrounding countryside. There is a dining area. The kitchen is modern in design and is equipped with an electric hob, oven, microwave, fridge freezer, toaster and kettle as well as all other accoutrements necessary.

The bedroom, which is triple aspect, is equipped with a double bed, wardrobe, two bedside tables, a vanity table with mirror. The bathroom, adjacent to the bedroom is tiled and has a shower, sink and toilet. There is a large, sunny veranda equipped with tables and chairs. There is an additional partially covered patio area below the veranda, which has a barbecue.

Linen and towels are provided though this does not include beach towels. The cottage is cleaned and linen changed once a week. Although the cottage does not have a utility room, we do provide a laundry service at 4€ per load.

Guests of Treetop cottage look on to and have exclusive use of a large front garden and an entire wooded terraced hillside. They overlook a wooded valley which leads to a steam and a few disused watermills. The property has a large top field where guests will park their car. A garden path and steps, illuminated at night, lead down to the cottage. The whole area is completely private. On the other side of the property, some distance behind the cottage is the owner's house. Both properties are able to enjoy their privacy.

A short distance from the cottage, on a sunny terrace is a water tank which has been converted into a small swimming pool (3 metres by 5 metres), big enough for several lie-los and wonderful for cooling off. The pool has unobstructed views over the village below and to the mountains beyond. There is a large sundeck with sun loungers provided plus a table and chair with brolly. Pool is illuminated at night.

Covas is a very picturesque village, where the locals still look after their grape vines and cultivate their fields. Many of the roads are cobbled and the boundary walls are often in stone. The village is on a river valley, but surrounded by beautiful mountains. It makes for pleasant leisurely walking; along the way you can find one of the 4 bar/restaurants to have a drink or try the local food. Eating and drinking is still very inexpensive here.

All four restaurants offer a daily plate during the week which includes soup, a generous serving of the main course, and your drink for 6€. One place specializes in delicious barbecued chicken and mixed grills. There are also two shops where you can find almost everything you need, from fresh bread to fruit and vegetables. So on days when you don't feel like driving far, you can find all you need in Covas. It also has a cash point and a post office.

Markets are a big feature of life in the Minho and the town of Vila Nova de Cerveira has an excellent market on Saturdays, Caminha and Valença on Wednesdays and Viana do Castelo on Fridays. The nearest large supermarket is 20 minutes away in Vila Nova de Cerveira.

Caminha and Vila Nova de Cerveira are two lovely towns on the River Minho, just 20-25 minutes away. The fortress town of Valença is 30 minutes away and just across the river is Galicia, Spain with its superb restaurants and a surprisingly different culture. Ponte de Lima, with its charming architecture and Viana do Castelo are both within easy driving distance. The Serra de Arga National Park, with its stunning scenery and rock pools, is just 10 minutes from Tree Top Cottage.

A 25 minute drive brings you to the first of the Atlantic beaches at Caminha, also on the mouth of the River Minho. From there south to Viana do Castelo there are 4 or 5 beaches to choose from with pristine white sand. Vila Praia da Ancora is also a fishing village with a charming port.

There is an 18-hole golf course in the nearby town of Ponte de Lima, a 30 minute drive. Surfing lessons or surf board rental available at nearby beach of Moledo, a 30 minute drive.

The closest international airport is at Porto and is only and hour and a quarter by car from Covas. Porto airport is served by Ryan Air and Easy Jet and there are a variety of car hire companies based at there. Additionally there is an international airport at Vigo in Spain, just one hour north of Covas.

Notes on accommodation
Double glazed windows and thick stone walls keep the cottage a very pleasant temperature. Sunny veranda, but shade available all around under the oak trees. Internet reception is good if you bring your own dongle. Because of steps and the terraced hillside, this property is not suitable for people with mobility problems. The cottage will be fitted with a log burning stove and will be available for long term let during the winter months. Guests will also be able to utilised two mountain bikes supplied by the owner to further enjoy the surrounding countryside.

I would like to welcome guests from many different countries. I speak German, Dutch, French, Spanish and Italian.

2012 Prices

Booking notes

Prices are for the property per week in euros for two people.

Changeover day can be flexible (minimum stay four days), but we would ask guests to vacate the cottage by 10.30 and to arrive after 2pm, to allow time for cleaning.

Bookings can be made by phone or email. 25% non-refundable deposit required at time of booking, the balance to be paid four weeks before arrival. In the case of last minute bookings, balance to be paid upon arrival. Preferred method of payment is bank transfer. Please make sure you are fully insured against injury, sickness, cancellation, losses, etc, as we cannot accept liability for any loss or damage to your personal property or for any illness that may develop during your stay with us.

Ellen McCarthy
Tel: (Portugal) 00 351 925 449 367

Email: ellenmccarthy7@hotmail.com