Azenha do Rei

Azenha do Rei, which stands by the unspoiled village of Estorãos, is a true heart-stealer for you’d need a heard harder than the granite – of which this 18th century water mill is built – to resist its magic. The wheel still stand by the mill cottage’s ancient stonewalls, past which flows a rushing stream and a limpid millpond. Old stone steps lead down from an enchanting patio and cottage garden to the Estorãos River. So old and natural does the mill cottage appear, that nothing hints at the extraordinary care and flair that has gone into restoring the interior. Every detail is authentic, from the massive timber roof trusses to the fireplace and old bread oven, is still in working order. Nothing modern has been allowed to intrude (except comfort); even the lighting is cunningly concealed. The furniture, dressers and trestle table are entirely in keeping with the mill’s singular and thoroughly romantic character. The seemingly romantic Azenha do Rei is near the Estorãos River. The house together with the eighteenth century water mill will immediately win you over. Your house is entirely authentic and has a pleasant open fireplace. The village of Estorãos in the heart of the Minho countryside has a typical Portuguese atmosphere. This atmosphere comes clearer to the fore with the festivals held in July and August when all the villagers enjoy the fireworks and celebrate the honour of the local saints. There are excellent nearby facilities for walking, fishing and taking trips to the riverside. You can also do a visit to the well-known market in the oldest town in Portugal: Ponte de Lima (7 km) that goes back to 1125. The market is however only held twice a month. You can also do a visit to the famous Roman Bridge after which Ponte de Lima was named, the Museum dos Terceiros, the Diogo Bernardes Theatre or the Igreja Matriz church in Ponte de Lima. The sea is 22 km away and there is a golf course and a hospital 7 km away.