One of the things that always make Portugal stand out, in my mind, is the Portuguese People. The face of Portugal is the people. They truly make the country very warm and inviting.

There are over 200 Manor Houses located throughout Portugal and the offshore islands. The owners are often titled members of the aristocracy and are justifiably proud of their homes. They delight in giving guests an insight into Portuguese life, its traditions and customs while at the same time respecting their privacy. Their friendliness of the host will ensure that a stay at one of these houses will remain in your memory for years to come.

We recently had the opportunity to stay at three Manor Houses and also visit two others. I can truly attest that they will remain warm in my heart for many years to come. Each was very different providing us with a unique experience but also with the common thread of warmth and hospitality.

D. Ines was a very charming hostess each morning at the traditional breakfast of rolls, bread, jam, the wonderful local cheese, coffee and sharing. We would discuss with her the travels of the previous day, make acquaintances with the other guests and then she would recommend and provides directions to other sites that we should visit. One morning we drove out to São Leonardo for some spectacular views of the Rio Douro and then down to Peso da Regua where we took the train ride along the Rio Douro to Tua. This train ride is highly recommended.

On our day of departure we had the opportunity to meet Albano and he showed us the new apartment that they were finishing on the property. This Casa and our hosts will remain as fond memories for many years to come.

After you unpack you take a walk through the village accompanied by a wonderful guide, the owners charming dog. We marveled at the stone houses, the narrow cobblestone streets, the corn bins, the quaint water mills and the schoolhouse for the fourteen children.

You could sit for hours just enjoying the views of the countryside, the farms being tilled by hand and the oxen grazing in the fields or you could take a short journey down to the beautiful town of Amarante.

This Casa also offers to serve you dinner (large or small) and beverages for a reasonable charge. Since we were tired from the day's travel we decided to eat a light meal. We joined our Hosts their daughter, son-in-law and grand daughter for a friendly dinner.

This is truly a magnificent casa. The interior is rich in decor and it is also famous for its Manueline window, which is one of the oldest ones in the world.

You are the houseguests of Mr. and Mrs. Costa Barros, and they and their servants will look after you. Every morning as you eat the wonderful breakfast and enjoy the fresh cake Mrs. Barros will join you and make sure that you are comfortable.

We also had the opportunity to visit two other Manor Houses.

One was the Casa d' Óbidos located in Óbidos. The friendly Host greeted us at the door and showed us a very beautiful home. This imposing home constructed in 1889 is surrounded by a beautiful garden containing many types of fruit trees. Each of its bedrooms and baths are magnificently decorated. It is a delightful place in which to relax and it is only 1 kilometer from the walled town of Óbidos, which appears as a magnificent backdrop. If you are planning to visit Óbidos, you should definitely consider staying here. Apartments are also available at this manor house.

Creation Date: 27 Apr 1999
Last update: 14 Jan 2007
Copyright © 1995-2007 Thomas J. Sullivan, MA