We love welcoming guest and have been doing so since 2011. Our experience as hosts in Porto and Tras-os-Montes has allowed us to welcome people from all over the world with whom we have shared our love of Portugal. We will be happy to do the same with you here. If you want to learn how to make a typical Portuguese rice, we can show you how. If you prefer your privacy, we will respect that too. It's up to you how much you'd like to engage with us. We will be renting the entire house, but are always available should you need help with anything. Our intention for this home is to be available to guests, and if desired, share our experience and knowledge of the area. We will be offering ABnB experiences, such as Chinese brush painting, Portuguese cooking and nature walks , but guests will be under no obligation to participate. This will only be at the specific request of guests.

This vintage house originally built in 1793 sits just outside the village of Crescido, minutes from Vouzela and São Pedro do Sul. The neighbors are locals who have lived here for generations who grow vegetables in their many gardens that surround us. The house is ideal for families or groups up to 7 people. There is a garden area where we grow vegetables in the summer and where we keep a small chicken coup for guests to enjoy fresh eggs. A terrace on the second floor looks out over the village. Built in 1793, this centuries-old house holds all the charm and history of the stone-built structures found in and around Vouzela. We value this history and have made sure that all renovations on the property maintain the original style of the house. Wooden beams, hardwood flooring throughout and the traditional fireplace in the kitchen are some of the features found in the house. The house itself has three floors: 1) The bottom floor is what we call the "Swallow's Nest", named after the swallows that were nested in the rafters in this part of the house when we first came here. This was originally the "adega" , with an old wine press and an area for keeping the wine. We have converted this space into a separate studio. The space has been fully renovated as a living area with kitchenette and full spa-style bathroom, so that a family or large group can choose to have an independent area. There are two large entrance areas, both independent. One gives access to a covered deck where you can dine during the summer months. Guests will have full access to the garden area where there is another deck for lounging. From there, you have a great view down the valley to São Pedro do Sul and our signature swallow mural. We have sought to keep the furnishings within the style of the house, using furniture found in antique shops and auctions, but we also like to mix in modern touches to create a unique look to the interior.

We are surrounded by neighbors who have lived in the area for generations. They are quiet, friendly people who work hard throughout the year to keep their crops going. The house is near the National road 228 which goes to Viseu to the east and Aveiro to the west. Vouzela is a small, sleepy town with lots of charm. You can get a locally brewed craft beer at Mikas pub or try the delicious "vitela de Lafões", the famous veal dish. For a good local restaurant, try Quinta da Cavada or Margarida. Vouzela is also well-known for its "pastel de Vouzela", a delicious pastry made from a traditional recipe. Also nearby is the twon of São Pedro do Sul known for its thermal baths. The Vouga river runs through the town where you can stroll along its banks or sit and have a picnic. There are plenty of hiking trails close by; the tourist center in Vouzela has plenty of information, maps and tips for those who love to walk trails. Not far from São Pedro do Sul there are some wonderful swimming spots, including the Poço Azul and the Poço Negro. You can also find plenty of rivers to cool off in around the area. One of our hobbies is looking for wild herbs and medicinal plants and depending on the season, we would be happy to organize a field trip for a nominal fee with advance notice. If you like bird watching, we can arrange for a field trip as well. For wine lovers, there are plenty of excellent wineries set in picturesque valleys not far from the house. The highly regarded Dão wine region has some of the best wines in the country and we'd be happy to recommend some to visit. We are also not far from the beaches in Aveiro. By car you can get there in 45 minutes and spend the day by the ocean or enjoy some of the delicious sea food on offer there. This part of central Portugal is less touristed and has still so much to be discovered. It will be our pleasure to help you explore this wonderful region.