Staying at Aida’s water mill house was an amazing experience. It is located at the end of a village, 100m un paved road, next to the river and next to the slate hills and it’s eucalyptus trees, ferns and heath (autumn). Lovely hiking! Well signposted tracks!. In general very quiet, but a bit busier in the weekends with trailrunners.
A certain calm surrounds the house and two auxiliary wooden buildings on the premises. It is easy to relax here in one of the many seating areas inside or outside, next to the river or in the hammock, in the shade of the grapevines. There is even a Finish wood sauna you can use. Or practice yoga, read a book, listen to the birds, fire up the bbq or build an outside fire in the fire pit and bake bread on a stick. Our 3 year old daughter roamed free and we even played at the waterfront where there is a 1m2 “beach”.
Aida’s house has everything you need. Very well equipped kitchen, washing machine, toys, books etc. Herbs to use and a small vegetable patch.
Location is perfect for nature lovers. Or visit the slate mine that is across the river (not noisy). But the train station Sao Martinho do Campo, 15 min walking, brings you in half an hour in Porto. Or, going the other way, to Paredes to visit the winery Quinta Da Aveleda. Valongo’s Lidl is a 20 min walk uphill and taxi’s (for the way back) are around €3. We asked the driver to leave us at the end of the paved road and we walked the last 100m but Aida told us she knows a driver that will go up to the house.
We are very happy we met Aida and talked about books, the Netherlands and her family and work across the globe. Loved her hospitality and taste in restaurants, like Mateus da Ponte!
We’ll definitely be back one day!