Marvelous 8 bedroom manor house with private pool (up to 12 rooms)

I am a retreat leader who booked Casa De Piellas for my group in September. Joao could not have been more helpful from the time we booked until even past the day we departed! We stayed for 9 nights. Some guests had left items on the estate, and he arranged to have them mailed to our next stop! He arranged tours, an amazing chef, Marta, and Isabelle, to help us with breakfast and tend to any needs we had during our stay. The little town is not touristy and worth a visit on its own merit. Now to the estate, having been in Joao's family for seven generations, I appreciate the effort and love that went into its current restoration and the generosity of the family to open it up for guests. From the well-equipped, comfortable rooms, to the pool, to the incredible grounds and formal garden, the place is a step back in time. I can not recommend Casa de Peillas more. Do not hesitate to book it.

As a family we agreed this is the best place we have stayed in - so much so we barely left the Casa! There was so much to enjoy, the lovely accommodation, the hours spent at the pool, the meals in the courtyard, the walks around the beautiful gardens and not forgetting the animals - we enjoyed collecting eggs in the morning and watching Isabella collect the geese. Joao was so helpful with all communications and arranging transport. We didn’t want to leave and we will definitely be back!

Casa de Piellas is such a unique and wonderful property that I’m at a bit of loss to convey the experience in words. Having visited 5-star hotels the world over, this rates among the very top, a rare joy in all ways. The pictures do not do it justice: the charming courtyards, comfortable interiors, and truly spectacular gardens and pool area. And the peacocks! It’s a thrill to encounter them when passing through “their” space which divides the main house from the pool house. Every detail reflects the owners’ commitment to honoring its heritage, and their own history as 9th-generation owners. But what’s most impressive is how the deeply personal antique furnishings and vintage elements (I’m thinking of cooking facilities, in particular, with multiple wood-burning cooking options to complement the modern hob/oven) are so welcoming and usable. And where modern standards are warranted, the property excels: brilliantly comfortable mattresses and modern bathrooms throughout, and well-stockeds kitchens (yes, two) with equipment to make and serve just about anything you could imagine. The bountiful produce from the gardens that appeared each morning in the kitchen - like magic - was a truly special touch. Joao is a charming and attentive host, responding within minutes to any query, and helping us organize food and excursions to the many wonderful sightseeing options in this spectacular and less-touristed part of Portugal - though I can't imagine it will stay as such much longer.

Joao could not have been a better host. He was kind, attentive, and attuned to the needs of our group. The property itself was both beautiful and filled with heart, soul, and history. Clearly the owners care deeply about the place. While the pictures are beautifully, they don't do it justice. Garden fresh produce, wandering peacocks, and burbling fountains are but a few of the touches that come to mind as I reflect on the place. I started every morning in the gardens, meditating and doing Tai Chi. After a hectic year, I felt nourished and rejuvenated ever day amidst an array of birdsongs, flowers, and well tended topiaries.. For an intergenerational family gathering, this was the ideal place to commune with each other and the region. I hope to come back again. In all my many years of traveling and adventuring, this place is atop my list of places to stay. I recommend this without reservation. Joao and family are the perfect hosts.

Amazing beautiful place. We were blown away by Casa Da Piellas The house and gardens are breathtaking. Joao and his family are amazing hosts and incredibly helpful and attentive. Loved watching the Peacock strut about. The house is huge and comfortably accommodated 14 of us. There are lots of different communal spaces to eat and socialise. Pool is great and was a wonderful place to hang out whilst the weather was very hot. We loved the local river beaches and had some fun nights out at in the local town. Would 100% stay here again. Thank you Joao for an amazing holiday

This property is quite simply amazing. Restoring this place was obviously a labour of love for Antonio and his sons. The garden was magical and having breakfast there, the perfect way to start a day. We enjoyed the antics of the geese and the peacocks; spent hours at the splendid pool and let the evenings ease into night in the courtyard

This farmhouse/estate (the main building dates back to the 1600's) is without a doubt the most beautiful vacation home of our long lives. It seems secluded. but there are lovely winding streets and mountain views that lead to small villages. You will have easy access to groceries stores and fine dining (Caneiro is a must-10 minute drive). Our host, Joao Almeida, greeted us with local wine and his mother's delicious apple tart. He gave us a tour of the surrounding manicured gardens with its many varieties of flowers and shrubs. The head gardener and grounds-keeper, Antonio, provided us with fresh vegetables, strawberries, and eggs. After exploring other towns (Guimaraes and Braga) we cherished our return to the quiet tree-lined entrance and pastoral setting. The peacefulness is sometimes punctuated by farm animals--which we absolutely loved (and miss!) The amenities are many--lovely pool that we were able to use in mid-May, very well stocked kitchen with bottles of local wine that were available for purchase, a grill, several dining rooms and an outdoor dining area. Before our departure, Joao told us of the estate's illustrious history and his family's loving restoration of this regional treasure. Casa de Piellas is special place indeed. Thank you Joao!!

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