The living room
with a wood-burning stove and generous sofas
The granite tank, converted into a plunge pool, at dusk.
Villa dos Santos — Country House
São Bento da Porta Aberta, Gerês
A granite house from the end of the eighteenth century, in São Bento da Porta Aberta, within Peneda-Gerês National Park. Restored between 2019 and 2022 by the family that inherited it, keeping the original granite structure and the genuine character of traditional Minho architecture.
The granite, the wood, and the threshing floor that was always there
The house is let whole, sleeping up to seven, with the comfort and the quiet of a stay in open country. There is a welcoming living room with a wood-burning stove, a fully fitted kitchen, and an outside that is, on its own, one of the great reasons to stay.
Built from local granite, the house keeps the structure and the character of traditional Minho architecture. The stone walls, the wood and the natural light sit together easily, holding on to the authenticity of the old rural house without giving up comfort.
Outside, the old granite threshing floor, the traditional tank converted into a plunge pool, the garden and the private parking complete the place, making it right for resting, for enjoying it, and for simply letting time pass.
- Sleeps
- Up to 7 guests
- Bedrooms
- Three — Azul, Verde and Miradouro
- Beds
- 4
- Bathrooms
- 2.5
- Check-in and check-out
- Arrival 16:00 — 23:00 · out by 12:00
- Parking
- Private, on the property
The remaining conditions are settled when we reply — a booking is always confirmed by email.
The kitchen
fitted, with the stone wall left exposed
The dining room
a long table under the wicker pendant
Quarto Azul
with private bathroom
Quarto Verde
with a balcony
Quarto Miradouro
under the roof, sleeps three
Where you will sleep
Three bedrooms: two doubles and one that sleeps three. All with air conditioning, a television, and a window or balcony.
Two full bathrooms — one private, inside a bedroom — and a third serving the living area.
- Quarto Azul
- 1 double bed with private bathroom and exposed granite wall
- Quarto Verde
- 1 double bed with a balcony
- Quarto Miradouro
- 1 double and 1 single bed under the roof
The tank
The stone irrigation tank that served the house for generations has been converted into a plunge pool. The water is clear and crystalline, the granite warms in the sun, and at dusk the wall lights come on over the water.
History, and stories
A singular episode in history gave the house, and the family, their name.
For generations the house was the residence of one of the oldest families in the region, the Dos Santos family, previously known as the Pires house. The name Santos became attached to an important page in the history of the Sanctuary of São Bento da Porta Aberta: Mr. António Pires, a man of great kindness and a friend to all, played an important part in the founding of the Sanctuary, and so came to be called “the saint” by local people. From then on the house was known as the Dos Santos house.
Around the house
The location opens up some of the most striking places in northern Portugal.
Sanctuary of São Bento da Porta Aberta
A few minutes away. One of the country’s principal pilgrimage destinations and the second most visited sanctuary in Portugal, after Fátima.
Peneda-Gerês National Park
Lagoons, waterfalls and river beaches, walking trails, archaeological heritage, thermal springs, viewpoints, water and riding activities, and traditional food.
Distances
- Vieira do Minho15 km
- Galicia20 km
- Braga30 km
Rest and nature within reach of the heritage and culture of the Minho and the north of the Iberian Peninsula.
4.95
out of 5, from 62 reviews on Airbnb
Guest favourite
What guests say
The place is even more beautiful in person, spotlessly clean and very welcoming. The location is fantastic and communication was faultless.
The house is full of good taste. Extremely welcoming, a wonderful landscape, and fully equipped — exactly as the photographs and the owners' description promised. A real retreat in nature, for resting.
Reviews collected by Airbnb. Both quotes were written in Portuguese and are translated here. See the listing on Airbnb
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