We are a young family who relocated to Portugal during the summer of 2020, during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It was a time of increased strain given the confinement rules and various restrictions as safety measures, therefore we were very grateful to Teresa and Pedro for their prompt communication as we set up our stay. They provided us with much guidance and support, to reassure and welcome us. The local community is a delight - especially visiting the loja (shop) just across the road. Thursday is treat day: don't be late or else you might miss out on the fresh pastel de nata! We have found the neighbourhood to be full of kind, generous people. For instance, from the vegetable patch tended to by Teresa and Pedro in the gorgeous garden of the AirBnB apartment, we got to eat: fresh tomatoes, bell peppers, aubergine and leeks. Also, someone handed us a bucket of lemons over a wall this winter! Perfect for the G&Ts. Or to go with the fish! Fish van on a Wednesday normally.
If you enjoy bliss, you will find plenty of it here. I in particular have enjoyed the stunning sunsets across the Douro, as viewed from the back-door / garden; the rising moon; the occasional baaing of sheep - and lambs frolicking - in the nearby fields; the excited pigs getting their dinner; and, also the expansive garden in which to relax. The garden is an absolute BEAUT of a space. Truly idyllic. Even well into Autumn (November) we were able to enjoy meals outside, and again in February. Our children have been extremely happy here, and the Hosts have been very kind. Their daughter has been like a big sister to our wee ones! Ever patient she is, even though our little kids persist in speaking English!
Merely 3 minutes down the hill, the river beach is wonderful. It has been very sociable to take strolls or for our children to learn how to ride a bike along the promenade. The local town of Avintes has served us well, and central Porto is only 15 or 20 minutes away (by car - although there is a bus too).
In terms of the house itself, it is very comfortable. We like the dimensions of the old building. We appreciated the lay-out, with two bedrooms upstairs and space for a home office. I purchased a desk and some shelves to adapt some of the upstairs hall space during our extended stay, for the purposes of work-from-home. Teresa and Pedro were very accommodating about us bringing in some additional furniture and also helped to boost the internet so that the signal was strong throughout the whole house. The front room was a cosy space through the winter months, and the dining room was appreciated both as a work space and for meals when the weather was less warm. The kitchen opens straight onto the garden area, which has been great. We can be busy preparing meals and feel comfortable that the children are nearby playing in the fresh, healthy air. Also, it is possible to eat in the kitchen. Our children always eat breakfast there and sometimes we eat family meals there too. The bathroom is narrow, which may be an accessibility issue for some guests, but we all managed fine - even all four of us brushing our teeth at the same on occasion. Admittedly two of us are under the age of five years old. The shower is very large and so this is a benefit.
I would certainly, wholeheartedly recommend this rental. You will surely have a glorious stay!